7 days
Photo: Hector Garcia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsAbel Tasman National Park
The top of the South and the West Coast
Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park and one of its sunniest places: golden sand beaches, granite headlands and clear water along the top of the South Island. There are no roads along the coast, so you explore by boat, kayak or on the Coast Track.
Things to do
- Water taxi and walk: Get dropped at Anchorage or Bark Bay and walk back.
- Sea kayaking: Guided trips past seals at Tonga Island.
- Coast Track: The easiest Great Walk, booked through DOC.
- Beach time: Swim at Anchorage, Te Pukatea or Awaroa.
Tip: Check the tides: some crossings, such as Awaroa inlet, can only be walked near low tide. See our Abel Tasman guide.
Who it suits
Families, beginners and anyone wanting a break from driving. It's busy in January, so book water taxis and kayaks ahead.
Getting there
- From Nelson: About 1 hour to Marahau, the main gateway, with shuttles from town.
- From the ferry: About 2.5 hours from Picton.
- Water taxis: Run from Marahau and Kaiteriteri to bays along the coast.
When to go
November to April has the warmest water and the most water taxi and kayak trips. Winter is quiet and often sunny, but cool for swimming, and some services reduce.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Abel Tasman National Park
Every tour here includes Abel Tasman National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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22 days
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3 daysMarahau
3 Day Unguided Kayaking starting in the Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand
5.0(4)Free cancellation
from$210
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Abel Tasman National Park: questions
Do I need to book kayaking in Abel Tasman?
Yes in summer: guided trips and kayak hire sell out, especially in January.
How many days do you need in Abel Tasman?
One full day is enough for a taste; two or three to kayak and walk; 3 to 5 for the Coast Track.
Can you swim in Abel Tasman?
Yes, from late spring to early autumn; the water is coolest outside summer.