Abel Tasman kayak and walk

Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, clear turquoise water, and lush native bush. Kayaking allows you to explore secluded coves and islands, getting up close to the granite coastline and spotting wildlife like kekeno (New Zealand fur seals) and sometimes dolphins.

The walking portion takes place on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The trips are highly flexible; you can kayak one way and walk back, or use water taxis to create a custom itinerary. This makes the experience accessible for a wide range of fitness levels and timeframes.

Allow half a day to multiple days for Abel Tasman kayak and walk, plus drive time from wherever you spend the night before. Distances in Nelson & Abel Tasman look short on a map, but winding roads, roadworks and campervan speeds stretch them, so build this stop around an unhurried day rather than squeezing it between long drives. Best time to go: Best experienced in summer for warm water, but the park is beautiful and accessible year-round. Check road conditions and seasonal ferry timetables before you lock in dates. It suits travellers who want to slow down and see Nelson & Abel Tasman properly rather than tick it off. Send your plan to an Acrossnz advisor and we'll check the timing works.