Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a long trail winding over beaches and across ridges between Marahau in the south and Wainui in the north. The headland at Separation Point is home to New Zealand fur seal colonies. Little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals inhabit the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
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Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's also one of the most beautiful places in the country. Home to one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the national park boasts white sand, secluded coves and the occasional waterfall, all nestled in lush, green bush.
Many of the park's visitors are here for day trips, spending their time doing a short section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track or just relaxing at a tiny bay. However, there's also a range of accommodation options available if you want to stay longer or overnight. There's also a variety of outdoor activities to keep you busy, including kayaking between the bays and swimming in the clear water.
Being so close to nature is a peaceful experience and the scenery at the park is truly stunning. On a sunny day, the water in the little bays is so clear you can see down to the sandy bottom. Whatever you do at the park, your adventures at Abel Tasman National Park will be one of the highlights of your travels in New Zealand.
Most visitors to the national park will be driving (Nelson Airport is about a hour's drive from the park), although there are some tours available from Nelson. However, cars are not allowed inside Abel Tasman National Park. That means that if you're driving, you'll have to park your car and access the bays or tracks by water taxi, kayaking or walking. While there are a number of entrances into Abel Tasman National Park, be sure to pick one that works with your mode of transport.
Kaiteriteri Kaiteriteri is a beautiful beach 61km from Nelson and you can kayak or catch a water taxi into the park from here. It's a lovely way to approach the national park and is very popular with visitors, especially those doing a day trip. However, this is not a point you want to walk from, as it's a 7km from Kaiteriteri to the closest walking track entrance.
Marahau If you want to walk into the park, start in Marahau, the southern entrance. There's a DOC car park here where you can leave your car or campervan. It's 67km from Nelson and is the only entrance where you can walk directly into the park.
Wainui If you're coming from Takaka, the northern entrance, Wainui is probably the most convenient. There is a carpark here as well. Just keep in mind that the last 2km of road is unsealed and you'll have to walk for that bit of the journey.
Water taxis Water taxis are available all year round and have a fairly regular schedule. You do have to book these in advance, but the day before or morning of your visit is usually fine. The scheduled water taxi pickup locations are Apple Tree Bay, Anchorage, Medlands Bay, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Onetahuti, Awaroa and Totaranui.
Some of the water taxi and kayak companies will have a shuttle bus to pick you up from your accommodation and take you to one of the park entrances. With relatively mild winters across most of the region, you can visit the Abel Tasman National Park at any time. Go between November and May to make the most of the your time outdoors hiking, kayaking and camping in the bush. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach, keep your trip for the summer. As well as swimming in the secluded coves at Abel Tasman National Park, you can also swim and sunbathe at beautiful Golden Bay on the other side of the mountain range.
If you're visiting the national park in winter, and also enjoy snow sports , include nearby St Arnaud in your itinerary. The Rainbow Ski Field offers skiing and snowboarding options for all abilities. The Nelson Lakes National Park is also stunning in winter so enjoy those spectacular, snowy views. One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coastal track follows the coast through the Abel Tasman National Park. The walk takes 3-5 days along a shady track surrounded by native bush. There are multiple huts and camp sites along the track, usually at one of the tiny bays which are scalloped into...
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Abel Tasman National Park, nestled on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a true gem offering a perfect blend of pristine beaches, lush forests, and captivating coastal landscapes. Stretching over 55,000 hectares, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
One of the park's highlights is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a 60-kilometer hiking trail that winds its way along golden sandy beaches, through native bushland, and past picturesque tidal inlets. The track offers varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all abilities. Along the way, visitors can marvel at the park's diverse flora and fauna, including native birds such as the playful weka and the iconic New Zealand robin.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, kayaking along the park's crystal-clear waters is a popular choice. Paddlers can explore hidden coves, remote beaches, and towering sea cliffs, all while soaking in the tranquility of the surrounding natural beauty.
Camping is another popular activity within the park, with several designated campsites offering stunning ocean views and basic facilities. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the sight of a golden sunrise over the horizon is an experience not to be missed.
Overall, Abel Tasman National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in New Zealand's stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach, this park has something to offer...
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Abel Tasman National Park is an absolute paradise on Earth! From the moment I set foot in this stunning coastal gem, I was captivated by its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush native forests.
The hiking trails offer breathtaking views at every turn, and the sight of the golden sands against the backdrop of the vibrant blue ocean is nothing short of mesmerizing. The calm, serene environment makes it the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.
Exploring the park by kayak was a mesmerizing experience, allowing me to paddle through hidden coves and around rugged cliffs shrouded in native bush. The wildlife, from playful seals to various bird species, added an extra touch of magic to the adventure.
I also had the opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches, feeling the warm sun on my skin and the soft sand between my toes. The sense of tranquility and beauty is simply unparalleled.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Abel Tasman National Park has something to offer for everyone. The pure natural beauty and the harmony of land and sea creates an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
The park's preservation of its natural environment is commendable, and the efforts to maintain its ecological integrity are truly remarkable.
I wholeheartedly recommend Abel Tasman National Park to anyone looking for a place of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. It's an experience that will touch your soul and leave you with...
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