It may be the smallest national park in New Zealand, but Abel Tasman might be one of the best places in the world to visit if you’re into your water sports, or just want to relax on a pristine white sand beach.
With plenty to do year-round and untouched wilderness surrounding some of the best bays we’ve seen anywhere for sea kayaking, if you’re a beach lover then be sure to add Abel Tasman National Park to your itinerary.
Getting to Abel Tasman National Park
You’ll likely be flying or getting the bus into the nearest city, Nelson when starting your trip to Abel Tasman National Park.
Across the Tasman bay from Nelson, the National Park is easy to access by road, and takes just over an hour in a car from the city centre to the village Marahau, where you can get a water taxi to Totaranui (the furthest you can go in a commercial boat). Alternatively you can use local bus services to get between Nelson and Marahau before taking your taxi if you don’t want to rent a car. There are also routes via the water from Kaiteriteri.
Looking for a challenge? Walk the coast track from Marahau around the park if you’re looking for the full Abel Tasman experience, with huts along the route for a multi-day trek. Be sure to book with the Department of Conservation if you’re planning on walking and using huts and campsites.
You can’t drive to the most stunning parts of the park, so will need to either get a water taxi or walk the costal path.
Abel Tasman National Park: What to do while you’re here
Sea Kayaking
Much of Abel Tasman’s natural beauty can only be witnessed truly from the sea. Grab a sea kayak and head out into the stunning waters of the Tasman bay, where you can explore hidden coves and follow the coast at your own pace. It’s the best way to experience what this stunning piece of the world has to offer.
Take on the Abel Tasman Coast Track
A 60km walk that takes about five days to complete, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is best for backpackers looking to make a multi-day expedition out of their time at the national park. It may be a long walk, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re into spending time in nature and the great outdoors. Make sure to book your camping or hut stays in advance and you’ll be set for a challenging but well-trodden route along the coast.
Chill on the beach
Depending on tides and weather, and whether you’re willing to kayak, walk, or get a water taxi, there are plenty of beaches and secret coves along the coast. How easy they are to access varies considerably depending on how far you want to walk/kayak. If that’s what you’re looking to do we recommend you head out and explore for yourself to find your own piece of secluded heaven.
For those looking to grab a water taxi, there are a handful of accessible beaches you can head to which still provide stunning waters, views, and sand to spend your day lounging. The most popular would have to be Anchorage, with regular services and handy facilities. A little busier than picking your own bay, but still a great option.
Where to stay when visiting Abel Tasman National Park
The best thing about national parks in New Zealand is that they’re set up for accommodation. With a mix of huts and campsites around the entire costal path, you’ll have somewhere to stay. If you’re walking, there are well-established itineraries which break down the walk between these sites. You must book if you’re staying in a hut or campsite in advance. Which can be done on the Department of Conservation website.
Can you do a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park?
Yes! The park has plenty to do for visits of all lengths, from multi-day expeditions around the Great Walk to single-day experiences. You can grab a water taxi around the coast of the national park where you can be dropped off at a number of the sweeping bays along the coast in the morning, and picked up again later in the day. It’s a great way to see the best bits of the park if you’re making a flying visit or are looking for a more relaxed experience.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Abel Tasman National Park depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. If you’re looking for the best chance of decent weather and to lounge on a beach, head in the summer (December-February).
We recommend heading a bit before or after then though if you’re looking for a good mix of decent weather and some quiet. It’s nice to experience the coast at your own pace, without having to worry about crowds, and the water is pretty still at this time of year too, making more of the beaches and coves accessible.
Practical tips for visiting
- If you’re only planning to visit for a day or two, get a water taxi to your chosen beach and walk between these, rather than trying to take on the full costal walk.
- Keep an eye on water taxi timetables, they change throughout the year, and can even change day-to-day as weather and tidal conditions shift.
- Consider a guided tour or cruise if you aren’t sure where you should be heading or want to see as much as possible in the least amount of time.
- Always book your walk and accommodation with the Department of Conservation well in advance of your trip to avoid disappointment if you’re taking on the Great Walk around the coast. This applies for all of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
- Prepare for all weathers. New Zealand’s weather can shift in a heartbeat, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the forecast. If things look unpredictable, plan your kit and clothes accordingly.
- Download maps and anything you might need for your phone before getting to the park — signal is extremely patchy and you likely won’t have any for most of your trip.
