After walking up huge mountains, strolling along the golden sands of Abel Tasman is absolute bliss. Whilst Tasman has its share of mountains, this area is famous for its paradise beaches that wouldn’t be out of place in the tropics. Add in that many are blissfully quiet and you’ll find a region that is unmissable.
Quick Summary
Top Tip: Even if you can only spare a day, make sure you head to Abel Tasman National Park.
When to go: Tasman is best experienced in the summer, where the sea is warmer and the mountains are not quite as cold.
Peak Season: December - April
Off Season: June - September
Best of Tasman
The Heaphy Track is the one of the longest of the Great Walks of New Zealand, so a little planning can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy this track. Here's our guide to everything you need to know before hiking the Heaphy Track.
You can have it all on a trip to Nelson; great cafes, restaurants and wineries, as well as easy access to incredible beaches, secret glow worm colonies, epic hiking trails and a truly crazy Disney like cave. We’re sharing all the best things to do in Nelson you won’t find anywhere else.
Golden Bay is a perfect holiday destination. The more we explored the area the more we fell in love with it, after all it boasts one of the country’s best beaches, the most unique cave we’ve ever been to, incredible swimming holes, gorgeous forest and whimsical boulder strewn landscapes. We’re sharing all the best things to do there for a trip to remember.
Wainui Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Abel Tasman National Park, accessed via a gorgeous walk with real jungle vibes. The crystal clear river has plenty of spots to stop for a dip and you can even swim in the pool at the base of the falls if the flow is not too strong. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including difficulty and track conditions.
The Mount Robert Circuit is one of the best day walks in the Nelson Lakes National Park. The views of both Lake Rotoiti and the St Arnaud range are spectacular. Although it does require a bit of a climb, it’s not too difficult and makes for an excellent few hours in the park. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail including, track conditions and difficulty.
This guide offers everything you need to know about visiting Split Apple Rock; including tips for photography, the tides you need to access the right part of the beach, hidden sea caves, glow worms and more.
The remarkable Rawhiti Cave has to be one of the South Island’s best hidden gems. This cave is other-worldly and home to a rare phenomenon known as phytokarst in which the stalactites grow in unusual shapes towards the sunlight. Many of these weird and wonderful formations are a vivid salmon pink! We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting, including how difficult the track is.
Whisky Falls is one of Nelson Lakes National Park’s must do’s. This gorgeous waterfall is surrounded by mossy boulders and dozens of cascades giving it a really dramatic feel. You can visit by water taxi or on foot and we’re sharing how to do both options in this in-depth guide.
The Pelorus River is spectacular, with crystal clear water and amazing swimming holes. The reserve also offers some fantastic walking trails through old growth forest to pretty waterfalls and lookout points. We’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.
Want to hike a Great Walk that few people do? Then the Heaphy Track is calling. Four day, 80km and barely anyone else in sight.
The Heaphy Track is the longest of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, coming in at nearly 80km across four days. It's often overlooked for its more glamorous neighbour - Abel Tasman - but we loved the quietness and diversity of this Great Walk.
The Abel Tasman Track is one of the most popular of the Great Walks and New Zealand and having hiked it, we can see why. Stunning beaches, beautiful forests and endless sunshine made this one of the best hikes we've ever done.If that hasn't persuaded you to go, then check out our photos from the hike below.
The Abel Tasman Track is pure bliss for someone wanting to do a multi-day hike that's not too steep, not too long, has paradise views all the way and a water taxi service to take all the hassle out of bags and transport. At points it didn't feel like a hike, but a holiday stroll from beach to beach.
Everything you need to know about the Abel Tasman Coast Track - one of the best in New Zealand: how difficult it is, how to book, water taxis and pack transport, what the huts are like and why you should hike this incredible track.