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The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is in the Abel Tasman National Park in the northern central part of the South Island of New Zealand. The Abel Tasman National Park is northwest of Nelson City and divides the Tasman & Golden Bays.

This is one of the easiest of the 9 Great Walks in New Zealand – the distance between Marahau & Wainui Inlet (each end of the track) is 60kms and while there are ascents and descents, the golden sand beaches you walk along are the greatest icons of the track.

The most memorable features of the track are these beaches, their golden sands and the clarity of the water seems to be a perfect definition of summer in New Zealand.

Imagine taking off your hiking shoes, feeling the sand between your toes, and walking along with your feet in the clear, warm and azure sea.

In many ways this is the track for everyone as the days are not too long, the difficulty is not too great and there is time for relaxing, swimming and exploring along the way.

It takes just over an hour to drive from Nelson City to Marahau where the southern end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track begins makes it very accessible.

The Nelson region is one of the most desirable regions for visitors to New Zealand, being well known for its wonderful warm climate, long sunshine hours and bountiful produce. The artists and craftspeople in the Nelson region have gained a world wide reputation.

There is an airport in Nelson which has frequent flights from all the major cities.

If coming by land Nelson is approximately 2 hours drive from Picton – where the Interisland ferries berth and an hour and a half from Marlborough’s vibrant wine region around Blenheim.

Nelson is also very accessible from the West Coast of the South Island and from our major South Island city of Christchurch.

The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and one of the most popular to visit and spend time. While it is most well known for its golden beaches on the coastal track there are uplands and tracks deep into the forest that few people visit.

Unguided Walk Options

Guided Walk Options

Kayak Options

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