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Points New Zealand South Island Abel Tasman National Park

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Abel Tasman National Park

Nature Reserve · South Island · 30 m

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Outdooractive Editors

Sunset in Abel Tasman National Park
Photo: Nadine Greiter, Outdooractive Editors

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The Abel Tasman National Park is a 220 km² nature reserve on New Zealand's South Island. It is located on the north coast between two bays, Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, and as the smallest national park of New Zealand, has been protecting fauna and flora since 1942. Also, the sea area off its coasts has been strictly protected since 1993. Because of this many fish species, crustaceans, dolphins, and seabirds live in the bays around the national park.

The national park was named after its discoverer, the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman and trademarked by its turquoise blue water bays and its beautiful beaches. A highlight for visitors, besides the breathtaking nature, is the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This hike is not for the faint-hearted and is more than 50km long. Hikers should be careful, some stages need to be well planned! It is not possible to cross some bays at high tide.

Author

Nadine Greiter

Update: October 23, 2020

Getting there

From Motueka via State Highway 60

Coordinates

-40.910445, 172.985353

DMS

40°54'37.6"S 172°59'07.3"E

UTM

59H 667201 5469286

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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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