Wanderyn
Abel Tasman National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Abel Tasman National Park

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: About 1-1.5 hours' drive from Nelson to the main gateway towns of Mārahau or Kaiteriteri. From there, water taxis run along the coast dropping walkers and kayakers at various points, or you can walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track directly from Mārahau. A car (or bus/shuttle from Nelson) is needed to reach the gateway towns.
Hours: Open access at all times; water taxi and kayak tour operators run scheduled daily services, generally 8am-5pm, weather dependent.

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park but one of its most popular, known for golden-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a Great Walk that hugs the coastline for about 60km. Most visitors don't attempt the whole multi-day track — instead, water taxis and kayak tours let you sample day-walk sections and specific beaches (Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa) without committing to the full route.

A popular single-day option combines a water taxi drop-off with a walk back to Mārahau or Kaiteriteri along a scenic section of track, or a half/full-day kayaking trip along the coast. Multi-day trampers can walk the full track staying at huts or campsites, which genuinely warrants an overnight/multi-day trip.

Abel Tasman National Park FAQs

Do I need to walk the whole Coast Track?

No, most visitors do a single day combining a water taxi with a shorter walking section — the full 60km track is a 3-5 day multi-day tramp for those wanting the complete experience.

How do water taxis work?

They depart from Mārahau or Kaiteriteri and drop you at various points along the coast, letting you choose your own walking distance and pick-up time or location.

Is kayaking a good alternative to walking?

Yes, guided or independent kayak trips are a popular way to see the coastline and beaches from the water, often combined with some walking.

What are the best beaches?

Anchorage, Bark Bay, and Awaroa are among the most popular, each reachable by a combination of walking and water taxi.

Do I need to book huts/campsites for multi-day walks?

Yes, Great Walk huts and campsites on the Abel Tasman Track require advance booking through the Department of Conservation, especially in the busy summer season.

Your travel graph
Ready to plan Abel Tasman National Park?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.