3 Ways to Experience New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park

Abundant wildlife, golden beaches, pristine estuaries and granite cliffs make New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park one of the country’s most popular adventure destinations.  There are no roads and few structures in the park; in fact, not much has changed since Dutch explorer Abel Tasman first set foot here in 1642. Hike, boat, kayak or combine the three for an adventurous stop on your New Zealand vacation.

Hiking Abel Tasman

Spend a couple days on the 32-mile Abel Tasman Coastal Track and meander through the bush along an untouched coastline.  We recommend a slow pace to ensure enough time to relax on the hidden, crescent-shaped golden coves along the trail.  Set up camp under thick Manuka trees (known for their honey) or book a night in one of the many backcountry huts along the trail. While trekking, be sure to listen for the iconic song of New Zealand’s famous Tui birds.

More information on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.

Kayaking Abel Tasman

With diverse sea life and crystal clear waters, kayaks are the best way for wildlife lovers to experience the Abel Tasman.  New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins and pods of dolphins flourish in these waters. Spend a day on the water or turn it into a multiday trip and pull into one of many secluded beaches along the mainland to set up camp.  If you aren’t an experienced kayaker, we recommend hiring a guide due to the strong, often-changing currents and winds in this area.

Pick from guided day trips, overnights or simply rent your own boat..

Boating Abel Tasman

Water taxis run all along the coast of the national park, picking up and dropping off visitors in each bay every hour.  Getting a water taxi ticket is the quickest way into the park, and therefore the best option if you are pressed for time/only have one day to dedicate to the park.  Book a round trip ticket (called a return ticket in New Zealand), get dropped off in one of the spectacular bays and explore.  You don’t have to come and go from the same spot, so spend some time hiking or kayaking from one bay to the next and get picked up from a new location.

Abel Tasman AquaTaxi offers everything from one-way fares to exclusive charters.

Recommended trip:

Wondering how to combine all three activities in a single day? Water taxi to Torrent Bay, kayak to Midway Bay and hike 4 miles back along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track to Torrent Bay where the water taxi will pick you up and bring you back to your car.