Though it is New Zealand's smallest National Park, the adventures here are anything but little - there is so much to see and do. And the best way to explore the park? By Kayak!
Why Explore By Kayak?
There's no doubt that one of the main draws to Abel Tasman National Park is the water. And the crystal clear complexion makes the water one of the best (and most beautiful) ways to explore the park. Not only do you get to enjoy the picture-perfect waters, but travelling by kayak also allows you to experience parts of the park that you might not otherwise get to see. So whether you want to lay on one of the golden beaches, explore a peaceful lagoon, or search for some of the unique wildlife to be found in the park and in the waters - you can do it all by kayak!
How can you explore by kayak?
When it comes to kayaking through Abel Tasman National Park, there are two different options: self-guided tours or guided tours. Self-guided tours can save you a little bit of money, but we wouldn't recommend them unless you are an experienced kayaker. If you decide to do a self-guided tour, you can rent kayaks at the park, but there must be at least 2 people on the tour. Furthermore, for safety reasons, you will be asked to stick to the lower regions of the park.
If you wish to explore further, or if you are not an experienced kayaker, it might be a better idea to book a guided tour. The guides at Abel Tasman National Park are bound by the highest safety standards and can take you to picturesque locations that can't be explored by a self-guided tour. Tours range from 1-4 days in length and can be booked for individuals, friends, or entire families.
Depending on what you're looking to do, guided tours may include overnight stays on remote lands, hikes, and nature watching. One of our favourite tours is the Seal Sanctuary Tour, where you can kayak out to observe a local seal colony - and may even catch a glimpse of some Blue Penguins too!
Other ways to Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Of course, not everyone is confident in a kayak, so there are lots of other ways to spend the day at Abel Tasman National Park too. If you're apt to stay on the water, other exploration options include sailing and exploring by water taxi. If you prefer to stay on land, there are hundreds of different hiking trails throughout the park that are designed for almost any ability level. Again, you can do self-guided hikes or book a guided hike with a local tour company.
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