Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park, but it packs a punch with golden-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal forest. This is a place where you can hike through fragrant manuka and kanuka groves, kayak along a pristine coastline, and spot seals basking on granite rocks. The park's gentle climate and accessible tracks make it a favorite for both day-trippers and multi-day trampers.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Track: One of New Zealand's Great Walks, this 60km track offers stunning coastal views, tidal estuaries, and secluded coves. You can walk the whole thing in 3-5 days or do shorter day walks.
• Anchorage & Watering Cove: Two of the park's most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and spotting fur seals.
• Cleopatra's Pool: A natural rock water slide and swimming hole, reached via a short side track from the main path.
• Kaiteriteri Beach: The main gateway to the park, with golden sand and boat tours that take you to the park's highlights.
• Marahau: The southern entrance, where you can hire kayaks, join a guided sea-kayaking trip, or start the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
• Split Apple Rock: A distinctive granite boulder split in two, just offshore near Kaiteriteri.

Suggested Time to Spend

Spend at least two days to fully appreciate the park. If you're short on time, a day trip from Nelson or Motueka is possible: take a water taxi to a beach like Anchorage, walk a section of the Coast Track, and catch another water taxi back. For a more immersive experience, book a three-day guided kayak trip or walk the entire Coast Track over 3-5 days, staying in DOC huts or campsites. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is warm and the days are long.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson: The sunny city is a great base, with its craft breweries, art galleries, and Saturday market.
• Motueka: A laid-back town with orchards, vineyards, and a lively farmers' market.
• Golden Bay & Farewell Spit: Wild beaches, the iconic Te Waikoropupu Springs, and a nature reserve for birdwatching.
• Kahurangi National Park: New Zealand's second-largest national park, with the Heaphy Track and the remote Boulder Lake.
• Nelson Lakes National Park: Pristine alpine lakes and beech forest, perfect for hiking and fishing.

Please check official sources for current details.