Great Walks |

by Siobhan File

In November I’m going down to Nelson for a week with work and thought that while I’m down there, I should attempt my first proper Great Walk at the end of the trip (with the Abel Tasman Coast Track). I say proper because I’ve done bits before, but I was helicoptered to those places and met my bag and a chilli bin of food at the huts, rather than having to carry it myself… don’t judge me.

So, I rallied a group of friends together last Saturday night while we were all out at dinner. Everyone was super keen, but over the week it’s dwindled from six of us, to four of us, to now just me and my boyfriend who’s going to meet me on the Friday.

Mosquito Bay, Abel Tasman National Park

After stuffing up my hut bookings (which the visitor centre staff were very nice about), we’ve locked in Anchorage Hut for Friday night and Awaroa Hut for Saturday night. We’ll then catch an aqua taxi back from Totaranui on Sunday afternoon to fly back to Wellington.

A map of Abel Tasman National park and the walking route.

A map of where we’ll be walking

So that’s a big day of walking on the Saturday. I hope I don’t get blisters or a sore back from my pack.

Some other things I am currently worried about include:

What am I going to wear? The DOC website says wool or fleece clothing, but even in November? Isn’t Nelson the sunniest spot in New Zealand? I’m not sure what tramping attire really is.
Will my running shoes be ok? I don’t think I’ll be able to fit big fluffy socks into them…
The website also says ‘a portable stove will be needed’. I don’t have one of those either. I’ll have to look around for one.
Will my sleeping bag be warm enough (given it’s a child’s one I got from Santa when I was 11)?
Which aqua taxi will we get from Totaranui, and will it tee up with a shuttle back to the airport?

Some things I am really excited about include:

Being able to eat as much scroggin as I like—guilt free because it’s pretty much non-negotiable for tramping
Choosing my own mix of ingredients to make my perfect scroggin
Experiencing the spiritual feeling I’m told I’ll get while walking
Playing cards by candle light in the huts

An image of scroggin including sultanas and nuts.

Did you know that ‘Scroggin’ stands for: ‘Sultanas, Carob, Raisins, Orange peel, Grains, Glucose, Imagination, Nuts’. I’m gonna go crazy on the ‘imagination’, and will definitely be swapping the carob for chocolate.

So I’ve got a bit of organising to do around getting there and back, and sorting out my equipment. If anyone has any recommendations or advice about the Abel Tasman it would be greatly appreciated!

Stuck for ideas on what to gift your loved ones with this silly season? Looking for something for the person who has everything? Why not have yourself a merry little conservation themed Christmas this year, and take some ideas from these suggestions.

A Great Walk experience

Lauren, Alannah, Jasmine and Jean had a primo time together doing the Abel Tasman Great Walk

Great Walks are DOC’s premier walks. There are nine spread across the country. They range in length and difficulty, so there’s something for all walkers. The scenery is amazing—some of the best in the country—and the huts and tracks are of a higher standard than other tramping tracks. With a booking system, you can see what’s available and when. Tickets start at $10 depending on season and track. Find out more at www.doc.govt.nz/greatwalks.

A Backcountry Hut Pass

Sabine Hut

This is the perfect gift idea for those who like to get out and about, or for those exploring New Zealand. You can buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that’s valid for either six months ($92) or twelve months ($122). These give you access to most serviced and standard huts across the country. This means the recipient can choose which tracks/walks they want to go on and when, with the accommodation on you!

A New Zealand native tree

So much more than just a tree in a box

Baby natives make excellent gifts—they can be packaged and presented beautifully and there are a range to choose from. As well as giving the gift of life, you’re also giving an experience, as they require planting once they grow out of their pots. This is a great activity to do with children. Once planted, they also help attract native birds into the garden. See your local nursery, or browse online, for your ideal tree.

Possum merino accessories

Help save our native species—fashionably. Buy your loved ones hats, gloves and scarves made from possum merino. These are extra warm and snugly, and come in a variety of colours and styles. Pests are the biggest threat to our native species, so spread the word on these woolly wonders. Check out your local DOC Visitor Centre for the available range, or browse online.

A bird feeder

Know someone who’s into gardening? Get them one of these and help them turn their yard into a tui playground. There are heaps of designs to choose from so you can pick one that suits the style of all gardens. These are great gifts particularly for city slickers, as a native bird in an urban garden is always nice.

Archives For 30/11/1999

Great Walker Diaries – Abel Tasman Coast Track