Abel Tasman National Park

Split Apple Rock

Early start to catch the 9.15am Sea Shuttle from Kaiteriteri. Were able to walk along the beach from our B&B in Little Kaiterteri to the main beach in Kaiteriteri, from which the water taxis operate. It was a lovely sunny morning. We opted to take the shuttle to Torrent Bay and then walk through the park to Bark Bay, where the shuttle would pick us up later in the afternoon. Scenery gorgeous as we motored up the coast towards the park. The boat detoured into a bay to give us a view of the iconic Split Apple Rock.

Torrent Bay

Boat put in at Coquille Bay and Anchorage, to let people off, then the next stop was Torrent Bay where we disembarked. Took a walk along the beautiful sandy beach first, before setting off on the path through the woods to Bark Bay, some 7km further on. Lovely walk through lush green rainforest, with occasional glimpses of the sea. Crossed seven bridges over mountain streams, one of which was a picturesque suspension bridge. 

Abel Tasman track

Torrent Bay

Suspension Bridge

Took a detour labelled Sandfly Beach, down a steep track, only to find that the path ended on rocks, with a view of the on the other side of an estuary. Another detour to a viewpoint at South Head was more rewarding. Finally our path wound back down to Medlands Beach, just a short distance from Bark Bay, the end of our walk. Lunched on the beach at Medlands, then walk over to Bark Bay to relax on the beach until it was time to take the Sea Shuttle Back home. Sun kept popping in and out of the clouds, so wasn't quite hot enough for swimming but we both went in for a paddle.

Bark Bay

Sea Shuttle picked us up from Medlands Beach at 4.30pm and headed back to Kaiteriteri, picking up people from Torrent and Anchorage on the way. It was a fabulous day.