Arrived in Motueka jobless. Heck, let's go to Abel Tasman first and worry about job later. Motueka i-Site went through the track with us and helped us plan the walk according to the weather forecast. We didn't do the entire track; decided to cover more distance everyday to avoid the rain on Saturday, finishing off at Totaranui. It was our first multi-day tramp and being a complete noob with wrong gear and food, there will not be any unglam photos of me crossing low tides with my pants rolled up carrying tent in one hand, shoes and a loaf of bread in the other! T_T

Start of track - Marahau causeway


As we did the track in end April (after daylight saving ended), the day was shorter and everyday we were in a hurry to get to the next campsite before it gets dark. As a result, we couldn't do the optional side trips on Day 2 and also missed a few good lookouts along the way.


First tidal crossing ahead - Torrent Bay estuary can be crossed within 2 hours either side of low tide.


That's him in the background still taking off his boots keke


Looks like someone was here last night


Torrent Bay is not a main campsite it felt a little scary in the bush by ourselves until a pair came along.


Outfield cooking army style


It rained overnight and he was so pissed his boots and socks got wet. It was still raining when we left Torrent Bay, not a great start to Day 2...


Torrent Bay the next morning, completely covered in water after last night's rain.


Between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay, there is a 47m long suspension bridge over Falls River.


Kayaking to offshore islands to see fur seals is a popular activity worth trying in warmer months.


Tonga Island


Spread out our gear to dry in the sun while deciding a spot


Onetahuti campsite was so much better than our first night at Torrent Bay. There was a cooking shelter, picnic tables and even flush toilets with toilet paper!



Onetahuti Bay day vs night


Third and last day!


Not long after we started, we hit our second tidal crossing at Onetahuti.


"I just put on my boots now I gotta take them off again!"


It was a short distance to the other side, taking about 10-15mins.


There are a few privately owned luxury lodges in the Awaroa area. We even saw an airstrip from atop!


The last tidal crossing at Awaroa took at least 30 mins due to "difficult" terrain. I had this constant struggle between choosing to walk in jandals but get stuck in the mud with each step or walk barefoot on the shells and risk getting cut.


Awaroa tidal crossing


Watching kids carrying their own packs breezing through the tide makes me wonder what I have missed out in my younger days.


Some showers along the way and I prayed it would not get any heavier. The last 20 mins uphill to Totaranui was the toughest. Reached Totaranui at 5pm as expected.


Pitched tent and cooked dinner before it got too dark. It turned windy and fire was blowing around but he still managed to cook four packs of noodles in the mesh tin.


What we eat for breakfast and lunch - this is what a novice will bring. They are not easy to carry so don't follow.


I felt abit sick during the 2.5hrs bus ride from Totaranui to Motueka via Takaka. Slept most of the journey and checked in at our new hostel Laughing Kiwi. (Note the sign below reads free wifi and hot spa) Even though we were exhausted after camping for a few days, we decided to cook instead of eat out since there's nothing nice and affordable in town. Soo comfortable to be able to sleep on a bed again!