Our summer is officially over now that it is early March - and instead of relentless sunny days the sky has been grey today - but still no rain! While waiting for the further sunny days that are forecast, I decided to delight the eyes with the almost unnaturally bright colours of sunny days at Abel Tasman - as the park is generally referred to. (He was a Dutch explorer who was in charge of the first European expedition to sight New Zealand - in 1642 - and it was from the Dutch Zeeland that we got our name.)
To start - a corner of the beach at Anchorage on a bright summer day with the typical golden sand, dense native bush (forest) and the somewhat emerald hue of the water when it is shallow.
Next, the greens of backlit ferns, framed by silhouetted tree ferns - seen on a bush walk between Anchorage and Torrent Bay. The native bush in this area is quite lovely, with lots of ferns, kiekie, rata, kanuka, akeake, mahoe and some black beech. I love the patterns and textures of fern fronds, and was taken by the bright light making such a strong contrast - to my eyes almost like a stained glass window.
Last, a view of the tidal flats by Marahau, at the southern end and beginning of the Coastal Track. The sandy flats are great for horseriding.
The rich blue of the sea and the reflections of the sky in the shallow water on the sand contrasts with the golden sand and the dark green of the bush on the headland and islands.
The colours of Marahau in the bright light of early evening.