Kaiteriteri – Gateway to Abel Tasman

The Golden Sands of Kaiteriteri

Kaiteriteri Beach is loved by both NZ’s and foreigners alike.  We can understand why it has been ranked as No. 68 on a list of the world’s best 100 beaches by CNN.  Kiwis also thought it was worth voting it in the Top 10 ‘most loved beaches’ in an AA poll.

There’s not much to dislike about this crescent-shaped bay which is the first golden sand beach on the Abel Tasman Coastline.  There is no doubting that it has that ‘wow factor’ as you descend from the winding access road through pine forests to see the beach unfurl in front of you.

Overlooking the golden crescent-shaped bay of Kaiteriteri and then the sands up close and personal

Famous for its golden sand and the most sunshine hours in New Zealand.  This was certainly a place we didn’t want to leave off our list of places to stay and play for a couple of days.

Where to Stay in Kaiteriteri

We travelled from Whatamango Bay DOC Camp (see our blog – Picton & The Link Pathway) and headed to Kaiteriteri.  It was around 180kms and took us just over 3 hours.

We narrowed our accommodation choices down to two.  The Bethany Park (also known as Bethany Christian Camp #6096) or the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve (#6093).

We are big fans of the NZMCA CampSaver Scheme.  This scheme allows camping grounds to offer winter rates to the members of the NZMCA.  This scheme is a win/win for both business and members and we like to support those business’ wherever possible.  At just $20 per night for a power site, it was our deciding factor to head to Bethany Park for a couple of nights.

Bethany Park

Although the camp is not located on the beachfront, it is only a short 15-minute stroll, either along the road or through a lovely tree-lined track.  The other added bonus is that you are a lot more sheltered should those coastal winds kick up.

It’s a spacious camp set on 7 acres of tree-clad land. The Ablution Block is spacious with a generous amount of showers and toilets and the obligatory laundry.  Costs –  showers (50 cents for 3 mins), washing machines ($3) and dryers ($2).  There was also plenty of clothesline space available. 

We were spoilt for choice as to where we could park in the spacious grounds

Bethany Park is a Christian Non-Profit organization governed by the Bethany Camp Trust Board.  I noticed that there were ‘no alcohol’ signs around the communal areas ie kitchen and BBQ outdoor areas, but can be consumed on your own site.

There was quite a community of fellow campers who were ‘wintering it over’ at the camp.  They all appeared to be in a specified area and looked like a lot of fun going on within the group.

The camp also allows pets (dogs on leads) which must be a big bonus for those wanting to have their furry family with them.

Things to do in Kaiteriteri

Now as mentioned earlier, Kaiteriteri is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.

This is not our first visit to this area so we didn’t feel the need to partake in any water-based activities.  Plus, of course, it was winter although the sun was shining.  The falling temperatures meant that we weren’t keen on repeating any of the trips that we had previously taken.  Click on the link of ‘Things to do in Kaiterieteri’ for more ideas on how to spend your time here.

Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail

Now, this was certainly something we wanted to check out.  Thanks, Coralie & Kevin Walton for directions and information on the trail.  Coralie and Kevin are one of the campers ‘wintering it over’ at Bethany.  What a spot to stay put over the colder months.  They are cycling their way around many of the trails in the local and greater area.

Click on the link below to view the map.

The Great Taste Cycle Trail loops through the Tasman Bay towns of Nelson, Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka and Kaiteriteri.  As it forms a big loop, (174km in total) the trail can be enjoyed in full over several days or cut down into shorter hops or day rides.

Here is a brief breakdown on the different sections of the trail:

• Nelson-Mapua (35km one way, grade 2/easy, 2-3 hours).  Starts at the Nelson i-SITE
• Mapua-Motueka (26km one way, grade 2/easy, 2-3 hours) Ruby Bay
• Motueka-Kaiteriteri (16km one way, grade 2/easy, 1-2 hours)
• Richmond-Wakefield (15km one way, grade 1/easiest, 1-1.5 hours)
• Wakefield-Kohatu (25km one way, grade 2/easy, 2-3 hours)
• Kohatu-Riwaka (57km one way, grade 3/intermediate, 3-6 hours)

For more information on starting and finishing points click on the link – Tasman’s Great Taste Trail.

