activities• national parks

abel tasman adventure – sand and sun

Abel Tasman National Park covers just 22,350ha but its international reputation is enormous. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and it takes three to five days to walk the full length. The golden beaches, tranquil lagoons, clear water, native bush, seals and bird life make this an amazing year-round destination and a favourite location for sea-kayaking. The inland track is less travelled and also offers some spectacular scenery. Abel Tasman National Park

kahurangi – magic mountain

At 400,000 hectares and with 570 kilometres of walking and tramping tracks, including the start of the Heaphy Track, Kahurangi is New Zealand's second largest national park. The park has diverse forest and alpine flora and fauna and a wide array of landforms. Short walks and multi-day walking options. Kahurangi National park

nelson lakes – alpine adventure

Nelson Lakes National Park comprises 101,753ha of beech forests, valleys, isolated glacial lakes and craggy peaks. This stunning setting is home to the DOC Nature Recovery programme, which has already brought a chorus to the forest, of native bellbirds and kaka. Other species earmarked for recovery are kiwi, kakariki, kakapo and bush robins. There are a number of walks of varying lengths leading off from the campground, including a track around the lake. Nelson Lakes

Important Information

What to bring

• Warm clothes in winter
• walking shoes or hiking boots
• sleeping bags
• towel
• insect repellant
• suntan lotion
• cooking implements
• bags to take rubbish out in and store wet clothes in
• camera
• torch

This is not a comprehensive list - ask local i-SITE staff for more information.

Staying overnight
Huts are available in all three national parks. There are also designated campsites with water, toilets and fireplaces. Lodges and Kiwi holiday homes are also an option in the Abel Tasman National Park.

PLEASE NOTE: All visitors staying overnight in the Abel Tasman National Park are required to book huts and campsites before entering the park. To book contact the region’s i-SITE visitor centres or and DoC offices.

Safety
While all three national parks are beautiful in all four seasons, it’s important to dress warmly in winter and, if staying overnight, be prepared as the weather can change quickly. Check at any of the local Department of Conservation offices for up-to-date information on weather and track conditions. Also see www.doc.govt.nz

Remember
Pack your food and water in, and take your rubbish out. Don’t forget to check tides in the Abel Tasman National Park especially when crossing tidal inlets.

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