Abel Tasman National Park – Guide for Backpackers

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See Abel Tasman from the Sky!

Plummet towards Abel Tasman’s exquisite coastline from 18,000 ft.

Freefalling with Skydive Abel Tasman encompasses sensational views from one of the highest tandem skydives in the South Island. It’s also the only skydive in New Zealand where it’s possible to see both the North Island and South Island!

Or, if you fancy something a bit slower, go microlight flying or hang gliding. These flying activities can be done with Tasman Sky Adventures from Motueka.

Other activity providers for Abel Tasman National Park are situated in the surrounding towns of the park, such as Kaiteriteri and Marahau. Find out more about these towns here: Tasman and Golden Bay- Guide for Backpackers.

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Go for a Walk in the Abel Tasman National Park

Home to one of the Great Walks, you know there are some spectacular sights in the national park. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 3-5 day walk. It is one of the easier Great Walks, as you don’t have to hike up many hideously steep mountains (only a couple). The walk takes you to all the highlights of the park, such as towering granite cliffs, beaches and Split Apple Rock a boulder perfectly split down the middle.

Just remember two things: book Department of Conservation (DoC) accommodation in advance and take insect repellent. People have been known to be eaten have by sandflies! That may be a slight exaggeration.

If sleeping on the beach in a DoC hut or campsite isn’t your thing, although it should be because it’s pretty cool, then you can walk part of the Coast Track in a day so you can return to the comforts of your hostel. We suggest taking the long suspension bridge on the Falls River Track, then feast your eyes on the waterfalls, streams and estuary crossings.

To access the day walks, you can get aqua taxis from the nearby towns of Kaiteriteri and Marahau to get into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park quickly. Then leave the park just as swiftly.

Book your water taxi with Wilsons Abel Tasman or Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles.

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Biking in the Abel Tasman National Park

Keen mountain bikers looking for another awesome New Zealand mountain to check off their list should go to the Rameka Track. It is on the steep marble mountain nestled in the inland corner of the national park. Takaka Hill is certainly hard to miss.

Warm-up on the shorter track of Harwood’s Hole, which so happens to have the deepest straight drop in the country. This vertical hole in a hill is a great playground for mountain bikers with a rugged landscape, crazy rock formations and forest.

Take on the Rameka Track for high-speed fun. Be cautious of the dense forest with its curvy sections on narrow paths. You may also have to carry your bike across shallow rivers. Before you know it, you’ll at the bottom of the mountain and in the town of Takaka.

For more information, head to Mountain Biking in Nelson Tasman.

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Kayak, Sail, Paddleboards…

There are many ways to experience Abel Tasman’s waters. As you glide over the crystal clear sea, we challenge you not to want to jump in! Whatever water activity you do, you will see the highlights of the national park.

By taking kayaking tours from Kaiteriteri and Marahau, you can island hop and have close encounters with seals. Dolphins and penguins have also been known to emerge from the water next to kayaks and boats.

Sailing is your more relaxing option. These trips can take you to the highlights of the national park, stopping along the way for walks and a swim. Book your trip with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures.

If You Have More Time in the Abel Tasman National Park…

• Look out for the occasional dolphin and orca regularly spotted by kayakers!
• Take a sailing trip from Nelson for the full Nelson, Tasman and Abel Tasman National Park tour.
• Fuel yourself with adrenaline by canyoning in one of the most scenic canyoning sites in New Zealand.
• If you have heaps of time in Abel Tasman National Park, volunteer for the Department of Conservation to help preserve the park. You’ll have one of the nicest offices in the world!