We Hit the Track

It was the Kaiteriteri to Motueka return section that we wanted to cycle whilst staying here.

The weather was on our side as we set out from our camping spot at Bethany Park.  The entry to the trail is only a short distance from the camp.

The start of the track is clearly marked, bridge crossings and off-road track so no vehicles to navigate around

The trail takes you through the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.  If the words ‘mountain biking’ sends shivers down your spine, be rest assured that the trail you follow is not ‘hardcore’ and can quite easily be navigated.  Even riders without much mountain biking experience will enjoy the gently rolling and sweeping route.

We did get slightly confused as to which trail we should be on but we kept our eye out for the coloured markers and soon found our way through the park.  We checked our progress on maps.me to confirm we were on the right track.  If you haven’t yet downloaded maps.me app onto your phone, it is an excellent tool to find your way without using data so no connection is required.  You’ll find that it shows most walking and cycling tracks using GPS and your current location.

There is an underpass which provides safe access under the road where you continue on your way to Motueka.

Once we were clear of the Mountain Bike Park, it was a smooth and flat ride and it was mainly all off-road so there was no traffic to contend with.

Motueka

After cycling approximately 16km we found ourselves surrounded by fruit orchards and hop gardens.  We thoroughly enjoyed the blend of rural and coastal scenery as we cycled along the trail.

Crossing the stunning Motueka River bridge, a memorial to the 1st settlers in the area and serene coastal vistas

We crossed over the impressive Motueka River before entering into the main township.  After Richmond, it is the second largest township in the Tasman area.

During the fruit and hop growing seasons, the town’s population swells as local growers employ a myriad of seasonal workers to come and help with the harvesting.  Motueka was formerly the main centre of the tobacco growing industry in NZ.  There are also now a number of vineyards which have developed in recent years

The Janie Seddon Wreck

The wreck of the Janie Seddon sits derelict off the Motueka foreshore and has been sitting there rotting for a number of years.

She was the first fishing boat purchased by the Talley’s fishing group.  After sinking at her moorings, she was left to rot at her current location.

The sorry state of the Janie Seddon, the beautiful coastline and Scotty patiently waiting for me to take photos (he’s smiling on the inside!!!)

However, her history goes way beyond the Talley’s purchase.  The Janie Seddon was originally bought by the NZ government as a military vessel.  She is the last surviving NZ military ship to have served in both World Wars.  It is such a shame she is ending her days in a less than glorified manner.

Saltwater Swimming Baths

Motueka boasts a very special and historic tidal swimming pool.  We have been told there isn’t another one like it in NZ (not sure if this is correct….does anyone else know?).  Built in 1938, when it was considered too dangerous to swim in the ocean, generations of families have stepped off the pool’s stone steps into the saltwater pool.

The Saltwater Pools unique to Motueka

It’s a simple operation where a manually-operated floodgate is lifted to drain the water and the high tides are enough to refill it.  It takes 40 minutes to empty and is cleaned out every 10 days (during the summer of course).

The Motueka foreshore was indeed very picturesque and we enjoyed our cycle ride to the end of the spit.  We doubled back and rode through town before making our way back to base camp in Kaiteriteri.

There was a strong headwind coming home so the legs got a good workout, even on my e-bike!

Worth a Return Visit

Kaiteriteri makes an ideal base to explore the local area and if you want to venture further afield.  Although we were only here two nights, it is a spot that we would like to return to and explore a little more.  

Click on the link below to see a video of some of our highlights of Kaiteriteri and the Great Taste Cycle Trail.