🌊 Day 5 – Seals, Jellybeans, Boats and a Sunset at Kaiteriteri Bay

The morning started slow and easy — brekky outside the van with that unbeatable beach view, Ali flicking through the map while The day had that feel something special was coming.

Before our half-day coastal cruise, the girls had a quick play in the swings across from the beach. Then it was time to board calm as a pond, sun glinting off the turquoise water, everyone rugged up and ready for adventure.

🐚 The Magic of the Abel Tasman Coast

The boat slipped along the Abel Tasman coastline lush green forest, gold sand, and that surreal green-blue water that looks painted on. We passed the famous Split Apple Rock, perfectly perched like some ancient sculpture of balance. According to Māori legend, the rock was split by the god of thunder when two warring deities fought over it a reminder that even beauty here comes with a story.

A bit further along, we spotted movement on the rocks fur seals, basking in the morning sun, flippers outstretched like they owned the place. The girls were glued to the railings, pointing and giggling. It’s something different when you see them in the wild peaceful, natural, and just part of the rhythm of the coast.

🦭 On Board with the Crew

The skipper gave us a running commentary We cruised past quiet coves and untouched bays, the kind of places you can only reach by boat or a seriously long hike. The air was cool but the sun strong classic New Zealand spring weather.

On the way back we sat on the roof deck, faces in the wind, the ocean glittering behind us. Dots was more interested in her new bucket from the shop, but that’s travel life with kids sometimes the highlight isn’t the seals, it’s the sand toys.

🍟 Lunch, Ducks, and Dulux Jellybeans

Back on dry land, lunch hit the spot fish and chips for me, halloumi tacos for Ali, a cheese sandwich for Georgia, and mini fish and chips for Dottie. We sat outside the café, watching the bay sparkle.

Then, we went to the beach and like clockwork, two ducks strutted over the sand like they owned the joint. Totally unbothered by people, they waddled right up looking for crumbs. Between them and the seals earlier, the day had officially turned into a wildlife parade.

Later, while the girls played in the sandpit, Dottie uncovered something a bright tin labelled Dulux Jellybeans. At first glance it looked like a paint tin, but no it was an actual confectionery tub made by Dulux, complete with jellybeans inside. Who knew New Zealand’s sweetest treats came with a DIY twist?

“Worth doing, worth Dulux,” the label read. Turns out even the candy here has personality.

🏕️ Evening Calm

The late afternoon drifted by in perfect rhythm the girls back at the playground, Ali checking the next few days’ route, me sorting photos looking after kids and soaking it all in.

Dinner was sausage and bacon, We cleaned up, showered, and had a chat with the Aussies parked next to us a friendly couple road-tripping who flew down from north of Newcastle.

Then, as the light faded, I wandered down to the sand for one last photo. Boats gently rocking in the bay, water still as glass, the sky fading from gold to blue.