Are you planning to visit Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island of New Zealand? However, you will need to plan carefully if you are short on time; due to narrow roads, it is not easy to get everywhere, and some places can only be reached by foot or boat.

Totora Nui Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Abel Tasman National Park is Totranui Beach. This campground is located on the west side of the national park and is attractive not only because of its beautiful beach with azure waters and golden sand, but because you can also walk or take a boat cab from the campground to other beaches. Since you have to drive a bit to get to Totora Nui Beach, we recommend contacting the campground and spending the night here instead of just spending a day at the beach, especially in summer, since the beach is very crowded.

Try Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

One of the most beautiful ways to discover this nature reserve is kayaking, but unfortunately, it may be far too expensive for some. The beauty of this trip is that you can get close to secluded beaches and have the chance to see seals and dolphins during the voyage. Also, the water is not too rough, making it suitable for sailing at sea. If you have a slightly higher budget, we recommend you! Many kayak tours leave the town of Marahau, so if you think it sounds fun, head here and book a tour. There are several tour companies on the coast, and you can’t go wrong.

Eat fish and chips at Kaiteriteri

This national park is beautiful in nature, but you can also enjoy good food, especially junk food portions. Not very healthy, but very tasty. In Kaiteriteri, you should try Fish & Chips at Gone Burgers. Choose chips, fish of the day, or anything else you like from the menu, and enjoy your meal while sitting on the terrace in the sun. The seagulls are bold enough to snatch your meal from your plate, so be careful. How about a cup of coffee and a slice of cake? Then we also recommend the terrace seating at the Shoreline Cafe adjacent to Gone Burger!

Campsite Totaranui

This campsite is located on the seaside of beautiful Totaranui Beach. You can also enter the Abel Tasman Coastal Track from here. It is a reasonably large campsite, but it can fill up quickly in December and January due to the many locals who visit during the New Zealand summer. If you want to sleep here during this time of year, it is always a good idea to check the availability beforehand. That way, you can avoid the long, unnecessary dirt road ride. It is also lovely to take a boat from the beach to beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park, such as Kaiteriteri and Marahau.

Abel Tasman Coastal or Inland Trail

This nature reserve is known as an excellent place for hiking. The most popular hiking trail is the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, about 51 kilometers long and can easily be walked in a couple of days. Fortunately, it is not very strenuous and requires patience, as you will be on the trail for several days. Along the way, you will pass golden sandy beaches, beautiful forests, and sometimes you will even try your hand at one of New Zealand’s unique suspension bridges. When you finally reach the finish line, you will often return by boat as a water cab. Want a more challenging tour? Then you can opt for the 3 or 4-day Inland Track.

Have you ever been to any of these places? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!