Abel Tasman National Park
Welcome to Abel Tasman National Park
The insider's travel guide to Abel Tasman National ParkAbel Tasman’s compact size makes it an easy place for trips to beautiful beaches, day hikes, longer treks, boat rides along the coast, and kayaking excursions. While the five-day Coast Track is the most famous walk, shorter sections can be done with the help of water taxi transfers, and the Inland Track sees far fewer trekkers.
The Abel Tasman National Park atlas
2 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere-
Distance: Approx. 60 km Duration: Three to five days Start: Marahau End: Wainui or Totaranui Difficulty: Mild Five days of magnificent coastal scenery in the stunning Nelson Tasman region – what’s not to like? The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is an enchanting coastal trek through forests, beaches, and granite cliffs. The route stretches around 60 km and usually takes three to five days to complete, starting at Marahau and finishing in Wainui or Totaranui.You'll see Cleopatra's Pool, a natural rock pool, and enjoy views over Tasman Bay. You might even spot seals basking on the rocks at Tonga Island. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track can be hiked year-round with its well-marked trails. However, it's best enjoyed in the summer when you can enjoy the beachside setting. Accommodation includes both campsites and huts managed by the Department of Conservation, and due to its popularity, early booking is recommended.
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The top of the South is a microcosm of the country, with diverse mountains, beaches, forests, lakes, and wildlife. Arrive in the Marlborough Sounds and complete a loop along the northern and western coastline, and through the mountains.The ferry from Wellington takes about three hours, and passes through the dramatic Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken valleys and isolated bays. Picton is the largest town in the sounds, and offers wildlife-watching cruises with chances of seeing penguins and dusky dolphins.From Picton, follow the Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, a handy lunch stop on the way to Nelson.Spend a day or two in pleasant Nelson, the largest city at the top of the South Island, or continue directly to the Abel Tasman National Park.Continue on to Golden Bay, over the slow and winding road to Takaka, a preferable base for exploring the western side of Abel Tasman.Return over the Takaka Hill, to leave Golden Bay and head to the small village of St. Arnaud, on Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes. How long you spend at the Nelson Lakes depends on how much hiking you want to do.From St. Arnaud, continue in the direction of Murchison for great white-water rafting on the Buller River, and then on to Greymouth on the West Coast. Stop at Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks on the way.After a day at the Hokitika Gorge, head east to Hanmer Springs. The journey traverses the 740-metre Arthur’s Pass, through the mountains of the Arthur’s Pass National Park.Finally, head to Christchurch to connect to an international flight or continue road tripping for a few more days, up the east coast, to make a full loop back to Picton.
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Abel Tasman Coastal Track
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South Island Road Trip
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