Abel Tasman National Park

As we sat on a speed boat taxi today, I was trying to decide whether we were good parents or bad parents. There were 3 babies on the speed boat of a similar age to Thomas (now 8 months). The other two were in baby slings, wrapped up warm with hats and scarves on and generally being quiet. Ours was wearing an all in one swim suit with no socks, face and hair full of sand and leftover lunch (having been crawling on the beach eating sand whilst waiting for the taxi), standing on my knee laughing at the bumps with the wind in his hair.

Either way, he loved it and is a very happy little fella!

Abel Tasman National Park is not really accessible by road. It is a beautifully forested peninsular set alongside the ocean with gold sandy beaches sandwiched between the lush dense emerald forest and the turquoise sea. Most people visit to kayak or hike (for several days) so we weren’t sure how best to see it with Thomas in tow. We needn't have worried as we discovered that it was very easy to access the park from Marahau by water taxi. We took one over to Anchorage Bay and hiked over to Te Pukatea beach for a picnic then back in time to return by watertaxi.

We also had time to visit Kaiteriteri which would be a great base for anyone wanting a few days rest.

Thomas is seemingly a real water baby. He is loving the beach and the sea, wriggling to be set free on the ground the minute he sees it. It's great to watch and a fun place to be. He even did a spot of beach reading…

If travelling to New Zealand with kids do visit here. Don't be put off by its outdoor sport image as there is plenty to do and you wouldn't want to miss it.