Parade past golden-sand beaches, rocky outcrops and turquoise inlets, by foot or by kayak (Lonely Planet).

We did both. We hired a sea kayak on the first day for a half day and explored a section of the coastline, nothing to strenuous just drifting from island to island.  We were lucky enough to spot a colony of seals, two in fact, and it was great being able to get up close with the kayak.  They weren’t at all scared, just played among themselves – a magical experience.

On the second day we went for a walk along the famous Able Tasman Coast Track which stretches 51km.  We only lasted an hour or so before the heavens opened and we had to retreat.  None of us wanted a strenuous walk so when the rain came it was a welcome excuse to head back.

For us, the national park is stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit.  Its most striking feature are the golden sand beaches, they are incredible.  Sadly, we have no pictures that do them justice.  When you stand on a cliff edge and look across a bay it is truly beautiful – hard to take good (or any) pictures in the rain.  We also spotted a bird native to this area of NZ, the name escapes me but I’m sure you bird lovers will be able to remind us – not a particularly beautiful looking bird at that!

A relaxing couple of days!