Sailing, Hiking, and the Unforgettable Abel Tasman

The alarm went off at 5:30 AM, and we were immediately on the move, driving toward Marahau, where we would be picked up for our Abel Tasman sailing and hiking adventure.

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The Drive to Marahau

Our journey took us through Nelson, a surprisingly large city that we later learned was the first settlement on the South Island. Nelson was beautifully maintained, with charming streets and stunning scenery all around.

Upon arriving in Marahau, we parked our camper van in a large car park and waited for our pickup. The drive from Marahau to Kaiteriteri, where our catamaran was waiting, was nothing short of breathtaking.

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Kaiteriteri – A Picture-Perfect Beachside Town

Kaiteriteri was the definition of paradise.

• Pristine white sand beaches
• Crystal-clear turquoise water
• Lush greenery surrounding the town
• Extremely well-maintained streets—clearly a spot designed to welcome tourists

We instantly fell in love with this place, it was, without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of our trip so far.

While waiting for our sailing excursion, Xander played on the playground, taking in the beautiful scenery before we moved over to the beach where our catamaran was beached, awaiting our arrival.

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Sailing Abel Tasman – An Unreal Experience

We boarded the catamaran, where we met our guide, Claudia—who, surprisingly, was also from Canada (Ottawa, to be exact)!

From there, we set off on a 2.5-hour cruise through one of the most stunning areas we’ve ever seen.

The Sights from the Water:

• Crystal-clear blue waters, stretching endlessly around us
• White sandy beaches dotting the coastline
• Towering palm trees swaying in the breeze
• Countless songbirds filling the air with music

One of the most fascinating things we learned was about a small island that had been fully restored to its pre-human New Zealand state. Since there were no predatory mammals, the bird population had exploded, making it the loudest place for birdsong in all of New Zealand—a truly surreal experience.

We also passed by:

• Split Apple Rock—a huge, perfectly split rock formation sitting in the ocean.
• Seals sunbathing lazily on the rocky shores.
• A hidden bay, nearly empty, where we stopped for a quick swim in the unbelievably clear water.

Finally, our catamaran took us to Anchorage (no, not THAT Anchorage), a stunning white-sand beach named after the countless boats that used to anchor there.

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The Hike Back – A 14km Trek Through Paradise

Before starting our hike, we took one last swim in the cool, inviting waters, soaking in every moment of this place. The water was unbelievably clear, the sun shimmered on the gentle waves, and for a brief moment, everything felt timeless. None of us wanted to leave, but we had 14 kilometers of rugged rainforest ahead of us. So, with one last glance at the pristine bay, we dried off, laced up our boots, and set off on the trail.

The Hike in Three Words:

Tough (at first) – The first 30 minutes were brutal. A relentless, winding climb that had us breathing heavy and questioning every life choice that led us here. The sun was high and there was no reprieve from it, the humidity was thick, and our legs burned with every step. But once we conquered that initial ascent, the rest of the trail rewarded us tenfold.

Unreal – The landscape felt like something out of a storybook. Towering tree ferns, ancient moss-covered trunks, and jungle vines curled around everything. The air was alive with the chirps and calls of birds found nowhere else in the world. As we hiked, we passed several waterfalls, gentle cascades filling the forest with a serene hush. The scent of earth, rain, and blooming flora was both familiar yet unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

Unforgettable – Every turn brought a new breathtaking vista, whether it was a dramatic cliffside overlooking the endless blue ocean or a shadowy tunnel of thick jungle, seemingly untouched by time. The sounds of the rainforest became our constant companion, from the distant rush of water to the rustling of unseen creatures in the undergrowth. The whole experience was equal parts peaceful and awe-inspiring.

By the time we reached the final stretch, our legs ached, our clothes were damp with sweat, but our spirits soared. This was, without a doubt, the best hike I’ve ever done.

Other than Hobbiton, this would remain the BEST excursion of our trip, an experience that felt like stepping into a dream, a fantasy, a world untouched by time.

Though we were completely exhausted by the end, we all made it—including Xander, who powered through like a champion. We reached the end of the trail as the sun began its slow descent, casting the jungle in golden light.

Tired. Hungry. Absolutely exhilarated.

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Ending the Day – Food & Well-Deserved Rest

After our hike, we were tired, hungry, and ready to refuel, so we made our way to Motueka, where we grabbed some KFC for supper, nothing fancy, but exactly what we needed after such a long day.

With most freedom camping spots already full, we were lucky to find one last available space. We parked, crawled into bed, and instantly passed out, completely wiped but beyond happy with everything we had experienced that day.

As always, you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the memories, and I’ll catch you tomorrow for day 10 AND day 11!

#NewZealandAdventure #LordOfTheRings #DreamTrip #Travel #40thBirthday #MiddleEarth #BucketList #AdventureAwaits

-Rob ❤️