Kia Ora & Welcome to the Official Local’s Guide to the Abel Tasman!

The Abel Tasman National Park is located in the beautiful Nelson Tasman region of the South Island of New Zealand. Named after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642, it is New Zealand’s smallest national park covering an area of 237 km2. It’s also the park which attracts the most visitors each year!

A major contributing factor to the park’s popularity is it’s accessibility. The Abel Tasman is easily accessed by boat, water taxi or on foot. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty and many outdoor activities including walking, camping, canyoning and kayaking.

You’ll see water taxi services shuttling people to and from the various golden beaches and the many Abel Tasman walks up and down the lush coastline all year round. It’s also possible to walk the length of the park on the coast track, starting at the southern end in Marahau or from the northern end at Wainui Bay.

The Abel Tasman is also known for its fabulous sea kayaking and is perfect for first-time paddlers or for seasoned kayakers. It’s possible to hire a kayak and explore at your own pace, or book a guided trip with one of the local commercial operators in the region. 

Trips in the Abel Tasman

New Zealand’s most accessible National Park is full of stunning coastal scenery and native wildlife. With so many ways to explore the park, it’s often hard to know where to start. To help you plan your perfect day along the Abel Tasman track, you can choose from a variety of water taxi, walking and kayking trip options.

Slice of Paradise - enjoy an Abel Tasman water taxi ride and a walk in the park!

Slice of Paradise

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $133
Return water taxi and walking trip: Travel the length of the park to Totaranui and back to Onetahuti or Bark Bay then walk the picture-perfect bays.
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Water Taxi – One Way Fare

Water Taxi | Half Day
from $54
Water taxis provide quick and convenient access to the six major bays along the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline.
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Beaches & Bays

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $105
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi to Bark Bay, walk the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track to Anchorage (3.5hrs).
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Totaranui Scenic Cruise

Scenic Cruise | Half Day
from $114
Return water taxi trip: Cruise from Totaranui to Marahau for a brief look around before returning to Totaranui.
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Falls River - Cruise & Walk | Abel Tasman - An Abel Tasman Day Trip

Falls River

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $105
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi to Torrent Bay, walk the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track to Bark Bay (2.5hrs) crossing the Falls River Swingbridge.
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Heart of the Park

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $109
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi to Torrent Bay, walk the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track to Onetahuti (4hrs).
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Ocean and Earth

Guided Kayak & Walk | 2 Days
from $328
Guided kayak trip: Combine the Magical Marine Reserve guided trip with a night at Anchorage and walk back to Marahau.
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Magical Marine Reserve

Guided Kayak | Full Day
from $300
Guided kayak tour: Explore the wonders of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in your kayak.
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Full Day Adventure

Gourmet Platter

Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
from $240
Guided kayak trip: Walk the best section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track in the morning and kayak through the Astrolabe in the afternoon.
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Abel Tasman Platter

Guided Kayak | Full Day
from $210
Guided kayak trip: Kayak in the morning with your guide, walk to Anchorage and then water taxi back to Marahau.
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Half Day Blast

Guided Kayak | Half Day
from $210
Guided kayak trip: Kayak with your guide one way between Marahau and Observation Beach and then water taxi back to Marahau.
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Blast & Walk - Blast & Walk - Kayak & Walk day trip | Abel Tasman

Blast & Walk

Guided Kayak | Full Day
from $186
Guided kayak trip: Kayak with your guide one way between Marahau and Observation Beach and freedom walk the opposite way along the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
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Freedom Anchorage - 1 day kayak hire - Kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park

Freedom Anchorage

Freedom Kayak | Full Day
from $135
Freedom kayak rental: The classic Abel Tasman freedom kayak trip. Paddle from Marahau to Anchorage and then walk back to Marahau, or continue north via the Abel Tasman track on foot.
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Explore the Park at your own pace Freedom Islands - Full Day Kayak Rental | Abel Tasman

Freedom Islands

Freedom Kayak | Full Day
from $110
Freedom kayak rental: Explore the beaches and islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
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Abel Tasman Day trip - Kayak and Walk - Falls River Swing Bridge

Paddle & Walk

Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
from $290
Guided kayak trip: Walk the best section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track in the morning and then see it all again from a completely different perspective – from the water as you kayak south again.
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Best of Both Worlds

Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
from $300
Guided kayak trip: Kayak in the Tonga Marine Reserve and then walk the most scenic section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track in one day!
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PM Paddle

Guided Kayak | Half Day
from $260
Guided kayak trip: Spend the afternoon kayaking between Bark Bay and Anchorage.
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Marine Reserve Express

Guided Kayak | Half Day
from $276
Guided kayak trip: Spend the morning exploring the wonders of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in your kayak.
Book Now

Abel Tasman Water Taxi Charter

Scenic Cruise | Full Day
from $POA
Special charter services available upon request
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Bridge and Beach

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $106
Return water taxi and walk: Water taxi from Totaranui to Torrent Bay before walking through to Bark Bay. Water taxi back to Totaranui.
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Awaroa Inlet - Take a day trip in the Abel Tasman National Park. Totaranui day out.

Totaranui Day Out

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $89
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi from Totaranui to either Bark Bay or Onetahuti, walk to Awaroa before returning to Totaranui on your water taxi.
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Abel Tasman Classic

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $133
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi the length of the Park to Totaranui and then back to Torrent Bay. Walk north to Bark Bay (2.5hrs).
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Great for Families

Pitt Head Walk

Walking & Hiking | Half Day
from $99
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi to Anchorage to walk the Pitt Head Loop Track (1.5hr) round trip.
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Awaroa Escape

Walking & Hiking | Full Day
from $117
Return water taxi and walking trip: Water taxi to Bark Bay or Onetahuti and then walk to Awaroa Bay (from Bark Bay 3hrs, Onetahuti 1hr).
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Homeward Bound

Guided Kayak & Walk | 3 Days
from $360
Guided kayak trip: Explore the entire Abel Tasman Coast with the ultimate combo of water taxi rides, walking, guided and freedom kayaking.
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2 Day Kayak Hire - Abel Tasman Kayaking

Freedom Totaranui

Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
from $289
Freedom kayaking package: Paddle from Marahau to Onetahuti over two days and then walk through to Totaranui on your third day.
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Total Freedom

Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
from $252
Freedom kayaking package: Explore the Abel Tasman coastline from Marahau to Onetahuti, unguided and at your own pace.
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Freedom Tonga

Freedom Kayak | 2 Days
from $263
Freedom kayak package: Paddle from Marahau to Onetahuti over two days spending the night at a beach side camp of your choice.
Book Now
5 Day Freedom Kayak Rental - Abel Tasman National Park - New Zealand

5 Day Freedom Kayak

Freedom Kayak | 5 Days
from $300
5 day freedom kayak rental: Paddle at your own pace for five unforgettable days exploring the length of the Abel Tasman.
Book Now
4 Day Freedom Kayak Rental - Abel Tasman National Park - New Zealand

4 Day Freedom Kayak

Freedom Kayak | 4 Days
from $260
4 day freedom kayak rental: Paddle at your own pace for four unforgettable days exploring the length of the Abel Tasman.
Book Now
3 Day Freedom Kayak Rental - Abel Tasman National Park - New Zealand

3 Day Freedom Kayak

Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
from $210
3 day freedom kayak rental: Paddle at your own pace for three unforgettable days exploring the southern and middle areas of the Abel Tasman.
Book Now
2 Day Freedom Kayak Rental - Abel Tasman National Park - New Zealand

2 Day Freedom Kayak

Freedom Kayak | 2 Days
from $160
2 day freedom kayak rental: Paddle at your own pace for two unforgettable days exploring the southern end of the Abel Tasman.
Book Now

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Plan Your Abel Tasman Trip

Although not a lot of planning is required to enjoy your time in the Abel Tasman, some basic preparation can greatly enhance your experience. We’ve put together a few important guides with information about what to bring, the weather & tides, park accommodation and staying safe. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a few nights in the park it’s a good idea to plan and prepare.

Plan and prepare for your trip into the Abel Tasman
Plan &
Prepare
How to get to the Abel Tasman
How to Get
Here
Camping and accommodation in the Abel Tasman
Camping & Accommodation
Safety in the Abel Tasman
Safety in the
Park
Seasons of the Abel Tasman National Park
Seasons in the
Abel Tasman
Frequently asked questions about the Abel Tasman
Frequently
Asked
Questions

Learn about our favourite New Zealand National Park

The Abel Tasman has a rich history and is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Abel Tasman Coast Track. You’ll also find a variety of unique wildlife and native plants on your visit. 

