Tuesday 5th February 2019. Nelson to Bark Bay

‎What an amazing day! I’m feeling a little emotional sitting here at our campsite at Bark Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park. A small bay backed by tree covered hills. There are other people camping here too. It is basic but there are toilets. A shower was provided by a swim in the sea. But the only way into the camp is by foot or boat. No roads!

We left Nelson first thing this morning with some trepidation! There are 9 intrepid trekkers, 5 Americans, 1 Turkish/American, an Auzzie and us, plus our guides.

We were driven by minibus first of all to Ruiwaka Resurgence where we were shown the contents of the trailer that is being towed behind the minibus, what we needed for the next 2 days and nights, and had some lunch.

We were then met by 2 Maoris who greeted us in their traditional way and took us a short walk to a natural spring that holds significance in their culture. There is something very moving in their respect for the natural world, us as visitors and for themselves. They have a deep spirituality with many deities, and are deeply rooted in their culture, giving them a sense of identity.

Following on from this we journeyed on to Kaiteriteri where we boarded the water taxi to Tonga Bay. A beautiful journey across the water on a glorious day. We are told it may rain tomorrow but I can’t quite believe it!

A bit of an explore around the bay and then on with our rucksacks and our first trek. 4.2km following the coast around to Bark Bay. Fortunately we were in the shade, as even though it was late afternoon the sun was still so powerful.

And now the tents are up and the food is being cooked. Apart from the sounds of people chatting, the only other sounds are from the birds and the sea lapping on the shore.