Home / Our CompanyThe Abel Tasman National Park is
best known for its stunning golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and the
world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. It also has a mild climate and is a good
place to visit at any time of the year.
At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park. It is
located at the top of the South Island; the nearest towns are Motueka and the
holiday village of Kaiteriteri
For at least 500 years Maori lived along the Abel Tasman coast, gathering food
from the sea, estuaries and forests, and growing food on suitable sites, on 18
December 1642, the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman anchored his two ships near Wainui
in Mohua (Golden Bay), the first European to visit New Zealand. He
lost four crew in a skirmish with the local people and soon moved on.
The most noticeable features of this park are the golden sandy beaches, the
fascinating rocky outcrops and the rich, unmodified estuaries.
The more common forest birds, like Tui and Bellbirds, can be seen along with
Pukeko around the estuaries and wetlands. The park's boundary excludes the
estuaries and seabed but in 1993 the Tonga Island Marine Reserve was created
along one part of the Abel Tasman coast.
Activities in Abel Tasman National Park
There are two main options for visitors wanting to explore the Abel Tasman National Park either on day trips or by getting the best from your visit on multi day overnight guided trips staying in beachfront lodges.
Walking
The coastal Abel Tasman Track is quite easy and suitable for most abilities and ages the track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks.Options include
Several short walks are available around the road ends. You can also take advantage of the water transport service, which can drop you off part way along the coast.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking allows you to access some of the sheltered coves that the track bypasses. Tonga Island, a seal breeding colony is visited by approved operators, but is otherwise not suitable for general public access.Options include
1 Day Kayaking
1 Day Kayak & Walk
2 Day Kayaking
3 Day Kayak & Walk
5 Day Kayak & Walk
Accommodation
Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa Bay
Torrent Bay Lodge - Torrent Bay
Abel Tasman National Park Sailing trips are also available