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Abel Tasman National Park Must-Do's
Abel Tasman Great Walk
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This 60km one-way Great Walk covers achingly beautiful beaches, mermaid-worthy water and an exciting tidal crossing over the course of three to five days. Book early to secure the best DOC campsites and ocean fronting lodges.
Mārahau
One of the main gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. The 53km Abel Tasman Coast Track starts from this village.
Camping in Abel Tasman © Epic Trails
The Barn Glamping
Camp facilities at the very start of The Abel Tasman. Begin your park adventure the right way – or finish on a high! Stay in a beachfront bach, private cabin or dorm. Or pitch your tent right before the ocean.
Beach Horse Riding
As the tide retreats, join Abel Tasman Horse Trekking for a horseback ride on Mārahau Beach. Suitable for every level, treks are tailored to stay in your comfort zone.
Waka Abel Tasman
Following te reo Māori introductions, a hongi and waiata singing, push off from Kaiteriteri Beach in a traditional waka. Glide across the bay and learn about local Māori traditions as you journey to Toka Ngāwhā – Split Apple Rock.
Boat trips
Departing and returning Kaiteriteri, boat charters slice through the aqua-blue waters, calling at beaches, coves and deserted motu. Boat companies include Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle, Wilsons Abel Tasman (both from Kaiteriteri) and Abel Tasman AquaTaxi from Mārahau.
Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
Well-kept trails overlooking the ocean with a good range of tracks shaded under the tree line.
Kaiteriteri
A seaside resort-like spot providing plenty of sea, sand and seclusion. This is another fab base for jaunts into the national park.
Day Spa
Descend on Kimi Ora Eco Resort in Kaiteriteri, where you can knead away your every niggle with treatment packages for both resort guests and walk-ins.
Cleopatra’s Pool
On day two of the Abel Tasman Great Walk, a 20-minute side trip leads to an astounding emerald lagoon.
Split Apple Rock
Waka, Split Apple Rock © Waka Abel Tasman
The most insta-famous rock in New Zealand, this giant orb is perfectly split in half. Sail to this ‘rockstar’ or snap it from the shoreline via the Towers Bay walking track.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Golden sands and small coves lend themselves to swimming and snorkelling. The best snorkelling is around the rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point. If you kayak the reserve, you might get lucky and spot dolphins, seals and penguins.
Falls River Swing Bridge
This narrow, 40m swing bridge drapes over the ferns on the walkway between Bark Bay and Anchorage.
Anchorage Beach
Hike from Mārahau (around three to four hours walk) to reach this utopian slice of golden sand and turquoise water. With a DOC hut and tent sites, kick back and stay a while.
Anapai Bay
Less frequented than its beautiful brethren, Anchorage Beach, a three-hour return walk from Totaranui, drops beach-seekers into this spectacular curve of golden paradise.
Falls River Swing Bridge
Cradled in forest, this narrow, 40-metre swing bridge drapes over the ferns, with kayakers below and blue sky above. Located on the walkway between Bark Bay and Anchorage.
Torrent Bay
Directly across from Anchorage Beach, this bay is secluded and preserved; drop-offs can only be made before midday and there are no passenger pick-ups. An early morning kayak tour is a great way to explore (departing Kaiteriteri, a scenic cruise will first drop you within the oasis).
Adele Island/Motuareronui
Predator-free and thriving with vast communities of wildlife, including seals and countless birds. Kayaking and boat tours access its exotic shores.
Stride Out
Great Walks aside, the park is jam-packed with other good hikes. Harwoods Hole (45 minutes one way) is a goodie and explores the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand.
