Abel Tasman National Park

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK ACCOMMODATION | Abel Tasman National Park Hostels

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Abel Tasman National Park Information

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park. It is at the top of the South Island, New Zealand; the closest towns are Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri.

Abel Tasman National Park is well known for its golden beaches, sculptured cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. It is a good place to visit at any time of the year as it has a mild climate.

It is a great place for adventure and relaxation as hiking or kayaking are punctuate by sun bathing, swimming and snorkelling. There are lavish lodges, but sleeping under the stars is regarded as the ultimate way to experience the spirit of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Granite and marble formations border the headlands, which are covered in restored native forest. Sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams fall down mossy valleys to join the ocean.

At Te Pukatea Bay, a crescent of golden sand, a walking track leads up Pitt Head to an ancient Maori fort site. Terracing and food pits are still visible, and it's easy to see why the location was chosen as a defensive site.

There is also plenty of native wildlife in Abel Tasman National Park such as Tuis, bellbirds, shags (cormorants), gannets, little blue penguins and even fur seals.

Abel Tasman National Park History

Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942 and named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642.

Main Towns in the Nelson Region

Other Towns in the Nelson Region