Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park and it boasts a spectacular coastline and a rugged interior with waterfalls and streams. The park is extremely popular with backpackers who come to hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and to kayak along the park’s 91km of pristine coastline, which is home to dolphins, fur seals, penguins and a variety of bird life.

Local transport

There are several water taxi companies that offer shuttle services within the national park. These include Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle and Aqua Taxi. One way fares range from $24 to $49.

Accommodation

There are several campgrounds in the park and DOC operates huts on the Inland and Coastal Tracks (reservations are essential in summer). DOC  huts on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track cost $38 per night between October and April and $32 per night between May and September. Camping costs $15 per night year-round.

In addition to DOC accommodation within the park, there are a couple of backpackers hostels at Marahau, near the edge of the park, and many backpackers also stay at hostels in nearby Motueka or Takaka.