The guided day started out a bit stressfully as the bus from Nelson dropped us in the wrong place, so we were late arriving, but managed to pack our stuff into our kayak quite quickly. Once we got on the water (us, in a double kayak; two parties of one double and a single; and our guide Tom in a single) we set off paddling. It was quickly apparent that Anna and I, having rowed together and being generally quite good in boats, were quite fast. The singles were all quite fast and so was one of the doubles, but the other double wasn't. We lost one of the threesomes at the first stopping point as they were on a freedom rental, and carried on. The park's really stunning; a coastline of green bush, absolutely golden sand, and rocks. Lots of birds and seals. We eventually made it to our campsite under kayak steam by about 4.30pm, after tackling what they call the "Mad Mile" - an exposed point where the waves can get rather choppy. We'd left our guide and the slow double to walk that bit, and me and Anna and the other single paddled round against the wind and in properly big waves. It was a bit scary, but getting round the corner to the beautiful sight of Anchorage beach, with yachts anchored and calm waters, was great!
Camped overnight in my little tent. Succeeded in cooking on the cute camping stove, slept appallingly, but somehow it was all worth it when we got up in the morning to find blue sky and calm water. The water got choppier out of the bay, and we had a break on Sandfly Beach (stayed away from the bits with sandflies).
Difficult launching the kayak again though. Went to see seals on Pinnacle Island. Had another break in Bark Bay, which had a lovely lagoon we went to explore - and we had it to ourselves, which was even better!
The wind picked up later, and after we'd explored another lagoon and gone to look at more seals on Tonga Island we were both a bit knackered. So we were quite glad to ditch the kayak, change into dry things, and eat before our walk to the night's campsite.
We slept at Awaroa that night - by the banks of a massive estuary we had to cross at low tide, early the next morning. Nice campsite, but positively infested with sandflies. Even though I plastered myself in insect repellent (natural stuff - Deet doesn't work either) they still got me, and I have bites all over my lower legs and ankles, on my back in the gap between t-shirt and shorts, and a couple on my arms. When we got up in the morning I was bitten instantly. Horrid things.
Anyway, we made it across the estuary with plenty of time to spare, and were actually at our end point by 10am. Luckily we got an earlier water taxi than the one booked, and then managed to jump straight on the bus to Nelson, so had a nice relaxed afternoon. Apart from the wretched bugs, it was a good trip - although showers and comfortable beds were very welcome!
Back to work on Monday. Boo. :(
