Like scenery, you'll love this! (Abel Tasman National Park)

Member Name: lap dancer

Product:	Abel Tasman National Park
Date:	19/07/01 (189 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: beautiful scenery, people are hospitable, wildlife is unreal

Disadvantages: so far from anywhere, too hot, can be scary at night, so many different noises

The Abel Tasman Park is situated at the north end of the New Zealand south island. Me andmy family got there by taking a flight from heathrow to Wellington and then took a boat from Wellington (north island) to Picton and from there a drive to Nelson and then on to our final destination of Motueka.

We stayed in a hotel there and that would be our base for the week. Motueka is situated right on the coast and with outstanding views of the sea and the north island we were rather pleased with our choice of hotels, but our holiday wasn't about hotels but about walking, getting out in the bush and enjoying the scenery.

The park was named after the first European discoverer Abel Tasman. It's main attraction is the combination ofmiles of deserted coastline and also miles of bush. We set off on foot from Motueka as this was the best way to travel asroad access is very limited. We mainly took the coastal path. We chose this as, only having a week on the island, we were told that this walk took 4 days to complete. We actually atarted out on this way and walked for miles around the north west coast of the north island. We took in the unbelievable scenery. The scenery mainly included birds of all shapes, sizes and colours. Unfortunately we didn't see any kiwis but we were told that not many people do. We were quite disappointed but this was made up for when we got within about 15 metres of a whole flock of beautifully coloured yellow and blue birds. Of course, the mother, only went and used the flash on the camera while taking the first photograph and the birds were off, but we've forgiven her since!

We actually stayed in small huts every night we were out in the bush, these were included in the price of the holiday and we picked the keys up before we started out. These were comfortable and well equipped, with all the toiletries so you could feel good the next day knowing that you were clean as we got very sweaty and tire
d. Food is also provided in thes huts, they are well equipped with everything you need including, lamb (the traditional meat of New Zealand). It is a very good idea, combining a well balanced diet and the foods which the native people eat most commonly themselves. It was deliscious! Also good to know is the tap water is drinkable in New Zealand.

For the las two days of our holiday we spent our time in the beautiful bush and foothills. These higher areas give exotic views of the sea and you can really experience the beauty of New Zealand.

The las day of our week comprised of making the long journey back to Wellington, thankfully by car and boat, and not by foot!

There is some disabled access, reduced transport in winter and there's a daily bus tour from Nelson.

Tips for going to New Zealand:

1: Take lots of sun cream as believe me you will burn alive!

2: Take a lot of water with you on your walks and hikes, because dehydration is a big danger, remember you're miles from any help. If you want to take a mobile phone be discrete, it's the wildlifes habitat, not your own!

3: Take a first aid kit with you as remember you're miles from anywhere!

4: Notify the local search and rescue or someone in Motueka that you are on your trip and give your trail and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.

5: Take care not to litter or harm the environment. The New Zealanders as they have a right are protective of their country and their wildlife.

6: Be very careful and check the tides before you leave as if you wander onto a sand spit you could have your way back yo dry land blocked.

7: Take things that you think a camper or a scout would take, no matter how silly it sounds, eg a piece of rope, torch anything which could come in useful.

8: and last but not least, use your common sense and don't do anything stupid!

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