Got into Nelson yesterday afternoon and bought a 1 person tent right across the street from the bus depot. The hostel is out by the beach so they came to pick me up :).
Walked into town (about an hour each way) to the I-Site/DOC facility to figure out my Abel Tasman trek. The people there were so extraordinary. In general I find service and competence in this country to be exceptional (and tipping isn't expected!). The AT is busy enough that the huts or campsites have to all be booked in advance. Tomorrow I will move to a hostel in town so I can get the bus at 7am on Weds to Marahau, from there a water taxi will take me and my stuff - no shunting this time I'll have to carry it all :( - to Totaranui. I'll be doing a day hike to separation point and camping at Totaranui on Weds night (2/18). This is backwards from the way most people do the track but it works better for the crossing at Awaroa Inlet which has to be timed with the tides - I will cross sometime after 3pm then continue on to Onetahuti Bay campground for the night of the 19th followed by a night at Watering Cove on the 20th. On the 21st I will get off the beaten track and head inland for a one night stay (very few do this apparently) at the Castle Rocks hut campground. Then back out to meet the bus back to Nelson by 5pm on the 22nd. Wish me luck!
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