Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman is one of the country’s smallest and most stunning national parks. Accessible by car and boat, this park has over 225km² of coastlines and islands featuring beautiful golden sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most favourite tramping and kayaking destinations and is equipped with many tramping tracks and kayak routes, which provide the opportunity to sail through the park’s beautiful bays and coves. One of the area’s highlights is Split Apple Rock – a rock formation split through the middle. The National Park of Abel Tasman presents some of the most beautiful things in New Zealand, including subtropical forests and beautiful bays, which is why it is one of the most visited and photographed in the country.
Things To Do In National Park Of Abel Tasman
Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman is one of the country’s smallest and most stunning national parks. Accessible by car and boat, this park has over 225km² of coastlines and islands featuring beautiful golden sand beaches and turquoise lagoons
1. Take A Stroll Along The Abel Tasman Coast Track
Image Credit: Hector Garcia for Wikimedia Commons
It is a famous track and one of New Zealand’s great walks. Located just outside the tiny coastal settlement of Marahau, the track runs through a rich coastal parish of golden sand beaches, forests, and scrub to some of New Zealand’s finest deserted sandy beaches. Walking casually through this track, one will find coves ideal for a swim in hot summers.
Walk along gravel roads and trails and listen to cicada’s song while passing through canopies of manuka and kanuka. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of the stitchbird flying across the coverage of totara and beech trees. Abel Tasman Coast Track Walk is able to breathe the salt water and the forest and feel the clarity and the pureness of the soul.
Location: Marahau Causeway
Time: 7 am– 6 pm
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2. Go Canyoning And Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for wikimedia commons
Put on a wetsuit, a helmet, and a life jacket; it is time to go canyoning in Abel Tasman’s thin gorges. While climbing, you climb up steep rocks, cross boulders, negotiate waterfalls, and freeze in the cold water before having to rappel down cliffs; it is a physical and mental challenge. With its cold mountain waters, the river provides excitement with its deep emerald waters; leaping into the swirling rapids or jumping off tall rocks should get the adrenalin pumping.
Overcoming your fears and doubts every time you rappel over the waterfalls or traverse a canyon will create a thrilling and solidifying kind of self-confidence. Pacing yourself to your limits in this beautiful coastal park with green bushes and granite rocks is one of the most challenging ways to edge the boundaries of your comfort.
Location: South Island 7183, New Zealand
Time: 11 am-6 pm
3. Kayak Through Pristine Bays
The stunning clear waters of the pristine coastal coves in Abel Tasman National Park are a dream for a kayaker. It is quiet, serene, and embracing, and as you glide through the calm waters in your kayak, you feel part of nature. On every side, the forest-clad hills fall steeply down to the golden sand lines of a coastline bounded by beautiful coves and formed of huge granite rocks. The centre of native birds are heard as you sail through the waters of the bays just as you walk.
It is a joy that with each turn, there is a new stunning view—a waterfall cascading down the greenery-covered cliff, a small beach, ferns that stand out brightly against the red and orange rocks. Abel Tasman is pristine, with no roads and very few signs of development; the beautiful bays of Abel Tasman are an ideal place to explore New Zealand’s exciting natural landscape while seated in a kayak.
Location: Sea of Cortez
Time: 10 am-6 pm
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4. Take A Scenic Flight
A helicopter tour of the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand presents a bird’ s-eye view of this stunning piece of art nature has to offer the world. When you start flying in a small plane and rise above the ground, you see the stunning scenery of this coastal park’s green forests, golden beaches, and fantastic azure bays. Over the dunes, one can gaze at the vast expanses of golden sand and the brilliant blue of the lagoons edging the native bushland.
Look at the people kayaking in the clean water beneath the floating structures. The coastline is fractal, and forested ranges are bent down into valleys and gullies, further divided into more valleys and ravines. From the top of those hills, you realize the immensity of this national park and why it is ranked among the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of New Zealand.
Location: South Island 7183, New Zealand
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
5. Get On A Sailboat Or Cruise Ship
Relax on a cosy sailing catamaran or scenic cruise as you explore the hidden coves and breathtaking golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, see the playful seal pups rolling through the water at Tonga Island Marine Reserve, and learn the history of the park’s famous landmarks.
Lying on the catamaran’s bow, unwind while closing your eyes, taking in the sound of the waves crashing beneath you and the smooth rocking of the vessel as it skims the ocean. Alternatively, take a top-deck ride on your picturesque cruise to enjoy unmatched views of the magnificent coastline and a prime location for observing playful marine life in the ocean below.
