Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
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| Abel Tasman National Park |
Abel Tasman National Park lies at the north end of the South Island. It is known for its golden beaches, crystal clear water, and granite cliffs. The Wainui Falls in Wainui Bay is a 20-metre waterfall on the Wainui River in the national park. The river cascades over granite boulders into a deep pool below. The park opened on the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman's visit. It is the smallest of New Zealand's 13 national parks.
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| Abel Tasman National Park |
Attractions
The Abel Tasman National Park covers an area of 237.1 square kilometres, approximately 18 km by 25 km. It dates from 1942 and opened on 18 December 1942 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman's visit.
The National Park is crossed by several, outstanding hiking trails chief among them the 60 km-long Abel Tasman Coast Track. It takes in the superb beaches and dense bush. If you don't feel like completing the whole walk, water taxis can pick you up and whisk you off to your next destination on the track.
Sea kayaking is another big draw and several local companies offer tours. Altogether over 35,000 people a year come to hike or kayak here or indeed both. The whole trek takes about 3-5 days. The pass for the Abel Tasman Coast Track can be booked online or at the i-SITES or DOC offices in Nelson, Motueka or Takaka.
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| The Split Apple - formed by expanding ice in an ice age over 120 million years ago |
Another track is the 23 km Gibbs Hill Track which can be either walked or cycled.
The whole national park is a haven for various species of wildlife, in particular birds but also seals. The lush beech forests are also spectacular.
The Wainui Falls in Wainui Bay is a 20-metre waterfall on the Wainui River in the park. The river cascades over granite boulders into a deep pool below. An easy 3.4 km track leads through lush native bush to the falls from Wainui Bay car park. This undemanding walk is popular with families with children. Takaka is the nearest town, 20 km away.
The Split Apple, a huge granite boulder, lies 50 metres off the coast between Marahau and Kaiteriteri. It is a popular spot for sea kayaking tours.
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| Coastal scenery in the park |
Accommodation
Four Great Walk huts offer budget, backpacker-style accommodation on the Abel Tasman Coast Track and there are many campsites along the way.
Just outside the park at its southern entrance, Marahau has a range of places to stay. Try the Kanuka Ridge Lodge with outdoor seating on a shared verandah. Abel Tasman Haven is a motel 400 metres from Marahau Beach.
Find accommodation in Marahau.
Kaiteriteri also has several recommended places to stay. Kaiteri Lodge is very close to the beach and offers twin, double and family rooms. Kimi Ora Eco Resort is an upmarket choice with indoor and outdoor pools.
See a listing of accommodation in Kaiteriteri.
Both Marahau and Kaiteriteri have several bars and restaurants to refresh yourself before after after visiting the park.
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| Wainui Falls |
Access - Getting There
From Nelson, Marahau is approximately a 1-hour drive on State Highway 60. A bus from Nelson leaves early in the morning for Motueka and Marahau. More local buses connect Marahau, Motueka and Kaiteriteri.
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