Abel Tasman backpacking

The day after school ended we set off for 4 days of backpacking on the Abel Tasman track. We'd hiked the southern portion with the Dannenhauers and friends from Alaska two years ago and had loved it. We had always wanted to return and see the less traveled northern half--Awaroa Bay to Mutton Cove.

We took the ferry over to the south island then drove to Keiteriteri, one of the jumping off points for the park.

The next morning we took a smaller boat out to the start of the hike.

Back to the beautiful blue waters of Abel Tasman.

We had to time the start of the hike for low tide, when the Awaroa estuary is passable. It's only possible to cross 2 hours on either side of low tide. 

We set out across the (relatively) dry estuary where water would be over our heads at high tide.

In some spots the water was still deep for little bodies.

Lucas giving Wren a lift across the deeper water.

The girls endured the sucking mud and tiny clams on bare feet.

This was our first real backpacking trip! The girls carried their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads and clothes.

Looking like real hikers!

Our first campsite was at Waiharekeke. It was a beautiful site with a stream flowing parallel to the beach.

At low tide there are a series of interconnected beaches to explore.

full of beautiful shells

We brought our camping hammock and the girls set to work creating a made up language.

An evening swim before bed. The girls ran in a tag team, down into the ocean and back up the dune until they were exhausted and freezing. They love the water and can't get enough of it.