Very Abel, Tasman

Off on a trip today comprising a boat ride around the coast and then some kayaking. We set off on the boat with other passengers and make a series of stops on beaches up the coast of the national park where passengers get off to start hiking. One stop was at a beach where there were some houses and we were informed that access to these properties was only by boat. We finally get to our beach to start our kayaking, but not before we pass the Apple rock - which had the appearance of an apple being split nearly in two by a magical axe. There was one other couple with us, from ‘Italian’ Switzerland, plus our guide, Kiera. We set off with a calm sea and headed over to a small island where there was a colony of seals. The seals were very playful, swimming right up and even under the kayaks. Fantastic experience. We then went along the coast for quite sometime, viewing the wonderful lush rainforest. As we paddled, the wind got up a bit and the waves start to get rougher. At one point it felt like we were paddling just to stand still. However, we eventually got to our beach destination, although not before Kiera had to row ahead and catch the Swiss couple, who were heading for a wrong beach! The Swiss go off on a hike and we are left all alone (our guide having left us by boat). So it was like having our own private beach. Lunch was a simple affair, a sandwich and cake, that we had to jealously guard, as there was a prowling Weka bird waiting to pounce if we turned our backs. Then the boat arrives and we head back to Kaiteriteri. The only bar in town, the Beached Whale, that opens just at the weekend, looks inviting, as there is a wood fire raging. We go in and it’s quite busy, nearly all locals. The place has a real pizza oven, so we have a pizza each and it‘s really good. The only downside to our day was that Keith got bitten quite a lot by sandflies whilst on the beach despite putting on loads of repellant - clearly, not repellent enough. But we’re exhausted after our day and we crash out pretty quickly that evening.