Hike to Bark Bay Saturday-January 4, 2014

SATURDAY – JANUARY 4, 2014

BOTTOM LINE:

Caught a water taxi to Onetahuti Beach

Hiked from Onetahuti to Bark Bay

BACK STORY:

With our time limited in this beautiful Abel Tasman National Park area, we got up to enjoy every moment.

Following breakfast, Bruce booked a water taxi ride for us up to the northern most point of the National Park.  The Park is so remote, and difficult to maneuver in it’s natural state that roads were never cut into the park.  The park remains natural with only hiking trails, backpack campgrounds and beaches reached only by boat.

Island/beach transportation

  

Barb on water taxi

The company that owns the water taxi services also offers packages for kayaking and all forms of water sports. They also have camping packages and offer aqua backpacking where you stay on a floating hotel.  I was told that the original hotel/ship used hammocks for beds.

The company’s aim is fun and education with respect for the environment.  It is pretty impressive how organized the company is in shuttling people and keeping track of their location.

The Water taxi ride north stopped at Split Apple Rock, an incredible rock formation, for pictures.  From there we moved further north to Onetahuti Beach where we were told to disembark for our hike. (In NZ hiking is referred to as “tramping”)

Split Apple Rock

Our hike was to be 2 hours and 6.1km (about four miles).  Once again we were told that it was a “leisurely” walk…NOT!  It was absolutely beautiful with stunning views of the water below.  Because of the heavy rain the night before there were some muddy and slippery spots along with some very steep inclines and declines.  Once again I was thankful for having my walking stick.

 

  

Hike to Bark Bay

 

water view from trail

  

crossing suspension bridge

  

Coastal view

   

We made it to Bark Bay and were picked up by the water taxi.  The boat stopped at a couple of points to pick up additional passengers. As we moved through the water a kayaker flagged down our boat. She the guide of a kayak trip and one of her elderly guests was exhausted from paddling against the wind.  We brought him on board to help.  It’s the Kiwi way…if there’s a need, help out!

Destination, Bark Bay

 

how kayaks are returned to beach of origin

We returned to the hostel about 4:30pm.  I fixed dinner.  As we ate our meal I began talking with a couple of girls from Denmark (both 20 years old) who were sitting next to me.  Two hours later we were exchanging email addresses and hugging.  One very interesting conversation was about God, faith and salvation.

What a delight to meet such wonderful young ladies with dreams and hopes for their future and a better world.  I hope to keep in touch with them and have offered our home if they ever travel in our area.