South Island - Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park

Nelson region is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, three national parks, 300-plus working artists and craftspeople, boutique wineries, fresh local produce and seafood, historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes and restaurants, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle. Nelson, named after Admiral Lord Nelson of Battle of Trafalgar fame, is the main commercial centre for the region, whose main industries are forestry, horticulture, fishing and tourism. The smallest of the New Zealand's national parks, Abel Tasman is a compact treasure house of nature with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. A range of wildlife inhabits the area, including penguins and a seal colony in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. 

The smallest of the New Zealand's national parks, Abel Tasman is a compact treasure house of nature with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. A range of wildlife inhabits the area, including penguins and a seal colony in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. There are three main gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. In the south are Marahau and Kaiteriteri, reached by road from Motueka; in the north is Totaranui, reached by road from Takaka in Golden Bay. Regular launches and water taxis service a number of points along the Park's coastline, including Kaiteriteri, Marahau and Totaranui, enabling visitors to access the Park from the water. Visitors can experience the Park in the following ways:
• The Abel Tasman Coastal Track (three to five days): this popular year-round walk can be undertaken with or without a guide. There are a number of accommodation facilities, ranging from basic Department of Conservation huts and lodges to independently owned lodges with excellent facilities. Bookings are recommended in summer months and passes are required if camping or staying in Department of Conservation huts
• Sea kayaking (one-day to multi-day trips): explore the coast from the water, rest on beaches with no foot access and observe the water wildlife. Freedom camping is an option when overnighting. Kayak rental operators are based at Marahau, Kaiteriteri and within the Park. They offer guided trips and freedom rentals and provide equipment, instruction and full safety briefings
• Day trips or overnight stays: water taxis can drop visitors into the Park to walk sections of the Track. Visitors also have the option of staying a night in a variety of accommodation styles. There are also day cruises and nature tours that include walking through the Park.