Gold and green

09:44. That was the time on Jemima's clock when we all finally woke up - we really were tired. A quick scramble to leave the campsite (departure time is 10am), and we settled for the morning in the car park down the road, right next to a brilliant playground. Jemima and Kevin climbed and swung while I did some cleaning and made lunch; and then it was time for our trip.

Kaiteriteri is one of the gateways to the Abel Tasman National Park, a Department of Conservation-controlled area that is reknowned for its bush tramps with glorious views of the gold beaches that fringe the greeny-blue coast. A five day hike being out of the question, we did the next best thing: saw it from a boat. The light wasn't the best for photos, unfortunately, but IRL it was lovely. 

After an enjoyable cruise up the coastline, we got off on the way back down at Anchorage Bay for a swim and a play - cruising is not the best fun for Jemima, but splashing about where a gentle curl of river cuts through the sand into the sea, definitely is. It was a beautiful beach, with rich yellow sand, water almost more green than blue, fringed by bush, no houses visible, completely unspoilt. Jemima's favourite was definitely the little river (and joining in with two slightly older boys trying to dam it with sticks); but Kevin and I were both impressed by the setting - if not by the pesky sandflies, which appear to be an issue in these parts. But nothing's perfect, and this was pretty close.

We even got Jemima swimming in the sea briefly - it was pretty cold; and then I launched myself in with predictable shrieks (they do help). But, as usual, it was amazing once you're in ("you never regret a swim", copyright Richard Klein, a maxim for me now); and weirdly, freezing water then warm air leaves you feeling invigorated rather than chilly. Then back on the boat to Kaiteriteri, past the fur seals, and an hour's hop to a lovely (much more civilised) campsite in Nelson, which we had liked on our way through. Great fish (tarahiki apparently) and chips at the camp cafe, and another day's adventure was over.

 

On the boat:

 

Split apple rock (it's a granite coast, which is apparently why the sand is so yellow, and it creates features like this):

 

 

 

Anchorage Bay:

 

 

Jemima being a seagull:

 

 

 

In:

 

And out:

 

And on the way home: 

 

Seals:

 

 

Back on Kaiteriteri beach:

 

Kaiteriteri Beach to Tahuna Beach Campsite (the cruise was along the green bit above Kaiteriteri):