Live your life, not your age. (and don’t let your disability constrain you)
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Have you ever envied those young, fit trampers doing New Zealand’s Great Walks? Do you feel that you’re
not young enough or fit enough to experience them?
A pod of 30+ dolphins swam around and near the boat for 15 mins
Recently I had the opportunity to travel
to the Kaiteriteri (Nelson area) and to
experience some of the grandeur of the
Abel Tasman walkway. I can honestly say,
now, that I have walked the Abel Tasman.
Those of you who know me, by this stage,
will be doubting my story – but I have
honestly walked 2.4km of the Abel
Tasman Track accompanied by my 83
year old father who is in a wheelchair.
(and I wasn’t pushing him either).
Our first day in Kaiteriteri, was Dad’s 83rd
birthday. We caught the boat, the Vista,
which is run by Wilsons Abel Tasman, and
we travelled the length of the Abel
Tasman walkway. No jetty needed – just
run the boat up to the beach, then extend
the gangplank down onto the sand. We
had brought Dad in his wheelchair, down
onto the sand, using plywood under the
wheels. As Dad is capable of walking a
short distance, he was able to walk up the
gangplank and onto the top deck.
Although the day was cool, being on the
top deck afforded the best views. Hot
drinks and food were available on the
boat as well as a sheltered bottom deck.
Warm jackets, scarves and hats kept us
warm, and we were treated to some
amazing scenery. The commentary told us
of things to look out for, and the history
of the area.
A very special treat was a pod of 30+
dolphins who swam around and near the
boat for 15 mins, before heading off. A
very special birthday treat for my Dad, as
they don’t appear all that often – I
believe that was only the second time
this year. So incredible to watch. Lots
of excitement on board, and
hundreds of photos & videos taken.
Patiently waiting to board
When we arrived at Awaroa Beach, Jill & I
disembarked to spend 30 minutes walking
along “Our Beach” while the Vista
continued on up to Totaranui before doing
the return journey back to Kaiteriteri.
Our plan had been for all of our group to
disembark at Medlands, to have a picnic
birthday lunch, but due to extreme low
tide, it would be difficult to get Dad back
onto the boat when they returned for us
mid-afternoon. So, on the advice of the
crew, we ended up picnicking at Kaka Point
in Kaiteriteri instead.
The staff couldn’t have been more helpful
and passionate about the Abel Tasman
track, the wildlife and activities of the area.
Offering suggestions for which of the day
trips would be best, and what to do and see
in the area. Even suggesting a great picnic
spot where we had a fabulous picnic,
complete with table cloth, champagne,
oysters, a vase of roses, birthday cake and a
birthday banner.
Wilsons also offer a pack carrying service –
you do the Abel Tasman coastal walk, and
they take your pack. And even better, they
own two luxury lodges right on the water
front. Do the walk, then sit down to enjoy
fine dining with sea views, and sleep in
comfort. Ideal for those couples where one
is fit and active (do the walking) and the
other would prefer to sit and enjoy life
(catch the boat) – you can both enjoy the
experience together (most of the time). Sally, staff member, offering suggestions to Glenda, for day walks
Passengers disembarking at Medlands Beach
Phew they did come back for us
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The following day, Glenda & Jill caught the
boat up to Totaranui to a circular day walk to
Anapai Bay. As it’s now winter timetable for
the boat, Dad and I drove over to pick them up
in the afternoon. We had a lovely drive over
the Takaka Hill, with a stop at the lookout – a 5
min walk from the carpark, on a wheelchair
friendly path. I was most amused to see a
toilet tucked away on the track – a long-drop
with a disabled sign on it. Yes it is suitable for
wheelchair uses, and no it’s not like the long-
drops you are thinking of. A very modern long-
drop.
We did a side trip to the Anatoki Salmon Farm.
Dad & I selected a platter to share for lunch,
but could have gone fishing as well –
everything provided, you just pay by weight of
your catch. They even fillet it for you. It was
interesting to watch a staff member walk out
to the main pond, cast a line and immediately
bring it in with a salmon (not hard when there
are 8000 salmon in the pond), fillet it, smoke
it, cook it, and serve it to a customer all within
about 20 mins. Can’t get fresher than that!!!
Continuing on with our drive, we discovered
Pohara and the NZMCA Port Tarakohe Park.
What a stunning place to park up, with views
over the harbour, and high stone hills
surrounding you. Plenty of space to park,
although I guess in summer, it would be a very
popular place
I had been warned that the road into the
Totaranui DOC camp was a narrow, winding,
unsealed road, so was rather cautious about
driving it, but I found it a breeze to drive.
While it’s not a two lane highway, it is certainly
motorhome accessible – just take your time.
At the end of the road is a lovely DOC camping
ground (no dogs – even in vehicles).
Waves rolling in on the beach
View from the Takaka Hill, looking out over Upper Takaka
Hills at Pohara
Totaranui - the view along the beach
A colourful WOW outfit
Which direction shall we go?
Dad inspecting one of the cars
Lunch on the beach
Dad & I made a cuppa on the camp stove while
we waited for Glenda & Jill to arrive back. We
sat and listened to the waves rolling in on the
beach, and gazed out across a large bay. It
wasn’t long before the trampers arrived. Tired
but having had an enjoyable day, out in the
bush and along the shoreline of the Abel
Tasman.
