Our chosen base in Motueka is a perfect gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. The park is a walkers paradise and is popular with hikers tackling the full 51km coastal track over three to five days.
For day trippers like us an alternative approach is needed to sample a section of the track. Sea Shuttle services out of nearby Kaiteriteri Beach link with popular sections of the track. We wanted to tackle the iconic swing bridge over the Falls River. So after cruising up the coast to view seals and their pups on their island colony and then onto Split Apple Rock, we were dropped on the beach at Torrent Bay.
Sea Shuttle
Fur Seal and Pup
Split Apple Rock
Our 2.5 hour walk took us through lush native bush and across the Falls River eventually arriving at the beautiful and remote beach of Medlands Bay. Here we could relax over our packed lunch and await the sea shuttle for the trip back to the bustling beach at Kaiteriteri, which was swelled by families enjoying yet another regional anniversary public holiday.
Falls River Swing Bridge
Medlands Bay
We had opted to take the free shuttle bus to and from Motueka so we had some time to chill on the beach at Kaiteriteri. The free shuttle turned out to be a mini tour in its own right. Our highly entertaining driver Mark giving us an insight into the area's history including the tobacco plantations which have now been replaced by apples and hops.
Kaiteriteri Beach
We loved our taster of the Abel Tasman National Park.
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