Peaks and Places | Travel and Adventure Blog

Motueka Saltwater Baths

Once we arrived in the South Island, we went to a freedom camp site along the Motueka Bay. This freedom campsite was very busy, and pretty nice, with toilets, grills, and an outdoor shower. We arrived early, probably around 3pm, and there were very few spots left when we got there. I am very happy we found a spot, because the sunrise the next morning was one of the best sunrises we have seen so far! Tragically, I lost the lens cap to my camera at this stop. The saltwater baths by the site, however, were a little gross and not something either of us were keen on trying. I’m sure many people enjoy them… we just were not one of those many people.

Abel Tasman National Park

From there we headed up into Abel Tasman National park, also known as the Golden Coast. We headed to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, which is one of the many Great Walks in New Zealand. The entire track is 51km, and takes most people 3-5 days to complete. There are many water taxis in the area, which will either take you to the top so that you can walk down, or bring you back once you reach the end of the track. We decided to head to Yellow Point, which was a total round trip of 15km, or just over 9 miles. This hike took us to several of the stunning beaches along the coastline, and through the beautiful surrounding forests.

The whole hike, including stopping for lunch along the beach, took us about 5 hours. When we started, it was high tide, and some of the beaches we came across had little caves and natural tunnels near the shoreline, but filled with water. On the way back to the van, however, the tide had gone down drastically, and we were actually able to get down to those shorelines and explore some of the natural rockscapes. Overall, it was a relatively easy hike, and I think if we were better prepared to backpack, it would be worth doing the entire 51km track.

Wainui Falls

Within the national park, there is a short 2 mile out-and-back hike to a 66 foot waterfall, known as Wainui Falls. It was a relatively easy hike, and we got to cross yet another suspension bride. New Zealand sure does love their suspension bridges, but that’s okay, we like them too! This waterfall has been one of my favorite so far. Not only is it stunning (especially after a rainy day), you were able to get right up to it. In the summer, I’m sure it would be so much fun to swim in the large pool underneath the falls. It was a little too chilly for either of us to brave it this time, but maybe we’ll come back when it warms up.

Totaranui Campground

We stayed the night at Totaranui Campground, which was a very large campground near Totaranui Beach. The campground was very nice, with hundreds of campsites, and multiple bathrooms all along grounds. There were Weka and Pukeko (New Zealand native birds) all over. The only downside of the campsite was the number of sand flies that were viciously trying to attack us the entire time. It was a little rainy while we were there, so even though we made sure to enjoy the beach and campsite, we spent a lot of time in the van playing Gin Rummy and watching Reacher.

Abel Tasman was a beautiful National Park, and once it gets a little warmer, I think we both would like to go back and this time experience it by kayaking and swimming, rather than walking along the coastline.