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National park · Kaiteriteri, Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park
The smallest national park in New Zealand, at 237 km², created in 1942 on the coast of Tasman Bay. Golden-sand coves, native forest, rivers and islands, accessible by boat, by kayak or via the coastal track.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942 to mark 300 years since the voyage of Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who in 1642 was the first European to sight New Zealand. At 237 km², it is the country’s smallest national park but one of the most visited, thanks to golden-sand beaches, clear-water coves and forested hills.
Most of the coastline has no roads. Access is by boat from Kaiteriteri and Mārahau, by kayak or on foot via the 60 km coastal track. To the north, Tōtaranui—with a beach of about 1 km and a large campground—is one of the few points with vehicle access, by an unsealed road from Golden Bay.
Part of the sea in front of the park is the Tonga Island marine reserve, where fishing is prohibited and seals often rest on the rocks. The park interior, higher and less visited, features limestone caves and dense forest. Accommodation inside the park is limited to Department of Conservation huts and campsites, which require booking, and to a few private lodgings on the coast.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From a single day (boat trip with a short walk) up to several days on the coastal track.
Best time
December to March, with long days and calm seas; book boats and huts. April and November are quieter. Some track crossings can only be done at low tide; check the tide table.
How to get there
The main access points are Kaiteriteri and Mārahau, about an hour’s drive from Nelson. Boats depart from there and the coastal track begins. Tōtaranui, to the north, has vehicle access via Golden Bay.
Tip
Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent: sandflies appear on the beaches. There are no food supplies for most of the coastline.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abel Tasman National Park
Why is the park called Abel Tasman?
It honors the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642. The park was established in 1942, on the 300th anniversary of that sighting.
How do you get to Abel Tasman National Park?
Via the villages of Kaiteriteri and Mārahau, about an hour from Nelson, from where boats depart and the coastal track starts. To the north, Tōtaranui is reachable by road from Golden Bay.
Can you camp in Abel Tasman?
Yes, at the Department of Conservation campsites and huts along the coast, which require advance booking, especially in summer.
Can you see seals in Abel Tasman?
Seals often haul out on the rocks of the Tonga island marine reserve, visible from boat or kayak, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.