Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park (225 km²) — but one of the most beautiful. Golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush coastal rainforest, and a mild climate that resembles the Mediterranean coast more than the South Island. The park is located at the northern tip of the South Island, between Nelson and Motueka.

★★★ Kayak & Walk Combo

The best way to experience Abel Tasman is the combination of kayaking and hiking: You paddle in the morning in crystal-clear waters along the coast, land in secluded bays, hike in the afternoon through the coastal rainforest, and are brought back by water taxi. The most popular combo:

1-Day Combo (from 225 NZD): Water taxi to Bark Bay (45 minutes), kayak from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay (3 hours, along golden beaches, through seal colonies, past Split Apple Rock), hike from Torrent Bay to Marahau (3 hours, through coastal rainforest with tui birds and kereru — New Zealand's colorful shimmering pigeon).

3-Day Combo (from 595 NZD): Day 1: Kayak Marahau → Onetahuti (6 hours, including lunch on the beach). Overnight in the DOC hut Awaroa (52 NZD). Day 2: Hike Awaroa → Bark Bay (4 hours, through tidal rivers — only crossable at low tide!). Overnight Bark Bay hut. Day 3: Hike Bark Bay → Torrent Bay → Marahau (5 hours) or water taxi back.

★★★ Abel Tasman Coast Track

The complete Abel Tasman Coast Track (60 km, 3–5 days) is one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks and the only one that runs along a coast. You hike from golden bay to golden bay, wade through tidal rivers (Awaroa Inlet — passable only 2 hours before and after low tide!), sleep in DOC huts right on the beach, and wake up to the sound of the waves. The huts have beds, mattresses, cooking facilities, and toilets — you must bring your own sleeping bag and food.

Great Walk huts in season (Oct–Apr): 52 NZD/night, campsites 23 NZD/night — both bookable months in advance online with DOC. Off-season (May–Sep): huts 23 NZD, no reservation.

★★ Split Apple Rock

The Split Apple Rock — a perfectly split granite boulder that looks like a sliced apple in the water — is the iconic postcard image of the park. Best accessed by kayak (you paddle right up) or by water taxi with a photo stop.

★ Tonga Island Marine Reserve

Around Tonga Island lies a marine reserve where fur seals, Little Blue Penguins (the smallest penguins in the world, only 25 cm tall!) and occasionally orcas can be observed. Kayak tours often pass through the reserve — the seals sun themselves on the rocks and the curious pups sometimes swim alongside the kayak.