Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman and Nelson Regions, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park is a New Zealand national park located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of the South Island. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand and who anchored nearby in Golden Bay.

The park was founded in 1942, largely through the efforts of ornithologist and author Pérrine Moncrieff to have land reserved for the purpose. Moncrieff served on the park board from 1943 to 1974.

The park was opened on the 18 December 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman’s visit. Those in attendance at the opening ceremony at Tarakohe included Charles van der Plas, as personal representative of the Netherlands’ Queen, Wilhelmina. The Queen was made Patron of the park.

The idea for the park had been under consideration since June 1938. The Crown set aside 15,225 hectares (37,622 acres), comprising 8,900 hectares (21,900 acres) of proposed state forest, 5,809 hectares (14,354 acres) of Crown land and 554 hectares (1,368 acres) of other reserve land for the national park. The Golden Bay Cement Company donated the land where the memorial plaque was sited. The area’s primary historic interest was the visit of Tasman in 1642, D’Uville in 1827, and the New Zealand Company barques Whitby and Will Watch, and brig Arrow in 1841. The site was also of significant botanical interest.

By 1946 the park had reached 15,534 hectares (38,386 acres) in area with additional land purchases. A further 844 hectares (2,085 acres) at Totaranui, formerly owned by William Gibbs, was acquired from J S Campbell in 1949 and added to the park. About 6,100 hectares (15,000 acres) have been added since. In 2008 an extra 7.9 km2 (790 ha; 3.1 sq mi), including the formerly private land known as Hadfields Clearing, were added to the park.

User reviewed online profile of Abel Tasman National Park: Tasman and Nelson regions, New Zealand. Plan your adventure holiday to Abel Tasman National Park armed with information and reviews provided by experts and by users. Find out about when to go, how to get there, what to do, best season to visit, its wildlife, habitat and much more…

What to do in Abel Tasman National Park:

Wild Life: Kiwi, Kokako, Kakapo, Saddleback, Kaka, Parakeet, New Zealand Falcon, Kea, Little Blue Penguin, Paryphanta, Beetle, Spider, Millipede and Glow Worm
Adventure: Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Tramping, Swimming, Camping and Sightseeing

Where is Abel Tasman National Park:

Region: Located at the north-end of the South Island of New Zealand.
Location: Tasman and Nelson districts, Tasman and Nelson regions, New Zealand

When & how to get to Abel Tasman National Park:

Best Time to Visit: 01-Apr to 31-Dec
Getting There: Roads lead to Marahau and Totaranui at either end of the coastal track (1.5 and 2.5 hours from Nelson) and provide access to the inland track system. There are regular and on-demand bus services to the park from local towns and from Nelson as well as a launch and water taxi services.
Nearest Town: Motueka
Nearest Airport: Lake Tekapo
Nearest Railway Station:

Where to stay (Lodges/Guest Houses/Camps/Resorts/Hotels):

Accommodation: There are 8 huts in the park; 4 along the Coast Track and 4 Inland. There are also 20 campsites with a water supply and toilets. All Coast Track huts and campsites must be booked all year round. At Totaranui there is a campground with basic facilities; toilets and cold showers but no power. Bookings are required in summer. There is also an education centre accommodating 40. Backpacker accommodation, motels and lodges are available in the towns near the park.

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Climate & Weather conditions in Abel Tasman National Park:

Temp: 4 c to 24.5 c
Rainfall: 1800 cm
Altitude: 1156 m

Other details about Abel Tasman National Park:

Established: 1942
Area: 225 sq km
Language: English and Maori