Yesterday I kayaked and then hiked a section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. I’ve spent the night in Bark Bay Hut and today I’ll trek about four hours to Awaroa, where a water taxi will return me to the beginning of the track.

I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast and then set off.

That’s a water taxi doing a pick-up (or drop-off) in the bay below:

I turn a corner and there are bird noises everywhere. It’s difficult to spot the birds themselves, but their calls come from all around me. I manage to snap a photo of this New Zealand Bellbird before darts away:

Here’s a short video of bird calls in the area:

And this is Onetahuti Beach.

The big orange dots indicate the official track. I arrive to find the other orange dot WAY down at the other end of the beach. It’s actually too far to even photograph. But that’s the joy of this track — so much of it lies right along the beach.

After about 20 minutes of hiking I’ve arrived closer to the orange dot at the other end of Onetahuti Beach… but there’s a small problem. It’s still high tide and in order to reach the other side I have to get wet.

I’ve passed a few people in their bathing suits and now I realize why.

Luckily I have my swimsuit on and am up for the challenge. I put my belongings (a small backpack and sleeping bag) into plastic bags and hoist them over my head.

Let’s do this.

… success!

Once I’ve completed the tidal crossing with my belongings, I put my camera(s) away and hike with purpose. In about an hour and a half I arrive at my destination: Awaroa, where I’ve scheduled a water taxi to pick me up.

I’ve heard Awaroa is one of the few places on the Abel Tasman track where there’s a high-end lodge and dining facilities. When I realize I can order a latte, I’m freaking thrilled.

After polishing off the unexpected latte, I mosey on down to the beach in a state of caffeine bliss.

Excuse me, my ride is here.

We stop to pick up a few other passengers, including a group of women who have been hiking and sleeping in huts for five days.

Our water taxi driver takes the scenic way back, even stopping at Adele Island where we kayaked yesterday.

Here’s a shot of Anchorage Bay, which I passed through yesterday at the start of my hike.

And we swing by Split Apple Rock on our way back to Marahau:

The day-long kayak tours are just starting to return to shore.

That evening I indulge in a large pasta dish as a reward for my two-day hike. It sure beats the peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches I prepared for my trek.

That wraps up my Abel Tasman experience. If you find yourself in the South Island of New Zealand, I highly recommend a stay here. If you’re short on time you can get by with a day-long hike to enjoy a taste of this coastal walk. In addition to kayaking, there are also sailing tours and other adventure activities like hang gliding and canyoning.