Day 1 on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
We began our trek at the coffee shop in Marahau at the start of the Track.
A mocha latte, a long black, and two cappachinos, plus a scone or muffin.
Very civilized. Then we washed our hands, strapped on our packs, and walked
across the marshy edge of the estuary on a boardwalk and nearly wheelchair
accessible path that took us to
the trail up above the beach. We were headed for the first hut, Anchorage
Hut.
Fodor's Exploring New Zealand says that Abel Tasman
National Park "combines much of what is best about New Zealand—sun, sea, wildlife,
beaches, and bush—in one convenient, handy package. And it is both convenient
and accissible (and can be crowded)..." Fodor is accurate: unlike the isloation
and quiet of the Milford Track, we heard and saw lots of people, water taxis,
kayakers, and occasional airplanes or helicopters.
We found, on the other hand, several advantages: dry,
warm sunny weather; no sandflies; with shorter distances between huts, we
could slow our pace; rolling terrain and smooth trails; and at least one
nearby restaurant.
