In the first week of term 2, the year 13 Outdoor Ed class travelled to Abel Tasman to explore and tramp the great Abel Tasman coastal track.

We started in Mārahau and tramped 15 km to Anchorage Hut, which was our first pit stop. While at Anchorage, we explored the surrounding caves, beaches, sea and bird life. The jaw-dropping views really opened our eyes and gave us an understanding about how beautiful our own backyard really is. 

The second day we tramped from Anchorage to Bark Bay, crossing a massive estuary into the beautiful Torrent Bay where Mr Collins show-cased his marvellous property investments (we aren't sure if that is true of not!).  We then continued on the track until we met with a swing bridge, where Sally had a mishap and lost her jandal down the river. 

We then carried on to Bark Bay.  The weather was beautiful so some of us decided to have a swim at the beach to help relieve aches and pains after a long two days of tramping, while some of us decided to have an intense battle of K’s and A’s and dobble.

Morning came around and we started another long day to Awaroa Hut.  On our way we encountered lots of weka and stopped off at the beautiful Tonga Bay, where we had some lunch and explored the caves. 

We had a steady climb until we got to Awaroa Saddle, then descended into a village that had food places and housing which sadly didn't open until October. It was then a 15 minute walk across the beach to the hut which was nice and quiet for our last night.

The next day we woke to a cold overcast day, for a short walk back through Awaroa village to catch a thrilling boat ride. 

We were all sad to leave but also relieved to finally have some yummy food and a long shower.

Big thanks to Miss Kerridge, Laura Seyb and Mr Collins for driving us there and looking after us.

Yr 13 ODE Students