Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park, located in the north of the South Island, is the smallest national park in New Zealand at 22,530 hectares. The closest towns are Takaka, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri.

This park opened in 1942 and out of all the national parks in New Zealand it may be the most famous one. The reason for its fame being that it has earned a reputation for having beautiful beaches with golden sand, original and natural estuaries, and many geological features in rocky outcrops and cliffs. A Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman first visited this region in 1642 which is where the park gets its name.

The Abel Tasman National Park is well known for a mild climate with popular beaches and plenty of sunshine hours in summer. It is basically a mixture of laid back beach life and snorkeling combined with opportunity for adventure such as hiking and kayaking. There is an abundance of wildlife and some of the birds and animals you may see when visiting the park include; dolphins and fur seals, small blue penguins, gannets, cormorants, Weka, Bellbirds, Pukekhoes, and Tui.

Golden Beach, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

The Abel Tasman Coast Track, also famous for walks and tramping, is located in this South Island national park on the north shores, and is one of the New Zealand nine Great Walks. Kayaking is another popular activity across the Abel Tasman Park.

There is an ancient Maori pa site with fantastic views where you can still see evidence of the food pits and terracing. The site can be accessed via a hiking track leading up Pitt Head from Te Pukatea Bay.

Activities in the Park

Kayaking, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

If you are passing through the park for a quick one day visit there are numerous sightseeing opportunities through walking tracks or by boat and water taxi services. You can find out about these at the settlements of Kaiteriteri, Marahau, or Motueka. It is advisable to book in advance if you'd like a boat trip, guided walk or tour by kayak, particularly in the summer months.

One of the New Zealand ‘Great Walks’ that takes three to five days to walk is the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. The coastal track takes you through forests and around headlands, passing some of the parks sandy beaches and can be walked in any season of the year. Alternatively taking one of the tracks inland to Takaka Hill will give you a different view and perspective of the landscape of the park. There are also hiking huts, camp sites, and lodges in the Park if you like your independence.

Accommodation

There are a variety of types of accommodation whether you are looking for a luxurious lodge, bed and breakfast, hostel, or camping. Settlements to look for accommodation in the area are Totaranui to the northern end of the park, Kaiteriteri and Marahau to the southern end, with Torrent Bay and Awaroa being good for the availability of private lodges.

Four hikers' ‘Great Walks’ huts are provided along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track by the Department of Conservation and similarly standard huts are also provided along the inland tracks. These DOC huts should include mattresses, toilets, water, and may have some cooking facilities. There are also campsites in the park that will include facilities such as toilets, water, and fireplaces. Be aware that in the peak summer season you will need to book huts and campsites with the DOC.

Map of National Parks in New Zealand

This map shows you where all the National Parks in NZ and my main section on New Zealand National Parks gives the full list with descriptions of all parks across the whole of New Zealand.