Abel Tasman National Park lies on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, in the Tasman region. Its main gateway is the village of Marahau, near Motueka, which makes a convenient base for anyone planning a day or more among the park's shores.
The park is best known for its golden beaches and clear turquoise waters, which give the coastline a bright, open character. Much of the visit is spent close to the sea, where the colours of the water and sand change with the light through the day.
The coast track
The park is famous for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a multi-day walk that follows the shoreline between beaches and headlands. Walkers can cover the whole route over several days, or choose a shorter section for a half-day or day walk and return the same way. The track suits a wide range of walkers, though the longer sections require planning for accommodation and transport.
What a visit offers
- Walking along the coast track, from short sections to the full multi-day route
- Time on the golden beaches and in the clear, turquoise water
- Coastal scenery that changes from one bay to the next
- Marahau as a starting point, with the wider Motueka area nearby
Because the park is a coastal reserve, the experience is largely about being outdoors by the water. Visitors who want the most from it are well served by checking current transport and booking details before they go, and by contacting the park's office on +64 3 528 8083 for up-to-date information.