Kia Ora & Welcome to the Official Local’s Guide to the Abel Tasman!
The Abel Tasman National Park is located in the beautiful Nelson Tasman region of the South Island of New Zealand. Named after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642, it is New Zealand’s smallest national park covering an area of 237 km2. It’s also the park which attracts the most visitors each year!
A major contributing factor to the park’s popularity is it’s accessibility. The Abel Tasman is easily accessed by boat, water taxi or on foot. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty and many outdoor activities including walking, camping, canyoning and kayaking.
You’ll see water taxi services shuttling people to and from the various golden beaches up and down the lush coastline all year round. It’s also possible to walk the length of the park on the coast track, starting at the southern end in Marahau or from the northern end at Wainui Bay.
The Abel Tasman is also known for its fabulous sea kayaking and is perfect for first-time paddlers or for seasoned kayakers. It’s possible to hire a kayak and explore at your own pace, or book a guided trip with one of the local commercial operators in the region.
Trips in the Abel Tasman
New Zealand’s most accessible National Park is full of stunning coastal scenery and native wildlife. With so many ways to explore the park, it’s often hard to know where to start. To help you plan your perfect day along the Abel Tasman track, you can choose from a variety of trip options.
Ngaio Island
Freedom Kayak | Half Day
Southern Coast
Freedom Kayak | Half Day
Split Apple Paddle
Freedom Kayak | Half Day
Slice of Paradise
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Water Taxi – One Way Fare
Water Taxi | Half Day
Beaches & Bays
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Plan Your Trip
Although not a lot of planning is required to enjoy your time in the Abel Tasman, some basic preparation can greatly enhance your experience. We’ve put together a few important guides with information about what to bring, the weather & tides, park accommodation and staying safe. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a few nights in the park it’s a good idea to plan and prepare.
Prepare
Here
Park
Abel Tasman
Asked
Questions
Learn about the park
The Abel Tasman has a rich history and is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Abel Tasman Coast Track. You’ll also find a variety of unique wildlife and native plants on your visit.
Coast Track
History
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Fauna
Walks
Winter in the Abel Tasman National Park
Yes, the park is accessible all year round and winter in the Abel Tasman is quite spectacular! There are no crowds or sandflies, and the light from the winter sun is perfect for photography. The low season spans from 1st May to 30th September 30th. Although the days are shorter & cooler, you can still see water taxis dropping people off at the various bays and beaches along the coast track, as well as a few adventurers out in kayaks.
Looking for that perfect gift?
Give someone an amazing experience with an Abel Tasman gift voucher. Create life long memories of an adventurous kayaking trip or day trip into our stunning national park.
Your gift of experience is also better for the environment!
Every journey with us is zero carbon and a portion of every purchase goes towards the environmental protection of our local ecology.
Proud to be a certified Zero Carbon business
We offset 100% of our emissions and make a contribution to the Abel Tasman National Park & local conservation projects on behalf of every customer. We believe that enjoying our stunning natural environment and protecting it go hand in hand. Your experience with us will help plant native trees, restore waterways, build climate resilience and restore our biodiversity.
Find out more about our commitment and journey towards sustainable tourism.
Learn about the Environmental Access Fee (EAF) – the portion of your ticket price that goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy in the park.
Need help deciding what to do?
Explore our top suggestions for “things to do” in our favourite National Park
Local Tips
We’ve asked a few of these seafaring salty-dogs and outdoor-types to share some of their inside knowledge and favourite parts of the Abel Tasman region.
Off the Beaten Cycle Trail READ MORE >
What to bring? – The Abel Tasman packing list READ MORE >
A guide to walking in the Abel Tasman READ MORE >
The Nelson Tasman Region
Nelson Tasman is famous for its sunny settled climate, artisan food & beverage offering and stunning natural landscapes. The region is bursting with creativity and atmosphere with over 350 working artists across Nelson Tasman. Whether you want to taste the wine of Nelson Tasman, cycle the world class trails or enjoy one of the many fantastic cafes – Nelson Tasman really does have something for everyone.
Conservation
Like many parts of the world, the park has its fair share of environmental challenges, but thanks to the work of local community groups and philanthropists, an incredible conservation story is emerging. Groups such as Project Janszoon, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust and the Department of Conservation are working hard to restore the Park back to its original biodiversity and the progress so far is very promising.
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