Ah, the South Island. Home of some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, exciting attractions, and natural beauty. If you’re planning a road trip across this sub-tropical paradise, you simply must visit Abel Tasman National Park. This stunning region is a must-try for homegrown Kiwis and visitors alike.
As one of the top businesses for campervan hire in New Zealand, we at Kia Ora Campers have sent many travellers off into the wild blue yonder with our recommendations for a great Abel Tasman trip. We thought we’d capture those recommendations here so you can get to work plotting the trip of a lifetime.
So, wondering what to do in Abel Tasman National Park? Wonder no more. Take a tour with us through what to do, where to stay, and when to visit this gem of Aotearoa.
What to Do in Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track
No list of attractions in Abel Tasman is complete without mentioning the world-famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This track is great for intermediate hikers who want to stretch their legs in one of the world’s most beautiful natural parks. The one-way 60km trek can take three to five days, depending on your fitness level.
As you go, you’ll come across Cleopatra’s Pool (a rock pool with a natural waterslide), a stunning 47-metre suspension bridge across Falls River, and even colonies of fur seals! While it’s well-marked, this can be a tough track for the novice trekker, so ensure everyone embarking is fit and used to long hikes or backpacking.
This is a multi-day hike, so you’ll want to arrange places to stay. There are four huts along the 60km track, and spaces book up quickly, so make sure you book spots for all your attendants well in advance. This also goes for the 18 campsites dotted along the track. Bookings are essential, so make sure to get in there quick!
Sea Kayaking Tours
If long hikes aren’t your style, you might enjoy seeing Abel Tasman National Park by water instead. Many guided kayaking tours take you drifting along the surface of the deep blue sea, including berthing at several key spots throughout the park to experience it to the fullest. If you prefer an independent adventure, rent kayaks from most Department of Conservation campsites (or bring your own!).
Make sure to check out the tidal timetables, weather forecast, and distances between landmarks to make sure you’re ready to hit the water at the right time!
Cliff Jumping and Abseiling
Got a few adrenaline junkies in the group? See some of the lesser-known spots of the National Park with guided group tours that let you literally dive into the scenery. Cliff jumping, abseiling, and river crossings abound! Simply look up the group tours available in the region – more widely available in summer – and book your next heart-pumping natural adventure.
Scenic Flights
Finally, if you have some cash to burn and want a view like no other, the Abel Tasman scenic flights can’t be missed. Several companies offer the chance to see this park from a bird’s eye view, which most people haven’t had the chance to experience! As with all experiences, make sure to book your spot well in advance, and remember that harsh weather can derail plans, so summer is often best for a quick flight in this region.
When is the Best Time to Visit Abel Tasman National Park?
Summer is undeniably the peak season in this corner of the world. The warmer seasons are some of the best times to visit Abel Tasman. Life abounds, the sun is high, and the water is a gorgeous blue. This is also when you’re most likely to see seal pups and colonies, as the higher temperatures draw the seals to this sunshine-soaked corner of the world.
The higher temperatures call more than seals and penguins to the park. Since this is a beautiful time of year to see the Abel Tasman, this is also peak tourism time, and you might find yourself contending for the perfect sightseeing spot with some other nature lovers.
If you’re looking for a quieter way to see Abel Tasman, it might pay to go in Autumn or Spring. Though the water won’t be as warm for swimming, the views are as beautiful as ever. You can also investigate some of the quieter attractions or alternate spots in the park if you prefer a summertime visit. Consider the northern stretch of the Coastal Track, the inland stretches leading to Takaka Hill, and the independent kayak hiring spots available at most Department of Conservation campsites.
The northern part of the park is a must-try for keener independent travellers. The water taxi service between Wainui and Totaranui is basically non-existent, and there are few guided group trips, so anyone comfortable with deeper wilderness treks will find some quieter stretches here.
Where to Stay in Abel Tasman
The best way to see Abel Tasman is by sleeping under the stars. This big-sky piece of New Zealand offers unbeatable panoramic views you’ll cherish for a lifetime. There is one campervan-friendly campground in Abel Tasman National Park, known as Tōtaranui Campground. Featuring both campervan and caravan access, this is a stunning coastal campground. There are spots to swim, kayak, fish, and go on bush walks.
Whether you’ve jumped into a 3-berth motorhome hire or you’ve got a smaller model, this is the ideal spot to park up and enjoy the view.
Some features of this campground include:
• Boat launching sites for getting out on the water
• Drinkable tap water (some other areas of the park require you to treat the water before drinking)
• Campervan dump site
• Campfire area for roasting marshmallows
Remember that this campground has seasonal restrictions, with restrictions on the time you can stay during the summer months. Book your stay via the Department of Conservation website before going to ensure you find a spot with no trouble.
At the end of the day, if you haven’t already been to the Abel Tasman National Park, then it’s past time to book your stay. Start by sorting out your campervan hire, then hit the road for a trip you’ll never forget.
See this sub-tropical paradise the way it was meant to be seen: by caravan!
There’s no better way to get in touch with this park’s natural beauty than to see it by caravan. We offer 3-berth motorhome hires for families who want to travel in comfort and style. Get in touch with the Kia Ora Campers team to reserve your campervan today!