Abel Tasman National Park: Beaches, Hikes & Kayaking Adventures

Tucked away at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise that feels worlds away from the everyday. With golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush native forest, this small but spectacular park invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature, one beautiful bay at a time.

Why Visit Abel Tasman National Park?

Renowned for its easy accessibility and year-round sunshine, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand, offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring by foot, kayak, or water taxi, the park’s calm conditions and well-marked tracks make it ideal for travellers of all fitness levels.

You can spend a day wandering along sun-dappled trails, or embark on a multi-day coastal walk where each night brings you to a new golden beach. And with its mild climate, this part of the South Island is inviting in every season.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and for good reason. Stretching 60 kilometres from Mārahau to Wainui, the track winds through native forest, across swing bridges, and along beaches where you can kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the sea.

Many travellers choose to walk just a section of the track, using water taxis to skip ahead or return to their starting point. This flexibility makes it a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy the park’s beauty at a relaxed pace, without the need for heavy packs or long days of hiking.

Kayaking Adventures and Water Taxis

For a different perspective, step into a kayak and glide along the park’s turquoise coastline. Paddling between sheltered coves and hidden beaches gives you a front-row seat to the wildlife that makes Abel Tasman National Park so special, playful seals, little blue penguins, and sea birds that swoop low over the waves.

Guided tours are available for all skill levels, offering a safe and enriching way to explore. Or, if you prefer to stay dry, water taxis provide an easy and scenic alternative, linking the park’s main beaches and walking tracks with plenty of flexibility.

Top Beaches to Visit

• Anchorage Bay - A favourite overnight stop, with clear swimming waters and a short walk to the Pitt Head lookout.
• Torrent Bay - A charming coastal village where you can enjoy a picnic or swim before catching a water taxi back to Mārahau.
• Bark Bay - Known for its sheltered lagoon and long sandy stretch, perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Awaroa Beach - Famous for being ‘bought by the people’ of New Zealand, this expansive beach is a must-see.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Best time to go: December to April for warm weather and calm seas, though the park is beautiful year-round.
• Getting there: Abel Tasman is around a 1-hour drive from Nelson or 30 minutes from Motueka, both great bases for exploring the region.
• Accommodation: Options range from beachfront lodges and boutique stays to glamping sites and DOC huts.

Experience the Magic of Abel Tasman

Whether you’re walking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the sunshine, Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, delivers a rare kind of beauty, tranquil, golden, and wonderfully unspoiled.

It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and let New Zealand’s natural charm wash over you.