Visit the Abel Tasman National Park
The stunning Abel Tasman National Park is just over an hour’s drive from our house around Tasman Bay and there are great sea views along the way. There are no roads in the national park, so most folk book boat transport. Just like a taxi, they can drop you off in one bay and collect you from another. The beaches are golden sand, the water is very clear and blue and it is just the best place for a good swim.
Tonga Island is a seal colony, and most days you should also be able to see a dolphin or two.
Water Taxi
If you wish to book a water taxi we recommend Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, Aqua Taxi or Wilson's Abel Tasman and we can book you in the night before having checked the weather forecast. All of these companies offer a regular scheduled water taxi service and you can take a trip from 3 hours up to 5 days!
Water taxis leave from either Kaiteriteri Beach or Marahau Beachfront, Kayaking is very popular in the park, and there are many different options, also from a few hours to a few days.
Hiking & Walking
The Abel Tasman walking track starts at Marahau, but the first two hours are a bit boring (when compared to the rest of the park) so we do recommend taking a water taxi or launch.
We think the nicest short walk is between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay, about 7 kms, or if you are a keen walker and want to see each and every bay in the park, book a 3 or 5 day walking and kayaking trip with Wilson's Abel Tasman and stay overnight at their lodges.
The national parks in New Zealand are managed by the Department of Conservation, detailed walks and maps for the Abel Tasman National Park can be found on their website.