By traveling to New Zealand, you'll be entering into a contrasting world, where mountains meet beaches and jungles line the coast. And it's in the Abel Tasman National Park that you'll have the chance to take a long canoe trip before a walk along a beach, followed by battling your way through a forest... It's a sheer delight!
If you're travelling to New Zealand to go hiking, you'll no doubt be familiar with the Great Walks. Nine in total, they're hiking trails that have been selected for their exceptional landscapes and diverse natural settings. They're also classed according to their difficulty, which ranges from a simple ramble to an arduous trek! And it's here you'll find the Abel Tasman Coast Track, the only Great Walk in this region.
If you do the entire hike, you'll cover 54 kilometres and it usually takes three to five days. It's all done by foot and runs along a stunning coast, lined with white sandy beaches - an incredible experience! Depending on when you do it, you'll need to check out tide times, as parts can only be crossed at low tide. Some parts are very wet but there are bridges so that you don't have to wade through water; it has to be said that the Great Walks are well thought out!
As for where to sleep, there's the choice of huts or camping, but bear in mind you'll be obliged to reserve in advance. There's no problem if you don't want to undertake the entire trek, you can do shorter walks and there are boat-taxis to channel you around - a great idea if you're only planning a day trip.
Founded in 1942, the Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, covering 22,530 hectares. Even so, this relatively 'small' park is still amazing and a great place to visit on a family vacation to New Zealand! The range of things to do, the proximity of places to stay and the option to just spend a few hours there means that people of all ages will enjoy themselves.
Being famous for its stunning beaches, sun and beach lovers will feel right at home, particularly those who find themselves at Kaiteriteri. And for anyone feeling a bit more adventurous, you can always take a trip to Half Split Apple, which, as its name suggests, looks like an apple that's been cut in half!
