Abel Tasman National Park

The park protects some of the most beautiful coastline in New Zealand.

The park contains golden sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, forested headlands and estuaries.

Abel Tasman National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s South Island, is the country’s smallest national park, covering approximately 55,630 acres.

The park protects some of the most beautiful coastline in New Zealand. The main gateways into Abel Tasman are Marahau and Totaranui.

The park is named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman and was established in 1942. The park contains golden sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, forested headlands and estuaries.

Bird life is varied, with forest birds such as tui and bellbirds. There are also pukekos and wekas in the wetland and estuary areas.

Abel Tasman offers a variety of hiking experiences. For those looking for a longer hike, the Coast Track is a three- to five-day trek and one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

More difficult is the Inland Track exploring the hilly center of the park. Shorter walks are also available.

Other activities in Abel Tasman include sailing, boating, sea kayaking, fishing and mountain biking.

There are backcountry huts and designated campsites in the park.