The golden bays
Sand and turquoise water.
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Abel Tasman National Park lies at the north end of the South Island, between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay, and at 237.1 square kilometres it is New Zealand's smallest national park. Even so it is among the most visited, with golden beaches, turquoise water and forest running down to the sea. Māori lived here for about 700 years, and from the 19th century deforestation, farming and quarrying changed it greatly, making it one of the most modified parks, now managed largely to restore its ecosystem. It was established in 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of the navigator Abel Tasman's 1642 visit. A beach at Awaroa Inlet was added recently through a crowdfunding campaign. Its best known route is the Coast Track, 60 km along the eastern and northern shores, passing sandy bays, bridges and fern forest. High points on the trail show green and blue water and small islands, and at low tide the bays change and the sand spreads wide. You need not walk it all, as water taxis let you land at one bay and walk to another, or you can paddle a kayak. Most trips start from Marahau or Kaiteriteri near Motueka. Book huts and campsites in advance if you want to stay overnight, as they fill in summer. Check the tide before crossing certain bays, and bring water, sun protection and insect repellent.
Sand and turquoise water.
60 km between forest and sea.
Walk just part of the track.
Top of the South Island, between Golden and Tasman bays
No, water taxis let you walk just one section in a day.
Yes for huts and campsites, especially in summer, but not for a day walk.