Last Friday was the last day of classes here at University of Canterbury, and with a week of study time before exams start, Bryn, Kaelyn, Thomas, Maia, Brian, and I decided to plan a four day trip to Abel Tasman National Park. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of the Great Walks, and I have heard nothing but great things about the beautiful beaches there, so I was excited to get to fit in a visit before leaving New Zealand.
The view on the drive to Abel Tasman
On Saturday morning, we woke up early and left Christchurch at 7:00. We wanted to get on the road early so that we would make it to Abel Tasman early enough to do the first part of the hike that afternoon. Basically, the plan was to start at the southern end of the track, in Marahau, and have Thomas drive up to the northern end with the car, so that he could backtrack until we met up sometime the next day. We drove about six hours to Marahau, stopping at some scenic areas and a cute cafe in Motueka, where Maia knew a lady who lives there and offered to meet us and buy us all coffee and hot chocolate, which was very nice.
Ready to start hiking!
Once arriving at Marahau, we got organized and headed over to the beginning of the track. We had about three and a half hours of walking to do and it was already 2:00, so we walked quickly and made good time. Pretty soon after starting the hike, we ran into a couple who were stopping to take pictures. A little ways off the path was a seal laying down by a stream. It was so cute, and I was so happy I got to see one, since there are usually seal colonies on the islands at Abel Tasman, but we weren’t planning on seeing them because you would have to kayak out there.
Seal spotted!
Continuing on the hike, we saw many beautiful views of the beaches, islands, and mountains in the park. The walk was not too bad either, and as it started to get darker, we didn’t even need to use our headlamps until we really couldn’t see. We had a fun time talking and laughing as we walked and were able to all keep up at a good pace. We reached the Anchorage campsite in the early evening and found a place to set up our tents. Then, we sat at a picnic table and ate dinner as the stars began to come out. It was getting chilly, so we all put on more layers. We also met a group of people at the next campsite over who had a fire going, so we joined them and talked with them for a bit. They were all in high school still, and were just hanging out in the park for a long weekend.
Later, we decided to go walk on the beach and look at the stars. The moon was really bright that night, so we had fun making moon shadows. Then, we all got into our tents and tried to go to sleep. I was in a two person tent with Kaelyn and Maia, so it was a little tight, especially with all our packs in there as well since it was supposed to rain. We made it work, but it definitely was not comfortable.
Hammond Adventures 
Wow look at your with a pack and camping! Who knew this is your new thing? Can’t wait to see you soon! Unc
Kelsey we just love all your pictures and comments about all the things you are doing. Lots of new things for you and the whole family often says “Is this our Kelsey?” We’ll need a couple weeks when you get back to CT to hear all of your adventures. Your family is looking forward to coming to see you.
Papa and I have enjoyed seeing Lindsey at her last events at Conard and very proud of her Athletic award. So we are enjoying her games and things just as we enjoyed all of your orchestra and music concerts. After 4 ys at Conard with Unc (swim meets) and 4 yrs with your Mom with choir I guess this is our last times with Conard events. Enjou your last days of this adventure. Love Nana