Foto: Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
New Zealand - At eight o’clock, we drive onto the grounds of Abel Tasman Kayaks. We have booked a kayak tour in Abel Tasman National Park. We are immediately introduced to Balwi. Our guide for today is of Indian origin. He has been living in New Zealand for four years. He hopes to stay longer but does not yet have certainty about that. We order coffee with a muffin and wait for the other kayakers. We head out to sea with a group of eight—a truly international mix. Besides the Netherlands and India, there are people from Ireland, Germany, the USA, Korea, and New Zealand itself. Besides our group, there are five other groups. It turns out that we will kayak first and then walk back through the park. The original booking was the other way around. The advantage is that we have all the time we want to walk back. The disadvantage is that we have heard from other travelers that the wind is against us on the way out. Balwi gives a thorough explanation of kayaking and what to do if the boat capsizes. He also explains how to keep our backpacks dry. Getting in is the most nerve-wracking part. The front kayaker gets in first while the second keeps the boat stable. Then the second kayaker gets in while the first keeps the boat steady in the waves. Next, it’s important to paddle through the first waves. After the first few meters, the sea calms down. Indeed, we have the wind against us. It’s quite strong. As we paddle out to sea, we quickly leave the other groups behind. Balwi calls us back to keep the group together. We paddle along the beaches of the National Park—a beautiful sight. Kelly and Sophie struggle to get their kayak moving forward on the sea. Balwi asks if we want to split up. Allert continues with Sophie, and I go with Kelly. This balances the fleet better. Because of the wind, the trip to the observation beach takes longer than usual. We arrive just after noon, having paddled more than seven kilometers on the sea. The group that will paddle the kayaks back is already waiting on the beach. Quickly, Balwi spreads a large blanket and serves lunch. Both groups enjoy the meal. Where it was cloudy this morning during kayaking, the sky is now a clear blue. The sun is strong. Before walking, I apply sunscreen thoroughly. Meanwhile, Balwi explains to the new group how to handle the kayaks. We walk back. The trail through Abel Tasman National Park runs along the beaches. I had expected we would walk on the beaches themselves, but that’s not the case. The trail runs high above the beaches, and there are paths down to each beach. Everywhere we look out at the bright blue sea. Every view is spectacular. It’s really pointless to take photos here—the scene we see cannot be captured in a picture. So we just enjoy it on the spot. At the lookout point, we see various groups of kayakers paddling on the sea. It’s a beautiful sight to see the bright yellow and red boats gliding over the blue water.
Cape Reinga
New Zealand - Several buses are running today. The second one to arrive is ours. Marvin is the driver and welcomes us onboard. Since multiple buses are operating, Marvin first drives all the way to Cape Reinga and then returns via the beach. This does mean we’ll ...
Cathedral Cove
New Zealand - Around half past one, we approach Hahei on the peninsula. At the edge of the town, there is a large parking area for cars. We decide not to use the shuttle bus but to walk to Hahei beach. Hahei beach is often called the most beautiful beach in New Zealand. ...
Jetboat and Funyak at the Dart River
New Zealand - Today, we’re going on a boat trip on the Dart River. First, we need to drive to Glenorchy, about an hour away. Upon arrival, we’re given a wetsuit, wet shoes, a fleece, a rain jacket, and a life vest. In the changing room, I switch into the gear. ...
Milford Sound Fjord
New Zealand - Outside, it is still dark when the alarm goes off. It’s 5:30 a.m. We shower and have breakfast in our cabin. Just before 6:30, we head out. At 9:00 a.m., the boat departs in Milford Sound. The distance to Milford Sound is still 120 kilometers, and it’s ...
Otago Peninsula
New Zealand - In the afternoon, we booked a wildlife tour to the Otago Peninsula. Since the tour lasts until the evening, we decide to eat now at one of the small restaurants in the center. At half past three, Tony picks us up at the hotel. Together with eight other ...
Queenstown
New Zealand - Queenstown is a town with over 10,000 inhabitants, located on the South Island of New Zealand. It lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables mountain range in the background. We’re halfway along the route to Queenstown. ...
The Glaciers around Mount Cook N.P.
New Zealand - A thrilling day today. Would the glacier tour go ahead? When we wake up, it is cloudy. Yesterday, the weather forecast seemed better. We can call at nine o’clock to find out if the helicopter trip will take place. To be safe, we decide not to do a mountain ...
Thermal Wonderland Wai-O-Tapu
New Zealand - Just about half an hour’s drive below Rotorua lies the Thermal Wonderland park, Wai-O-Tapu. Besides the geothermal pools, the Lady Knox geyser is also located here. Every day at quarter past ten, the geyser shoots water into the air. We leave early ...
Tongoriro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand - At exactly 7:30, we drive onto the grassy field. Several people are already waiting for the 8:00 a.m. bus. It's another 25 minutes by road to the starting point. On the way, the driver tells us that it’s cloudy today and that wind gusts of up to 100 ...
White Island Volcano
New Zealand - At quarter past seven, we check in for the boat trip to White Island volcano. The check-in is at the reception of our hotel, where we can also check out of our room immediately. At the dock lies the Pee Jay VI, the ship that will take us to the island. ...