The Abel Tasman, Nelson Region, South Island, New Zealand

The Abel Tasman

Welcome to The Abel Tasman - the website for New Zealand's Abel Tasman region.

One of New Zealand’s 14 national parks, the Abel Tasman is the smallest at 22,530 hectares.

It is covered in native bush, interlaced with walking tracks and surrounded by clear blue/green seas.

Many people enjoy walking the picturesque Abel Tasman Coastal Track, breaking the walk with a well deserved swim in one of the Abel Tasman's tantalising bays.

There's also one of New Zealand’s marine reserves off the Abel Tasman National Park’s coast. This reserve provides a safe haven for the marine wildlife in the area and is therefore a great place to scuba dive or snorkel, just see how big the crayfish grow.

The area is home to the New Zealand fur seal, which can be seen swimming in the blue waters or resting on rocks along the coastline.

The Abel Tasman National Park is within easy driving distance of Nelson, Motueka, Kaiteriteri, Upper Moutere, Tasman and Mapua, areas rich in arts and crafts, cafes, vineyard and wineries. Not to mention all the activities available from horse riding to parachuting.

Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks are also nearby, both offer extensive hiking tracks and stunning scenery.

So what are you waiting for? Use the links to help you find a place to stay, whether you’re looking for a holiday home, bed and breakfast or a lodge, there’s one listed. And then decide what you’re going to do, take a cruise, charter a boat, tour the surrounding area by motorcycle or learn to abseil. In fact there’s so much to do here, you may find yourself booking next year's holiday in advance.