Motueka New Zealand – A Gateway to Coastal Beauty and Culture

Yes, Abel Tasman National Park is accessible throughout the year. While summer is a popular time to visit, the park can be enjoyed in all seasons. The shoulder seasons, which include spring and autumn, are often recommended as the best times to experience the serenity of the park.

Yes, you can customize your experience on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. The track offers various options for you to tailor your journey based on your preferences and available time. Whether you have half a day, a full day, or a few days to explore, there are plenty of options to shape your own unique itinerary.

The easiest way to get close to Abel Tasman National Park is by flying into Nelson, the largest city in the area with a well-connected airport. From Nelson, it's a one-hour, 60km drive to the park. If you're driving from the North Island, you'll need to take the car ferry from Wellington to access the South Island. Once in the South Island, you can drive to Abel Tasman National Park.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track offers stunning highlights such as white sand beaches, crystal-clear bays, and abundant wildlife. Notable attractions include Cleopatra's Pool, a picturesque rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide, and the captivating inlet to Falls River featuring a 47-metre suspension bridge. Visitors can also spot fur seals/kekeno and explore the pristine waters of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. With its natural beauty and cheeky wildlife, the track provides a remarkable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is divided into four main sections:

• Marahau to Anchorage: This section takes approximately 4 hours and covers a distance of 12.4 km. It begins with crossing the estuary over the Marahau causeway and passes through open country and lush beech forests before reaching Anchorage Bay.
• Anchorage to Bark Bay: There are two options for this section. The high tide track takes around 4 hours and covers 11.5 km, while the low tide crossing at the Torrent Bay estuary takes about 3 hours and covers 8.4 km. Both routes offer scenic coastal views and lead to the beautiful Bark Bay.
• Bark Bay to Awaroa: This section takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 13.5 km. It involves crossing the Bark Bay estuary and passing through mānuka stands and the forested Tonga Saddle before reaching Awaroa Bay.
• Awaroa to Wainui or Tōtaranui: From Awaroa, hikers can choose to either continue to Whariwharangi Bay and Wainui (2 hours, 5.7 km) or take the Gibbs Hill Track to Tōtaranui (3 hours, 9 km). This section offers diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches and rocky headlands.

These sections allow hikers to plan their journey and experience different parts of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track based on their preferences and available time.

Popular Kayaking Routes in Abel Tasman National Park:

• Marahau to Split Apple Rock: Starting from Marahau, paddle south along the stunning coastline to reach the iconic Split Apple Rock. Enjoy the picturesque views and crystal-clear waters as you kayak to this unique rock formation.
• Marahau to Astrolabe Roadstead: Launching from Marahau, head north towards the Astrolabe Roadstead. This area is located between the mainland and Fisherman and Adele Islands, offering a beautiful and diverse kayaking experience.
• Mārahau Sandspit: Launching from the Mārahau Sandspit provides convenient access to the water and allows you to explore various sections of the park. You can choose to paddle in different directions, depending on your preferences and desired destinations.

Please remember to check the weather conditions, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared with the necessary equipment and supplies for a safe and memorable kayaking experience in Abel Tasman National Park.

While prior kayaking experience is desirable, having a reasonable level of camping and outdoor skills, as well as water confidence, is essential for kayaking trips in Abel Tasman National Park. Before setting out on your kayaking adventure, you will receive a comprehensive briefing from a qualified sea kayak guide. They possess extensive knowledge of the park and will provide you with valuable information about recommended routes, estimated distances based on your available time, safety guidelines, and updates on weather and sea conditions. This briefing ensures that you are well-prepared and informed for your kayaking experience in Abel Tasman National Park.

Yes, you can combine kayaking with other activities in Abel Tasman National Park. The park provides opportunities to hike along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, swim in the clear waters, spot wildlife, and relax on the beautiful beaches. You can embark on a kayaking trip and then continue your adventure by hiking, taking breaks for swimming or wildlife spotting, and enjoying the scenic surroundings. Abel Tasman National Park offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, allowing you to make the most of your visit and create a memorable experience.

For kayaking trips in Abel Tasman National Park, an average level of fitness is generally sufficient. Guides are available to provide instructions on proper paddling techniques, making it easier for participants to develop their skills quickly. While a certain level of physical fitness is beneficial, kayaking in the park can be enjoyed by individuals with varying fitness levels. It's always a good idea to inform your guide about any specific concerns or physical limitations you may have to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Getting to Abel Tasman National Park and navigating the Abel Tasman Coastal Track can be an adventurous experience. Here are the transportation options available:

• By Car: It's approximately a one-hour drive from Nelson to Marahau, the southern trailhead. From Picton, the drive takes around 3.5 hours.
• By Bus: Bus services operate from Nelson, Motueka, and other towns, providing transportation to Marahau or Wainui, the northern trailhead.
• By Air: Nelson Airport is the closest airport, with a 50-minute drive to Marahau.

Getting Around:

• Walking: The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is well-marked and maintained, making walking the primary mode of transportation along the track.
• Water Taxis: Water taxis are available for various purposes. They can transport you to different points along the track, allowing flexibility in choosing your starting and ending points. They also offer bag transfers, enabling you to walk with lighter loads. Additionally, water taxi rides provide scenic views of the coastline.
• If you are staying in Kaiteriteri or Nelson, you can also take advantage of day tours that offer guided experiences and transportation within Abel Tasman National Park. These tours typically include activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, allowing you to explore the park's beauty with the guidance of knowledgeable local guides. Many tour operators offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services from Kaiteriteri or Nelson, making it easy to embark on a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park without the need for self-transportation.