Wednesday was a wet day, so a trip into Nelson
was called for. A visit to the WOW museum
was fascinating. We were told to allow 2 hours
(I didn’t believe it would take that long to look
at a few outfits – well I was wrong). What an
incredible collection of outfits. However do the
creators come up with their idea’s, let alone
concoct them, and in a way which allows the
models to still move? Also attached to the
WOW museum is a classic car collection. No
one would call me a petrol-head, but again a
great collection, made even more special with
Dad reminiscing about cars he has had over the
years.
Thursday was fine and sunny again, so
Glenda & Jill headed off on the boat to
walk in the Abel Tasman. This time they
were dropped off at Medlands Beach
and walked to Anchorage. A walk of 10.6
km’s which takes 4 hours and includes a
swing bridge, bush and beach. As it was
high tide, they needed to use the high-
tide track from Torrent Bay to
Anchorage. If you time your walk for low
tides, there a couple of places which you
can walk across the estuary, rather than
around the high tide mark, which saves
time and effort.
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DOC workers seemed a little surprised to see Dad in his wheelchair.
Looking down on Torrent Bay
On the Abel Tasman Coast track
Going Going Gone
On the bridge, heading out of the track
A stopping point with a view over the bay
Mission accomplished—we did it !!
Dad and I drove to Marahau, the beginning
of the Abel Tasman walk. After checking
the track, I suggested that Dad could do a
little of the track in his wheelchair. So off
we go. Three DOC workers, upgrading the
walk bridge at the beginning of the track,
seemed a little surprised to see Dad in his
wheelchair. We were just going a little way,
but 2.4km later we eventually decided that
we’d better start heading back.
The track was wide and relatively smooth,
created with compacted stone chip. The
odd little bump had to be negotiated by the
wheelchair, but it was easy going for Dad,
in his city-streets wheelchair. We only
turned back when the track was heading
downhill. Not a steep hill, but unsure of
what was around the next corner, Dad
decided not to risk it. If Glenda & Jill had
been with us to help push the wheelchair
back uphill, I have no doubt we would have
ventured further.
Although we only went 2.4km into the Abel
Tasman, it was an incredible buzz. Beautiful
coastline, then into the bush. Nature at its
best.
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Would I recommend it to others – definitely?
Our next mission was to find some red trees to photograph. As its
Autumn, the colours of the trees around the area are spectacular. I
start driving, in no particular direction, feeling quite safe as I have
the GPS to eventually guide me home.
We follow a country road from Motueka, out along the Moutere
Highway to Stoke. Although it’s called a Highway, it is very much a
country road. We made several detours up side roads, to take
photos of red trees. Not sure what that locals thought about a
strange car stopping, me jumping out, taking a couple of photos of
their trees, then driving off again.
Time is running short, but I decide we need to take a different road
back to Kaiteriteri. On the GPS I spy what looks like a parallel road
to the one we came out on, so after filling up with petrol, we
embark on our next adventure. The distance to get to this road
was only a couple of inches on the GPS map, but it was actually a
lot further than I expected. The whole time, the lovely lady in the
GPS was telling me to “turn right” “turn right” “turn around when
you can”. She eventually gave up, and decided to go the same way
I had intended going, and so we enjoyed another country road.
Through Wakefield, Kohatu, Tapawera, Stanley Brook, Ngatimoti
and back to Motueka. We arrived back in time to do a short detour
to Little Kaiteriteri, before meeting the boat at Kaiteriteri, and
picking up two tired but exhilarated trampers.
Some of what made our little
holiday so special, was being able
to share Dad’s memories—
holidays, and trips through the
countryside, working in the glass
factory, various cars and vehicles.
Stories of his parents (our
grandparents) and life growing up
with his brother & sisters.
Don’t forget to share your stories
with your children and
grandchildren. They may seem
quite ordinary to you, but to us
they are a real glimpse into how a
past generation grew up, and are
a part of our history.
Sally Fleury
51482
Friday was the last day of our little holiday. As
there were four of us, Glenda had found a
lovely house to stay in Kaiteriteri, via Book-a-
Bach. Tui Ridge was perfect for our group,
with each of us having our own space. We
were treated to amazing views out over bush,
to the beach. In fact in two of the bedrooms
you can lie in bed, and gaze out at this same
view.
The sunrises were amazing. So much so that I
even got up earlier than I do on a work
morning, just to get the sunrise photos.
Standing on the deck, with an early morning
coffee, watching the sunrise, listening to the
waves on the beach below, with Kereru
swooping into nearby trees and fantails
flitting around. Absolute heaven.
On our way to the airport, we stopped at
Hoglund Art Glass Galley and Factory. The
pieces they had for sale in their shop were
absolutely stunning. All beautifully displayed.
But for us, the best bit was being able to see
the factory in action. All the glass is hand
blown and fascinating to watch a small
molten hunk of glass, become a trendy light
shade. When Dad was in his late teens, he
worked in a glass factory for 6 months, so
once again, it was extra special for us as he
shared stories of his time there.
All too soon, we had to head for the airport,
and our little holiday was over.
Would Dad do it again? Absolutely. He’s
already told Glenda that next time they do a
tramp, he’s coming too.
Would I go again – you bet. And with a bit of
training, I’m convinced I could easily walk a
couple of the shorter legs of the Abel
Tasman. With some decent training, I could
walk the whole of the 51km of the Coast
Track.
Would I recommend it to others – definitely?
In fact, with the next National Rally being in
Nelson in February 2017, I would encourage
you take the time to visit Kaiteriteri, and see
the Abel Tasman for yourself. Either from a
boat, doing a short walk, or going the whole
hog and tramping the whole way.
Sunrise from the deck of Tui Ridge