About Nelson - Prep for Abel Tasman Track

Next stop Nelson for our final prep for the Abel Tasman Track, an hour away from arguably the most beautiful of NZ’s Great Walks. More importantly, the least strenuous with a max elevation of 300 feet, but don’t ask Sandi how many times she climbed that 300 feet. We shopped for all those last minute camping essentials to add maximum comfort to our wilderness experience and wow our fellow trampers with the latest essential feather-light trail gadget. Then we settled in for a restful night at Paridiso Backpackers. Well not so restful, as it turned out to be the Club Med of youth hostels. Pool, bar in a bus, hot tub, free Top Ramen on arrival and all the watered down soup of the day you can eat. 180 beds in all varieties and combinations were packed into one very lively facility. One girl sat on Sandi’s head climbing down from a loft bed above the lobby. It was a 20-something paradise and they celebrated all night long. We hit the trail in Marahau at dawn, well how about 2 PM.