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.
If New Zealand has a beach paradise, it's the top of the South Island. Around Nelson the sun shines more than anywhere else in the country, and just up the coast, Abel Tasman National Park serves up golden sand and water so clear it looks tropical. It's a dreamy place to camp.
Camping around Nelson and Abel Tasman means a mix of holiday parks in and around Nelson and Motueka, and DOC campsites inside Abel Tasman National Park (reached on foot or by water taxi, and booked in advance). Freedom camping in the region is limited, so plan on booked sites, especially over the busy summer. Nelson is New Zealand's sunniest city and the natural base.
Camping around Nelson
Nelson and nearby Motueka have plenty of holiday parks with full facilities — a comfortable base with a hot shower, close to cafés, markets and the coast. From here it's a short drive to the start of Abel Tasman at Marahau. Book ahead in summer, when the whole region fills up with Kiwis on holiday.
Camping inside Abel Tasman
The magic is camping in the park itself. Abel Tasman has a string of DOC campsites right on the beaches along the Coast Track — think golden sand, clear water and no road access. You reach them by walking the track or by water taxi from Marahau or Kaiteriteri, and they must be booked in advance through DOC. You'll need to be self-sufficient, but waking up on your own beach is worth it.
Exploring the coast
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, but you don't have to do the whole thing — water taxis let you walk a section and get picked up, or kayak between the bays. Golden Bay, over the Tākaka Hill, adds Wharariki Beach and the Te Waikoropupū Springs. Slow down and enjoy it.
Planning your visit
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, near the Picton ferry and an easy start or end to a South Island circuit. Book your Abel Tasman campsites and water taxis well ahead in summer, and travel self-contained for the flexibility. See our campers.
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.
Written by the JustGoodCampers team
Family-owned camper rental in New Zealand. justgoodcampers.com
