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Abel Tasman National Park

Able-Tasman-Coast-Track

Abel Tasman National Park is known for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track.

At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park, named after Able Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand. Tasman’s log records that just after dusk on 18 December 1642 while his ships  lay at anchor in the bay, four canoes manned by local Maori came to the ships. No real contact was made on this first visit and the canoes returned to the shore. In the uneasy dawn the next day, eight canoes came out again. A small boat from the Zeehaen acting as a ferry between the two ships was rammed by the leading canoe. A skirmish followed and four of Tasman’s men were killed. Anchors were quickly weighed and the Dutch ships swiftly departed. Able Tasman labeled the bay, Murderers Bay, however it has now been renamed to Golden Bay.

The Abel Tasman National Park maybe small in size but it is big on beauty! Golden beaches border the translucent turquoise sea, and sandy estuaries fringed by natural forests. The walking tracks here, both in land and coastal, are world famous for their outstanding beauty. You can walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track from top to bottom in 3 – 5 days, or enjoy one of the many shorter day walk options using a cruise boat, sailing catamaran, water taxi or sea kayak to enter into the Abel Tasman. If that all sounds just a little too energetic, then just kick back on one of the many unspoiled beaches you will discover along the way. Plus you have the added bonus of face-to-face encounters with marine wildlife and birds. Tonga Island is located in the Marine Reserve of the Abel Tasman National Park and is home to the ever-entertaining seal colony. And who knows you may be lucky enough to spot visiting dolphins and Orcas playing in the waters of Abel Tasman National Park.