Abel Tasman National Park

A coastal park of white-sand beaches, granite cliffs and rich forest

By Bachchat staff

Abel Tasman National Park is a place where the modern world can be left completely behind.

Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park (23,000ha), but it’s big on exquisite natural features. Spend your days in beautiful bays and coves. While in the park, keep an eye out for the birdlife along the way. This is truly a nature and water lover’s paradise.

This 22,530-hectare coastal park is made up of white-sand beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, rich forest and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

The park is a haven of golden sands, lush flora, and sheltered lagoons and coves. You can pop in for a day by foot or water, or the entire length of the park can be walked and/or kayaked in 3-5 days. Stunning beachfront lodges are on hand to accommodate the intrepid, indulgent and anywhere in between. Snorkel, kayak or swim in Tonga Island Marine Reserve and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and little blue penguins.The park can also be experienced via water taxi, catamaran and launch, as well as by helicopter and charter aircraft - you might say the sky’s the limit!

There are four main gateways to the park: Marahau and Kaiteriteri at the southern end, reached by road from Nelson and Motueka. The two northern entrances are at Totaranui and Wainui, reached by road from Takaka in Golden Bay. Regular and on-demand bus services provide access to both points, with many tour operators providing transport free to those taking guided tours.

The best way to get back to nature is to immerse yourself in it - and Abel Tasman National Park is the place to do it!

Where to stay

Abel Tasman National Park

What to do

• Take a kayak trip through the park
• Go for a walk along a deserted beach
• Snorkel in Tonga Island Marine Reserve
• Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track

More info

• Abel Tasman National Park

Getting there

• From Nelson by road: 68km