Abel - Kayak and Walk / Timing Questions
 

Hello-

I’m looking for some help with my Abel Tasman portion of my trip (going in Nov 2014).

I am staying in Picton and plan to leave around 8:30 am to drive to Abel. I’m guessing this will take maybe 5hrs with stops along the way to take pictures. Is that accurate? This would give me half a day in the park for my “Abel Day 1”.

I have a full day in the park the next day (Abel Day 2).

I need to drive to Greymouth the next day and get there ideally by 5:30pm.

Knowing that I would like to get a short kayak trip in along with some walking, my questions are:
1) Does anyone know of a kayak tour company that starts their afternoon tours (guided) around 2:00? I think a noon start is just not feasible leaving Picton at 8:30. I could leave earlier if I picked up my car the night before I suppose but I want to make sure I get to see QCD in the daylight.
2) I’ve heard the best portion of the Abel track is Tonga to Torrent. Are there many taxi services or just the main one by the park? The times for the taxis do not run very late – the last drop off at Marahau (where I am staying) is 4pm. Which seems early since sunset will be around 8pm that time of year.
3) I think I would have to leave Abel around noon at the latest to get to Greymouth by 5:30ish. Is that accurate? I’ve looked up times via this forum and AA and it said 5 hrs. I’m wondering if I could take a morning kayak trip on the morning of “Day 3”.

Thanks for your help – this forum is amazing!

Which end of Abel Tasman are you staying at, Marahau?

Picton to Marahau is about three hours, so yes, five with stops is a reasonable bet.

Marahau to Greymouth is about four hours, so no worries. Do plan to spend an hour or so at Punakaiki, best at high tide.

Water taxis leave from Marahau and Kaiteriteri.

I'm staying at Ocean Beach Chalet in Marahau. That's good to know it takes about 4 hrs to get to Greymouth. I could then do a kayak trip the morning I leave Abel then.

I just find it funny they stop so soon before sunset! oh well - it should work out if it really only takes 4 hrs to get to greymouth. thanks again Melq!

Yeah, about 308 km from Marahau to Greymouth...without stops.

I've found that it's wise to add at least a couple of hours to driving estimates as the roads are narrow and winding, and there are so many reasons to stop en route. I suggest you err on the side of caution.

The sun sets about 6 pm in November, so keep that in mind as you plan.

My mistake, I was looking at sunrise. The sun sets around 8:15 pm in November, so you should have plenty of daylight.