Able Tasman National Park (February 8, 2026)
We have arrived at the northern most tip of New Zealand’s southern island in a town called Pohara (more commonly referred to as the “Golden Bay”). Here, Elena, Violet and I will chillax for awhile before taking our rental car on a ferry to the north island of New Zealand on Friday, February 13th.
Today, we did one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in awhile. We picked a gentle easy hike so that Elena could join us (given one of her knees is still bothering her). 30 min each way and lots of stairs and bridges with hand rails. Both a unique and beautiful hike — especially for the non-hikers or those who tend to hike irregularly.
Proof of completion of the Able Tasman National Park hike
I think my favorite part of this hike was the long suspension bridge that was near the end of the hike. It felt like one of those “fun” bridges they make for kids in playgrounds given that it swings and bounces if you jump up and down or run across it. Not that we did any of that. No. No. Purely hypothetical given our experience walking safely across.
One of many pictures taken on this bridge … here are a few others:
The hike was unique not just for the structures that were carefully sculpted into the trail to and from the main waterfall, but also all the fern trees that provide cover and shade through the walk there and the picturesque river with giant boulders we walked besides (and made a constant rushing water sound in the background).
And, of course, the waterfall was worth the trip in and of itself. We took many pictures in front of it and by itself.
Very beautiful waterfall at the end of the hike
And, there were lots of cows to greet us both at the beginning and upon our return. Very nice hike and would be happy to do it again.
Lots of cows hanging around at the start of the hike … just a few here
I think I buried the lead here so, please forgive me. This hike is just off the coast which has the most spectacular views of them all. See for yourself:
Your view just before turning to enter the hike’s trail head
