“On a Mish” #245 A Brief Encounter Like Able Tasman. Anapai Campsite. Abel Tasman National Park. 19.1.2021. Abel Janszoon Tasman briefly visited Aotearoa in 1642, and even though his visit was cut short by bloodshed from a small battle with local Māori, I’m sure he and his crew enjoyed their short time amongst the stunning scenery! Abel Tasman’s unfortunate encounter with Ngati Tumatakokiri Māori will always leave him second best to Captain James Cook when discussing the European history of New Zealand. Luckily his multi ocean crossing effort wasn’t in vain as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks now bears his name…
The variety of landscapes found while wandering the hikes now deemed the ‘Great Walks’ is vast. From the deep valleys and tall peaks found while hiking the trails in Fiordland National Park, to a volcanic walk of wonder around one of the spectacular mountains located in the middle of the North Island. There are also beaches of golden sand if that is more your jam. This small country in the South Pacific really does have it all.
I have only had a tiny encounter with the Able Tasman Great Walk just like the legendary Dutch sailor. When it comes to hike in Aotearoa there aren’t too many that my sister has completed and I haven’t, but the Able Tasman is one of them. I have hiked a very small section of the track and that was to the stunning Anapai Bay, and it is safe to say that the area left and impression which makes me want to return one day in the future.
I hiked the track with Whanau during the 2021 summer. I was only just finding my feet again after a year into my long injury journey, which I still find myself on. But as seen in many of my missions, when I get determined to get somewhere I will put up with a little pain in order to get some big views and enjoyment.
A trip to Pohara meant the team were only a short distance from Totaranui with gives access to the Able Tasman Great Walk. To get there you need to take on the many bends of the Totaranui Road, which is an adventure before the adventure! After getting to the Great Walk Campsite, we disembarked and began our short quest over a low saddle to Anapai Bay.
The hike takes you past some of the historic buildings built long before the hike became a ‘Great Walk’. The area is very remote, but the beauty makes you understand why people would put up with being so far away from other humans. After leaving the buildings and busy campsite behind we climbed over the small saddle and descended to the bay. I found the going tough and just hoped that the views were going to make it worth my while. It was!
Stepping out on to the golden sand was a real treat and after the hike I needed a good rest, so we stopped for lunch at the Anapai Bay Campsite. I have never been much of an ocean person, but the small bay was a place that could easily make me one. With the weather warm and conditions perfect for relaxing by the beach we could have stayed there all day. Unfortunately (but not really!) we had to return to civilisation, so after a feed we headed back along the track to Totaranui and then back over the road to Pohara.
The hike might have been short, but the sights and sounds found were incredible. I highly recommend a mish to the top of Te Waipounamu to soak up the scenery for yourself and to enjoy the place much more than the fella who the hike is named after!