Location: South Island 7183, New Zealand
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
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6. See The Well-Known Split Apple Rock
Split Apple Rock in the Abel Tasman National Park, a prime icon of South Island in New Zealand, is one of the most distinct rock formations. Whether weathered by storm and time or chiselled man, this monolithic granite formation is split in half as if an apple, but on a scale of super colossal. It emerges 50 metres from the clear waters of the Tasman Sea along the unyielding cliffs on the North Island. While we were having a boat ride across the area of the rock, it was somewhat surprising to see that the rock looks like a giant apple halved.
Perfect for a photo opportunity, the rock also offers some of the best looks at the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean and the islands of Abel Tasman Park, from which the rock so majestically emerges. The view of the water and coast and along golden-coloured beaches is stunning when framed by the green landscapes of the land. It is a perfect postcard moment of the natural beauty of New Zealand and was very hard to capture.
Location: Tasman Bay
Time: 10 am– 6 pm
7. Savour The Fauna On Tonga Island
On Tonga Island, the inhabitants and the environment are full of many species and sea creatures yet to be explored. When observing the emerald rainforests, you may occasionally glance at the gorgeous parrots flying overhead, and you will hear their loud cries. Fruit bats are also referred to as flying foxes, and these are a species of bats on the endangered list. As they feast in the trees, they tend to cling on some branches and put themselves to rest in the shade.
On white sand lines along the coastline, observe turtles struggling to drag themselves up to lay their eggs with gulls soaring aimlessly above. Rent snorkelling equipment and dive into the azure waters to swim around the clownfish and angelfish in the colourful corals surrounding the island. In Tonga, losing oneself in the serenity of the many species of plants and animals in the region is always excellent. Each corner hides something new and every twist and turn allows the visitors to explore the biodiversity-rich island.
Location: South Pacific
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
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8. Ride A Waka Along The Shore
Image Credit:August Dominus for wikimedia commons
During our visit to the Abel Tasman National Park, getting a ride in one of the Māori wakas built with traditional techniques was a dream. Paddling along the sandy beaches with their gold colour and beautiful forests that go to the sea, one gets the feeling of the people belonging to the place. The water is still and crystal, ideal for sea lions to have fun frolicking in the waters or gulls diving to catch fish.
They present stories of the Indigenous people of New Zealand who have lived in these parts for hundreds of years while you take a break to have a picnic lunch on one of the numerous isolated beaches. Whether with family, friends or alone, the waka ride allows you to explore Abel Tasman Park specially, gliding through the water with the rhythm of the tides.
Location: South Island 7183, New Zealand
Time: 10 am– 6 pm
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Abel Tasman National Park is a real treasure of adventure and natural beauty in New Zealand. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will have a fantastic time in this park with its stunning coastal scenery, immaculate beaches, and varied animals. Whether taking leisurely walks on picturesque paths, canoeing in pristine waters, or just unwinding on golden beaches, visitors are afforded a glimpse of paradise. Book a trip to New Zealand and you should not miss Abel Tasman National Park because of its accessibility, array of activities, and breathtaking views. It never fails to enthral and inspire those who journey into its embrace.
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Cover Image Credit: Krzysztof Golik for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Abel Tasman National Park
Which attractions attract the most significant number of visitors in the Abel Tasman National Park?
They get to see the beautiful scenes of the park including sandy beaches, green forests, and the blue beach. Camping, kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and photographic tours are some of the enjoyable activities.
How to reach the Abel Tasman national park?
Abel Tasman National Park’s pristine coastline is easily explored either by sea or by land through a system of superb, maintained tracks. For exploration and transportation, there are also services such as guided tours and water taxis as well.
Is there an area designated for camping in this park?
Indeed, there are few campsites around this park. They vary from primitive locations of a camping type to high-class camps with all necessary facilities, including kitchens and bathrooms. Pre-reservation is encouraged, especially at peak periods to ensure that you do not miss out on a place.
What type of animals are within the park?
A great variety of birds could be observed on the territory of Abel Tasman National Park, some of them are tui, bellbirds, fantail, etc, which are endemic to New Zealand. At the coast, the tourist may also witness fur seals, dolphins and if he is a lucky man—little blue penguins.
Are there any organised guided tours in the park?
Many of the tour companies offer boat tours, hiking and kayaking/biking tours within the park. These tours provide interesting historical background, information on the park’s geographical features, and the importance of this park to the people.
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