Conservation in the Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman Coast Track
Abel Tasman
Coast Track
History of the Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman
History
New Zealand Orca in the flora and fauna of the Abel Tasman National Park - Fora & Fauna
Flora
&
Fauna
Flora and Fauna - Native wildlife and plant species in the Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman Places to go
Abel Tasman Coast Track -Torrent River - On the way to Cleopatra's pool
Abel Tasman
Walks

Winter in the Abel Tasman National Park

Yes, the park is accessible all year round and winter in the Abel Tasman is quite spectacular! There are no crowds or sandflies, and the light from the winter sun is perfect for photography. The low season spans from 1st May to 30th September 30th. Although the days are shorter & cooler, you can still see water taxis dropping people off at the various bays and beaches along the coast track, as well as a few adventurers out in kayaks.

Looking for that perfect gift?

Give someone an amazing  experience with an Abel Tasman gift voucher. Create life long memories of an adventurous kayaking trip or day trip into our stunning national park.

Your gift of experience is also better for the environment!

Every journey with us is zero carbon and a portion of every purchase goes towards the environmental protection of our local ecology.

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Proud to be a certified Zero Carbon business

We offset 100% of our emissions and make a contribution to the Abel Tasman National Park & local conservation projects on behalf of every customer. We believe that enjoying our stunning natural environment and protecting it go hand in hand. Your experience with us will help plant native trees, restore waterways, build climate resilience and restore our biodiversity.  
Find out more about our commitment and journey towards sustainable tourism.

Learn about the  Environmental Access Fee (EAF) – the portion of your ticket price that goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy in the park.

Need help deciding what to do?

Explore our top suggestions for “things to do” in our favourite National Park

Abel Tasman Must dos - Things to do
Must Do’s
Itinerary suggestions for the Abel Tasman
Itinerary Suggestions
Adventure activities in the Abel Tasman
Adventure Activities

Local Tips

We’ve asked a few of these seafaring salty-dogs and outdoor-types to share some of their inside knowledge and favourite parts of the Abel Tasman region.

Spotlight on Pelorus Bridge READ MORE >

Kōtuku – White Heron – Bird of the moment READ MORE >

THE PIE GUIDE TO NELSON TASMAN READ MORE >

The Nelson Tasman Region

Nelson Tasman is famous for its sunny settled climate, artisan food & beverage offering and stunning natural landscapes. The region is bursting with creativity and atmosphere with over 350 working artists across Nelson Tasman. Whether you want to taste the wine of Nelson Tasman, cycle the world class trails or enjoy one of the many fantastic cafes – Nelson Tasman really does have something for everyone.

Conservation 

Like many parts of the world, the park has its fair share of environmental challenges, but thanks to the work of local community groups and philanthropists, an incredible conservation story is emerging. Groups such as Project Janszoon, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust and the Department of Conservation are working hard to restore the Park back to its original biodiversity and the progress so far is very promising.

abeltasman.com is a locally produced collaboration of the following businesses

“There’s nothing quite like the Abel Tasman National Park. Our whole day was full of postcard moments – lying in the sun on the golden sand, swimming in crystal clear pools and walking along pristine coastline. Amazing!”

Nigel, Auckland – NZ

“The Abel Tasman National Park is an essential stop on any trip to New Zealand. The natural beauty of the park is unrivaled, and the food and people are both great. There is plenty to do and see here, so you won’t be disappointed.”

Dasha – Ukraine

“We will never forget our time in the Abel Tasman. Our skipper was friendly and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience seamless and easy – dropping us off at one beach and picking us up at another after a day of exploring the most amazing places I’ve ever seen”.

Jamie, Wellington – NZ

“This is the New Zealand we dream of now that we are based in Europe – a perfect Abel Tasman experience. Our whole day was full of postcard moments – lying in the sun on the golden sand, swimming in crystal clear pools and walking along pristine coastline…finished off with a refreshing local craft beer – awesome!”

Andrew – Holland

“The Abel Tasman National Park is paradise on earth. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this. Take one of the smaller water taxis, it’s by far the best way to see and explore the best bits of the coastline.”

Steph, Wellington – NZ

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