Monday morning had a clear but cool start to the day but that suited us nicely as we prepared to hit the Abel Tasman Trail to Whariwharangi Bay. It starts off on the same track we used to go up to Gibbs Hill but instead of turning right after a 2km climb at the top to head up to Gibbs Hill, we turn left and descend 3km to Whariwharangi Bay Hut and Camping ground and on to the Whariwharangi Beach.
As we started off on this walk it was cool but as we got into the ascent we appreciated that coolness. The backpack being loaded a little on the heavier side, the ole heart rate and respiratory rates were getting a good workout going up the ascents. On reaching the divide it was a nice 3km walk down into Whariwharangi Bay.
Reaching the bay the Whariwharangi Hut Sited in a grassy clearing in regenerating bush Whariwharangi Hut is the most northern Great Walk Hut on the Abel Tasman Track. Built around 1896, this historic hut was restored in 1980 and it is now available as a tramping hut, the camp site for those not booked into the hut was ideally located in an open area that gave protection from the winds.
After expending a bit of energy it was time to hit the beach for brunch which was another 200m from the hut. The beach was just beautiful, sunny, warm with no breeze and the ocean as smooth as glass. First item out of the backpack was the stove top coffee kettle and premade cheese and marmite Sammie’s. I had carried my Macpac mini pack chair over with me so set that up to the sound of Jude teasing the shit out of me for bringing it along with the rest of the kitchen etc.
Brunch finished and everything was repacked for the trip back along the track to Wainui Bay where we started. A quick look through the old Whariwharangi Bay Homestead and we set off up the hill and to be honest we were both looking forward to the 3km climb back to the top before descending the 3kms to the carpark.
If you get a chance to visit this lovely bay I’m sure you won’t regret the effort getting there and hopefully you have beautiful weather as we did.
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