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Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest park in New Zealand but is preferred by most tourists due to its relaxed and comforting atmosphere. The marble and granite formations fringe the headland, inviting you to its sandy beaches with lovely tides and shady trees. The flourishing wildlife with Tui and bellbirds’ songs fills the air. You can enjoy the national park by walking, cruising, or by air, the choice is yours but whatever you may choose to experience in this beautiful park, it is worth it. One thing to note is that If you want to experience the Tasman Way, sleeping under the starry sky is the way to go.
Location
Photo: David Tip / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
You can access the park from Mārahau and Kaiteriteri in the South or Golden Bay and Totaranui. The Tasman Tracks are known as New Zealand,” Great Walks”, the climb through headlands, native forests, and beautiful beaches takes three to five days and is full of walkers from all over the world in summer. You will also find inland tracks that lead up to the dramatic karst landscape of Tākaka Hill.
How To Reach
Photo: Follash / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: You will have to take a flight to Nelson Airport which is the closest airport to the national park.
By Boat/Ferry: The park can be accessed by boat from Kaiteriteri or Mārahau. Ferries also run up to Picton across Cook Strait. Picton is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive away from the park.
By Road: You can get to Marahau or Kaiteriteri by road from Nelson. It may be challenging to find a good parking spot, although there is free overnight parking nearby.
Places To Visit In And Around The Abel Tasman National Park
1. Pinnacle Island
Photo: Mike’s Birds / Wikimedia Commons
Pinnacle Island is a very small rocky island within the beautiful national park in New Zealand known for its Marine life and scenic beauty. The Abel Tasman coastline has several islands, which act as Kayaking spots, and for watching several wildlife creatures, such as New Zealand fur seals popularly resting in rocks around the edges of these islands. The aquatic world of the island, with the very clear waters painted turquoise in colour, is also perfect for snorkelling as it allows one to view several underwater terrains and their very distinct fish.
Distance From The National Park: 8.6 km
2. Rawhiti Cave
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
The Rawhiti Cave Track is located in Golden Bay near Takaka in New Zealand and ends in one of the biggest limestone caves in the country. The walk is of moderate difficulty, in summer it rewards the hiker with incredible bush scenes along the green crawl. At the end of the Rawhiti cave, there is a very wide mouth that looks amazing with its stalactite hangings created by algae stalactites created by sunlight known as phytokarst and leaning towards the light. A shaft of light graces the mouth of the cave creating a magical zen-like cave ambiance.
Distance From The National Park: 22.8 km
3. Nelson Classic Car Museum
Photo: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons
The Classic Car Museum in the Nelson region of New Zealand is heaven for both car lovers and history buffs. It contains a collection of over 150 classic cars that have been refurbished to near perfection from early 1900s to late 20th century vehicles. Emphasis on the range includes rare cars, favourite oldies, and peculiar vehicles from corners of the earth. The museum also comes complete with car history and design exhibits that make one forget and think of how the automobile has evolved over decades.
Distance From The National Park: 59.3 km
4. Nelson Saturday Market
Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
The vibrant Nelson Saturday Market, which takes place in the centre of Nelson, New Zealand, is a popular attraction that brings together craftsmen, farmers, and food sellers. The market is filled with energy as people can relish shopping for artisans and craftworkers, organic vegetables and fruits, hard-to-find gourmet foodstuff, jewellery, clothes, and arts. It is one of the best places selling local food. The market is a favourite for its residents and tourists for its organic, ethically produced goods, it is the best place to go for a local shopping experience.
Distance From The National Park: 65 km
5. Centre Of New Zealand Monument
Photo: L Maule / Wikimedia Commons
The Centre of New Zealand Monument is another historical site in Nelson situated atop the Botanical Hill and offers a splendid view of the surroundings. The Monument can be accessed by climbing steep slopes from the centre of Nelson. This monument, situated in the middle of the city, was for surveys in New Zealand in the early 1870s. The trail that leads to the summit is scenic and shaded and is thus appropriate for individuals.
Distance From The National Park: 66 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Erik Mclean / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are great places to stay in and around the national park. Properties like Awaroa Lodge, Aquapackers, Awaroa Glamping, and Totaranui Campground offer stunning scenery and beaches with great services and facilities. The budget for the stay starts from ₹3500 approx and above.
Where To Eat
Photo: Brooke Lark / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The area in and around the national park has great dining options. Restaurants like Styke, Peppers Awarao Lodge, Smoking Barrels, etc offer a delightful mix of coastal cuisines and tasty local food. You will enjoy a great culinary experience with an option to suit every taste and budget, delighting every foodie.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: RuinDig/Yuki Uchida / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal visiting period for the national park is from December to March, the summer season of New Zealand where sunny weather provides conducive conditions for vacationing outdoors. During this period, people can also expect maximum temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit) which is appropriate for hikes, kayaking, and swimming in the clear waters. The native bush, golden beaches, and marine life are all in full splendour in summer hence they attract both residents and visitors to the photographic Abel Tasman.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost to New Zealand will be ₹ 1,40000 including flight but the cost will increase depending on the accommodation, duration, and activities.
Tips For Travellers
- Stay hydrated, wear sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Kayak in a secluded spot
- Experience the local food.
The diversity of scenery within Abel Tasman National Park provides activities completely different from each other, including scuba diving, kayaking, and helicopter rides. The forests echo with Tui and Bellbird calls, Gannets, fur seals and little blue penguins frequent the area and are easily seen in the areas. Plan a trip with TripXL and have an unforgettable time with your loved ones.
Cover Photo: Tom Jastram / Shutterstock
