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Abel Tasman National Park is peaceful at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. The best things to do in Abel Tasman include walking the coastal track, swimming at golden beaches, and going on boat or kayak trips. You can see seals, birds, and sometimes dolphins in the sea. The walking paths are easy for most people, with short and long routes. Many people enjoy a day trip, while others stay overnight in huts or camps. Abel Tasman is a good place for quiet outdoor fun, with nature and sea views.
Best Things To Do In Abel Tasman
Here’s a list of the best things to do in Abel Tasman for your next visit to New Zealand:
1. Kayak Along The Abel Tasman Coastline
Photo: Patrick Orlob / Wikimedia Commons
Kayaking in Abel Tasman is a classic way to take in the coastal scenery. Paddling gives you access to quiet beaches, sea caves, and even the chance to spot seals up close. You can join a guided tour or rent kayaks on your own if you’re confident. The water is calm enough for beginners, and the views change with every bend. It’s one of the best things to do in Abel Tasman if you’re after a mix of activity, nature, and time on the water.
Location: Marahau or Kaiteriteri
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours or full day
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
2. Hike Part Of The Abel Tasman Coast Track
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks for good reason. The Abel Tasman Coast Track winds through the forest, over swing bridges, and alongside golden beaches. You don’t need to do the 60 km trail—many opt for a half-day or one-day hike. Water taxis allow you to start and end where you choose. As one of the most popular things to do in Abel Tasman, it’s well-marked, not too steep, and has constant access to photo-worthy views and rest spots.
Location: Between Marahau and Wainui
Ideal Duration: Half-day to multi-day
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Visit Split Apple Rock
Photo: Kallerna / Wikimedia Commons
Located just offshore between Kaiteriteri and Marahau, Split Apple Rock is a natural granite formation that looks like a perfect apple sliced in half. Accessible by kayak or a short walk during low tide, it’s a popular photo stop. The beach nearby is also worth spending time at. This geological oddity is one of the top things to do in Abel Tasman and stands out for its simplicity. It’s an easy, low-effort spot to check off during your visit.
Location: Split Apple Beach, Kaiteriteri
Ideal Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Timings: 24*7
4. Go On A Seals And Wildlife Tour
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hop on a boat tour or join a guided kayak trip that focuses on spotting local wildlife. The area is home to New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and even dolphins if you’re lucky. Most tours operate with eco-permits, meaning they follow rules to protect the animals. For those who love nature but prefer not to hike too much, this is one of the great things to do in Abel Tasman, which offers close encounters without exertion.
Location: Departures from Marahau or Kaiteriteri
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM
5. Swim Or Sunbathe At Anchorage Bay
Photo: Calistemon / Wikimedia Commons
Anchorage Bay is a sheltered beach often used as a stopover point by hikers and kayakers. It’s one of the larger bays in the park with calm water, making it ideal for swimming. A campsite and hut nearby mean you can even stay overnight. The sand is soft, and the atmosphere is calm without being isolated. As one of the easiest-access things to see in Abel Tasman, it’s a strong choice for families or casual beachgoers.
Location: Anchorage Bay, Abel Tasman National Park
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 24*7
6. Try Paddleboarding At Kaiteriteri Beach
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
Kaiteriteri Beach is often the starting point for park adventures and is also a good place to stay active. Paddleboarding here is accessible for all skill levels thanks to the calm waters and wide beach area. Gear rental is available right by the shore. It’s not far from cafés and accommodation, so you can easily build a half-day around it. If you’re wondering what to do in Abel Tasman that’s casual and active, this option doesn’t require advanced planning.
Location: Kaiteriteri Beach
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Visit Cleopatra’s Pool
Photo: Ahmed Emad Hamdy / Wikimedia Commons
This freshwater pool is a detour off the main Abel Tasman Coast Track near Torrent Bay. It features a natural waterslide and smooth boulders for lounging. The walk to get there includes forest trails and a swing bridge. It’s ideal for a break during a hike or just a peaceful swim spot. Since it’s not directly on the main route, it’s often less crowded. Among the more peaceful things to do in Abel Tasman, this pool rewards a short effort with a refreshing dip.
Location: Near Torrent Bay
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: Daytime only
8. Camp In The National Park
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Abel Tasman is one of the few national parks in New Zealand where you can camp right by the beach. DOC campsites are well-spaced and basic, but the setting more than makes up for it. Waking up to the sound of the tide is something special. You’ll need to book ahead, especially in summer. It’s not luxurious, but it’s memorable. If you want to unplug and go simple, camping ranks high among the best things to do in Abel Tasman.
Location: Multiple DOC campsites in the park
Ideal Duration: Overnight
Timings: Check-in from 2 PM
9. Take A Scenic Cruise Of The Coast
Photo: Phillip Capper / Wikimedia Commons
Cruises are a great way to see the length of the coastline without doing all the walking or paddling. Options range from half-day to full-day tours and often include commentary, tea, and beach stopovers. You can hop off at selected bays and return later or stay on board for the entire route. It’s one of the popular things to do in Abel Tasman, especially if you’re short on time but still want a sense of the area’s scale and natural beauty.
Location: Departures from Marahau or Kaiteriteri
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
10. Explore Wainui Falls Track
Photo: Schwede66 / Wikimedia Commons
This short but scenic hike is ideal for anyone looking to stretch their legs without committing to a long trek. The Wainui Falls Track runs through lush forest and over a swing bridge before ending at one of the region’s most accessible waterfalls. It’s suitable for kids and first-time walkers too. The walk takes less than an hour each way. If you’re in the northern part of the park, it’s one of the top smaller things to do in Abel Tasman worth fitting in.
Location: Wainui Bay Carpark
Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Timings: Daytime
There are many things to do in Abel Tasman, which is a good way to enjoy nature and do simple outdoor activities. It’s a relaxing place to visit, with calm beaches, walking tracks, and clear water. Whether walking or taking a boat, Abel Tasman offers a gentle way to spend time outside and feel close to nature. Book your trip with TripXL and enjoy New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal parks.
Cover Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
