Abel Tasman National Park Guide

Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park, famous for its beautiful golden beaches and the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. It was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited New Zealand in 1642.

Stray New Zealand South Island tours stay right on the edge of the park in Marahau, as close as it gets! This is a popular place for Stray travellers to get off the bus and spend an extra day or two exploring and/or relaxing. Check out this amazing location when you travel with us on our adventure tour from Christchurch

Population: 46,000 in the Nelson region

Vibe: Relaxed and happy - why wouldn't you be - you're in one of the most beautiful places in the world! 

Known as: A hiking haven. The national park boasts 60 km of coastal track showcasing stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and the occasional cheeky seal. 

Must Do: Hike from Marahau to Anchorage Bay.

Things to see and do

Go Hiking!
Start your hike from Marahau.  The walk to Anchorage will take you around 4 hours (12.4km). You'll walk over mangroves, through the forest, climb up high into the cliffs and discover beautiful little bays along the way. When you arrive at Anchorage, take a swim in the ocean and relax on the sandy shores, or continue your walk to Cleopatra's Pools. You can get the Aqua Taxi back to Marahau or stay the night in the DOC hut and then continue your walk into the National Park. 

Sail the Coastline
Sailing the coast is one of the best ways to see as much of Abel Tasman Park as possible in a day on your New Zealand tour. You'll get the chance to hop off the boat to swim at the beach and you'll visit the local seal colony too. 

Kayak the bays
Sea kayaking is a great, low-impact way to explore the beautiful golden beaches, peaceful coves and offshore islands. You can choose to hire a kayak or take a guided kayak tour. 

See the coastline from above
Get a different view of the national park by Skydiving or tandem hang-gliding over Abel Tasman. 

Go canyoning in the National Park
On this New Zealand tour you get to experience a little bit of everything: jet boat into the heart of the National Park, hike to the start of the canyon, then slide down water-polished chutes, jump into crystal clear pools, zipline over rocks and abseil through showering waterfalls. What a day! 

Eating and Drinking

After a big day of sailing, skydiving, tandem hang gliding, hiking or kayaking you'll need a good dinner! Luckily there's a few great options close by serving some tasty food. 

The Fat Tui food truck is a favourite and many people claim it serves the best burgers in New Zealand! You may have to wait in a queue but the burgers are worth it. 

The Park Cafe serves delicious pizzas and hearty breakfasts to prepare you for the day ahead. They run an open mic night on a Thursday night which is always a bit of fun.

Hooked on Marahau is a little more upmarket, just across the road from the beach. The lamb shanks here are to die for and they have a happy hour in the afternoon.

Get to Abel Tasman National Park!

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READ OUR BLOG: Sailing in Abel Tasman

Stray passengers live the dream on board a private catamaran, diving off the boat, spotting wildlife and enjoying lunch on a private beach in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.