abel tasman national park

Located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the northern end of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise that is perfectly catered for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Abel Tasman National Park was opened in 1942 to mark the 300th year after Abel Tasman became the first European explorer to discover it. For at least 500 years, Maori lived along the Abel Tasman coast, gathering food from the sea, estuaries and forests and growing kumara. Blessed with lush forests, golden sand beaches and fascinating rocky outcrops, Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park but also one of the most popular.

It has the highest number of annual sunshine hours in New Zealand, making it a reliable and appealing all-year-round holiday destination. Abel Tasman National Park's beaches are its most prized feature, bringing thousands of visitors to its golden sands. Many people choose to stay in huts or campsites provided by the Department of Conservation (DOC) as they explore the Abel Tasman Track. The track hugs the coast, offering spectacular views as you reach the top of a ridge, then it’s back down to the next sheltered swimming and picnic spot.The park and coastline is home to a large variety of sea and land species, including fur seals, dolphins, fantails, blue penguins, orca whales and tuis. 

These features alone make Abel Tasman New Zealand's premier location for sea kayaking.