Local Tips
Insider knowledge & tips on the best parts of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Insider knowledge, tips, and stories from our favourite parts of the Abel Tasman region.
Enjoy reading our stories from the around the region. AbelTasman.com produces the annual Abel Tasman Magazine, if you miss out on the print version you’ll find many of the articles, stories and images here. We like to think that this collection of informative blogs will help you appreciate the park and it’s region just that little bit more!
Spotlight on Pelorus Bridge
Pelorus Bridge is located on the Marlborough side of the border with the Nelson District, between Havelock to the north and Rye Valley to the south. The bridge itself crosses the Pelorus River where
Kōtuku – White Heron – Bird of the moment
If you are travelling near the estuaries or coastal marshlands in the Abel Tasman then you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the elegant kōtuku, or white heron. The white heron has
THE PIE GUIDE TO NELSON TASMAN
Let’s start with the bad news – Nelson is surprisingly devoid of good pies. Take it from someone who takes such things very seriously. Yes it’s true, Nelson has a weak spot when it comes to
Even Further Off Leash Dog Walks in Nelson Tasman
I’m starting to think this annual feature should be renamed: ‘The Mis-adventures of Brendan and Maggie, The High-needs Sheepdog’. While we do have Maggie’s epilepsy and incontinence under control through medication, she hasn’t re-torn her cruciate
Hunting & Gathering in Nelson Tasman
The Nelson Tasman region is home to some of the best hunting and fishing in Aotearoa, and it is also an easy drive to places like the West Coast, North Canterbury, the Marlborough Sounds
Abel Tasman Cycling – Circumnavigating the Abel Tasman National Park
Greg Buckett share’s one of his favourite local cycling adventures adventures with you. Abel Tasman Cycling – Circumnavigating the Abel Tasman National Park Adventuring in the Abel Tasman National Park on foot is something
Spotlight on Tōtaranui campground
Tōtaranui campground is my favourite camping ground in the country, well at least it is outside of the December/January peak season when the place is full to capacity. We did camp there once during
Guiding the Kayak Guides – NMIT Adventure Tourism and Guiding
If you have ever kayaked in the Abel Tasman there is a high chance your kayak guides will be graduates of the NMIT Te Pūkenga Adventure Tourism and Guiding Course. The odds of this
An Abel Tasman Day Trip – Bark Bay to Anchorage
Thinking of planning an Abel Tasman day trip? Imagine this: golden sand beaches, lush native forests and crystal clear waters – the perfect adventure setting for a walk from Anchorage to Bark Bay. This
A guide to off leash dog walking trails in the Tasman – Part 2
If there is one thing this recent world-wide period of change and uncertainty has impressed upon me, it is a renewed gratitude for the simple joys in life. For me, one of those most
Spotlight on Marahau
Mārahau: Gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park My very first visit to Mārahau was in July 1997, and I have to admit, my first impression was not entirely favourable. I was only back
The Riwaka Hotel – My New Local
When I attended the opening of the revitalised and completely refurbished Riwaka Hotel in December 2020, saw the fit out and gazed longingly at the huge lineup of craft beers on tap, I knew
Conservation in the Park
Conservation in the Abel Tasman National Park is increasingly being recognised nationally as an ecological success story. This includes the assisted regeneration of the native flora and fauna over the past twenty-plus years. Attempts
Mārahau Pledge – A pledge to the future
In my experience, there are fewer things more natural than talking about sustainability and conservation with tourism operators. Whilst the visitor sector has been subject to plenty of criticism in recent years, I have
Winter in the Abel Tasman
A quintessent winter day in the Nelson Tasman region starts out with clear blue skies, temperatures hovering around zero and the grass covered in a layer of frost. By mid-morning however, the temperatures will