Our day started with the best sunrise of the trip – Janis and I only have to step out of the back door of our room to be on the beach but I was still second in the queue for the best spot. I should have taken the shot of the scrum of other photographers who arrived minutes later (when we should have been having our kayak briefing).
We kayaked before breakfast in the estuary – the highlight was chasing a small shark (probably fewer than 10 inches). Much too swift (and probably somewhat disturbed to be chased by a large white and yellow boat) for us to get a proper look. We also saw several sting rays so I decided I’d stick to my plan of swimming round the island in the sea rather than messing around in the estuary.
Janis and I then had a leisurely lunch and took to the trail reversing yesterday’s route via the Halfway Pool where yours truly dipped and Janis did some tapestry and then onwards to the swing bridge. It was fun walking back along the trail, seeing things from a different perspective, and then again on the return. I have loved being so completely immersed in nature (and this part of New Zealand has been incredibly green) but two consecutive five day treks have confirmed my view of myself as a city person. I miss the hustle and bustle.
We both enjoyed the freedom of being on the trail a deux again, rather than with the full group which can be as big as 19 if all the walkers come out and no one kayaks.
Tomorrow is our last day on the Abel Tasman track, I’m hoping to manage a pre breakfast, a lunchtime and a late afternoon swim. I may even check out Nelson Haven when we get back to the Habourside Lodge.
Natasha's minigap 