Day 1: Marahau – Anchorage Bay

• 7.30am, Depart Nelson with Abel Tasman Coachlines
• 9.05am, Start walking!
• 10.40am-10.50am, Break at Apple Tree Bay
• 1.00pm, Arrive Anchorage Bay
• 3.15pm-4.45pm, Walk to Te Pukatea Bay and Pitt Head via the Loop walk

With the biggest storm on the planet hitting the country, a too colourful Metvuw and a very changeable Metservice, I left home at 6.45am to be greeted by snow on the Nelson hills.  I must admit to a certain trepidation – will I be warm enough and will my new waterproof jacket stand up to it?

The Abel Tasman Coachlines bus was running on time and a couple of hours later dropped me off at Marahau at the start of the Track.  The weather was grey and drizzly but the sun was working hard to shine through the thick cloud.

What a difference an hour makes!  The sun was really starting to shine, glistening off fern leaves and creating a beautiful dappled effect through the bush.  The Track was easy on my legs, my pack didn’t feel too heavy, and I saw the most beautiful rainbow looking back towards Marahau.  I dropped down to Apple Tree Bay for a snack and pit stop.  I didn’t quite have the beach to myself – two other trampers were enjoying the view.  However, the rumble from black ominous clouds meant that the stop was a short one and I continued on my way.

The thunder didn’t amount to anything more than a light drop of rain which the sun soon took care of.  I spotted my first Tui in the bush – singing merrily on a branch above the Track!

When I booked the Track I didn’t realize that the Coastal Classic Trail Run was on – so I was mindful of the fact that at some point 300 runners were going to be thundering past me!  The first runner pounded past – not looking that tired considering he’d run from Awaroa – a destination 2 days away on my schedule!  Soon after came runners 2 and 2 – the third one being Nathan Fa’avae!  Thankfully I reached the turnoff to Anchorage so didn’t pass any more runners – and my descent into Anchorage was a peaceful one!

The views were beautiful coming down into Anchorage  – golden sand, sparkling blue water, craggy coastline – exactly what the Abel Tasman National Park is famous for.  At Anchorage Hut, it was great to take my pack off and have a good stretch!  I relaxed with a book over lunch and later in the afternoon I walked over to Te Pukatea Bay and around the Pitt Head Loop Track.  Te Pukatea Bay was gorgeous – and this time I did have the beach to myself!  Bliss!

Back at the Hut I made my first Gourmet Tramping dinner – which I have to admit was epic!  Chicken Laksa!  Delicious!  Two more walkers arrived at the Hut.

“Hi, what’s your names?” 

“Vicki”.

“Claus”. 

“Hi, I’m Fiona”. 

Claus raised his eyebrows “Fiona, as in …?”

“Yes,” I said, “as in Princess” (Shrek joke!).

 “Great”, said Claus, “I’m as in Santa!” 

The three of us sat up playing cards.