A day in Abel Tasman National Park

A day in Abel Tasman National Park

It’s been just over a week now since I’m back in New Zealand and I’ve had no time to give in to that jet lag. My three weeks in Belgium were amazing, but very intense. I had no time to relax, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make if that means catching up with my friends and family. Not that being back in New Zealand is less intense. I immediately started working again, jumped on all the writing and editing pieces stored in my head and went on little adventures.

One of those adventures is Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s smaller National Parks – it is ‘only’ 225km2 – but such a scenic one.  Think golden beaches, turquoise water and lush native forest. I spent a day exploring this lovely park.

abel tasman npActivities

Abel Tasman National Park is quite famous among tourists, because it is one of the Great Walks you can do in New Zealand. But what makes Abel Tasman Nation Park so attractive is that there is something for everyone. It is not just a walk. There is so much more and it’s all beautiful.

The majority of the tourists will do the famous coastal track. The water taxi drops you on the track and you walk back or get picked up in the middle. Great service if you don’t feel like killing your feet. Everyone gets a day of fun tailored to their needs and fitness.

Those who don’t feel like walking can go kayaking. You’ll discover the most idyllic beaches and might even encounter cute puppy seals.

It doesn’t matter which season you’re visiting, there is always something to do and see. The advantage of winter is that you’ll have the park more to yourself, there are way less visitors and – also important – hardly any insects! If you visit in Summer, be sure to take your swimsuit!

For the more adventurous among you, you can also go canyoning! I’ve never done it there, but it looks really cool. Something new to add to the list…

I’ve visited Abel Tasman NP twice. The first time was 2,5 years ago when I first came to New Zealand. And now last weekend I explored it again, doing a day walk from about 12km. I got dropped off by a water taxi and walked from Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay. Really nice little bush track with views on the sea, a 47 meter long swing bridge and little paths down to the beaches.

abel tasman national park

Overnight stay

For the people who would like to stay a bit longer, that’s no problem at all. There are plenty of huts and campsites, you just need to make sure you book in advance. Remember you’re not the only one who wants to spend time in Abel Tasman. This will cost you 32 dollar for a bed in a hut and 14 for a spot on the campsite.

And if you stay longer, you’ll be able to finish the Great Walk. You’ll cover 60km in three to five days.

What’s so special about it?

Abel Tasman National Park is so different from the rest of the South Island’s nature. No huge, snow-capped mountains, no big blue lakes, but golden beaches, lush native forest, seals and cool cliffs. Every bay is a treat for the eye. Those cute little beaches make you feel like you’re on a tropical island. My favourite one is Te Pukatea Bay.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eh4zz4ou4Y]

Besides the idyllic scenery there is also a lot of wildlife. Some of the little islands in front of you are bird sanctuaries and there are fur seals (try to go when the pups are there!). You’ll also see little streams, waterfalls and beautiful trees.

As you can see it is a great recipe for a day of fun – for everyone!

abel tasman national park

I loved it, but I’m already planning my next trip. Next weekend I will go down south to Dunedin to meet some of the locals! Stay tuned!

 

3 thoughts on “A day in Abel Tasman National Park

    1. Hi Miriam – it definitely is! Such a beautiful spot. I’m happy to read that I managed to portray that via my post and photos & video! Cheers!

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