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!
Fantasy Island
Who doesn’t like the idea of visiting a tropical island? Sitting proudly and prominently in the Astrolabe Roadstead are not one but two tropical islands, and there is no better way to check out these islands than in a kayak.
Golden Bay: One of my happiest of happy places
Whenever we’re looking for a short break we find ourselves drawn back to Golden Bay time and time again. And the more time I spend on the other side of Takaka Hill the more my love affair with all things Golden Bay seems to grow.
Straight to the heart of the Park!
If you’ve only got a half-day to spare, or if you don’t really want to commit to a full-day of paddling, the Marine Reserve Express is the trip for you!
A one-way ticket to Anchorage
Our most frequently asked frequently asked question? What is your most popular trip? The answer: The classic one-way trip to Anchorage and a walk back to Marahau.
One night in paradise is still a night in paradise!
One night is not a lot of time, but as locals who live close to the Abel Tasman we have always found it well worthwhile when we’ve headed into the Park, even for a single night of camping.
Tramping Beyond The Abel Tasman
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a fantastic introduction to tramping. Once you’ve completed a multi-day tramp in the Park, there is no end of options for more tracks to explore. But you’ll need some preparation and perhaps a touch of madness if you’re planning on some more challenging treks through New Zealand’s more remote areas.
River Swimming In & Around the Abel Tasman
The Abel Tasman area is chock-full of fantastic freshwater swimming spots. Each summer I make it a personal mission to try out as many of these often out-of-the-way swimming holes as possible.
Places to Eat in Marahau – Hooked
Hooked is a great option when it comes to places to eat in Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Hooked (previously known as Hooked on Marahau) is situated just 25 minutes
Places to Eat in Motueka – TOAD Hall
When it comes to places to eat in Motueka, we’ve got plenty of experience frequenting our local hospitality outlets. For a relatively small town, Motueka has an impressive list of local eateries to inspire
One of the Best Abel Tasman Walks
Some places are just so beautiful you just have to keep returning to ensure your memories have not been distorted over time. The Abel Tasman is exactly one of those places so we get out there and do a different section of the Park every time we get a chance.
Heidi’s top campsites in the Abel Tasman
Mosquito Bay My absolute top camping spot in the Park, despite its name, is Mosquito Bay. One of its key attractions for me is it is off the Coastal Track so is only accessible
Jared’s 5 top tips for visiting the Abel Tasman National Park
1. Spend the night in the Park. Day trips are great, but the most awesome, revitalising – I’m even going to say spiritual – experience you can have in the Abel Tasman National