TL;DR
Nelson, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand's sunniest city and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park — a coast of golden beaches and clear turquoise water. Camp at holiday parks in and around Nelson and Motueka, or (with a booking) at DOC campsites inside Abel Tasman itself, reached on foot or by water taxi. Freedom camping in the area is limited, so book ahead in summer.
Abel Tasman is the smallest national park in New Zealand and the one that looks least like the rest of it: golden sand, clear water and native bush growing to the tideline, in the sunniest corner of the country.
What makes Abel Tasman different?
The climate, mostly. Nelson and the top of the South Island get more sunshine hours than anywhere else in New Zealand, which is why the water is swimmable and the beaches look tropical rather than temperate.
The park has no road along it. The **Abel Tasman Coast Track** runs the length of the coastline, and water taxis serve the beaches — which means you can walk one way and boat back, in either direction, for any distance you like.
How do you see the park in a day?
The standard approach, and it works well: take a water taxi up the coast in the morning and walk back, or walk out and get picked up.
Popular sections are Mārahau to Anchorage, about four hours, or Bark Bay to Anchorage, roughly the same. Book the taxi the day before in summer.
Watch the tide if your route crosses **Awaroa** — the inlet is only passable around low water, and people do get caught out.
Where do you camp?
Two very different options.
**Mārahau** is the main gateway at the southern end: campsites, water taxis, kayak hire and cafés, and everything within walking distance. This is the practical base.
**Totaranui** is at the northern end, reached by a long road over Tākaka Hill. It is a large DOC campground right behind a golden beach, and it is one of the best places to wake up in the country. Book well ahead for summer; it is popular with New Zealanders and it fills.
What about kayaking?
It is the classic way to see the park, and the coastline is well suited: sheltered water, short crossings between beaches, and seals along the way.
Guided day trips and freedom hire are both easy to arrange from Mārahau. If you have not kayaked much, take the guided option — the weather changes and local knowledge matters.
How long should you stay?
Two nights minimum, three if you want a full day in the park without rushing the logistics.
It also pairs naturally with Nelson and the Marlborough wine region on one side, and the West Coast on the other, so it sits comfortably in a South Island loop. Our route guides show where.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at DOC campsites on the beaches along the Coast Track, reached on foot or by water taxi. They must be booked in advance through DOC, and you need to be self-sufficient. Holiday parks near Marahau and Nelson are the road-accessible alternative.
About an hour's drive from Nelson to Marahau, the main southern gateway to Abel Tasman National Park; Kaiteriteri is a little closer.
Only in limited, designated areas and with a certified self-contained vehicle. The region is popular and rules are enforced, so most travellers book holiday parks or DOC sites.
Marahau and Kaiteriteri are the closest bases with holiday parks, while Nelson and Motueka offer more choice a short drive away. For a night in the park itself, book a DOC beach campsite.
Related pages
Sources & official info
Written by Lauran & Nikki
Family owners of JustGoodCampers, living in New Zealand and helping travellers explore it by camper. More about us
