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