Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 13-Abel Tasman National Park 4/23/2024

Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s most beloved natural treasures, renowned for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush native bush, and mild climate. It’s a coastal paradise located on the northern coastline of the South Island. Abel Tasman is home to one of New Zealand’s multi-day walking tracks, aptly named the Abel Tasman Coast Track which takes 3 to 5 days to walk the entire track. We only wanted to do a day tour so we opted for the "Great outdoor" which a combination of boat trip along the coast with some hike and we used Wilsons Abel Tasman which is the main tour operating in the Park. 

The meeting point is at Kaiteriteri, a small town located south of the Park.

The beach at Kaiteriteri

 Instead of a large commercial pier, boats are docking just offshore at Kaiteriteri Beach.  We arrived 20 minutes early and there are barely anybody there.

Waiting here is so peaceful with the view of the beach and the small town behind us.

  There are different tours to visit the park, and this is another group boarding for their tour of Abel Tasman.

Golden sand and blue clear water of the Tasman Sea.

View of a rocky granite formation from Kaiteriteri beach.

There are a lot more people now waiting to board the boat.

Our boat just arrived and is docking at the beach.

We are now heading to our boat.

Staff loading food into the boat before letting people inside.

We are ready to board.

This is the upper deck of the boat.

We are now sailing....

This is our the map for our itinerary for the day.

Beautiful day with the sun shining above.

We are now heading to Apple Tree Bay.

Around 4 miles from Kaiteriteri the boat cruised by the Split Apple Rock, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Abel Tasman region!

A perfectly round granite boulder split in half, sitting in shallow sea water, it really looks like a giant apple sliced down the middle!

Split Apple Rock (Tokangawhā) is a natural granite sculpture, split perfectly in two and resting in the shallow blue waters near Kaiteriteri. Whether you kayak past or view it from a water taxi, it’s one of those magical, unexpected sights that feels straight out of a storybook.

Māori name: Tokangawhā.  According to Māori legend, the rock was split by two gods fighting over it, one slammed it with a mighty blow, splitting it in two. Geologists say it naturally split along a joint fracture, possibly millions of years ago due to freeze-thaw weathering

Our boat slowed down and then circle around the rock for photos ops on the way to the park.

The boat cruised along the coastline for a good hour or so.  This mountains seem to rise straight out of the sea. You feel the contrast between the calm, open coast and the wild, towering bush land just behind it. It gives Abel Tasman that magical sense of being remote, peaceful, and protected.

We are in the middle of Fall so even if the sun is up it is actually pretty cold with the wind blowing as we are cruising.

The massive forested mountain is likely part of the Pikikirunga Range, a wilderness ridge running through the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. Its steep, green slopes form a breathtaking natural wall behind the golden beaches, reminding you that this coastal paradise is cradled by untamed forested highlands.

The coastline is rugged and absolutely gorgeous.

Cruising along...

Rock formation

Houses in Anchorage bay.

Beach at Anchorage bay.

We are approaching Anchorage Bay.

Our boat is docking and we are ready to get off the boat.

View from our boat at the Anchorage bay, you can see a granite boulder sticking out of the sea.

Anchorage Bay in Abel Tasman National Park is truly stunning. This wide, golden sand beach that appears dramatically at low tide one of the park’s most iconic coastal scenes.

The large expanse of beach reveals tidal flats and sandbars, which attract a variety of wildlife. The animals you’re seeing are probably seabirds common ones in the area. It's a peaceful spot where the rhythm of the tides shapes the land and invites both birds and people to pause.

It is so gorgeous and great to walk around.

Hikers either arriving from or heading toward nearby points like Torrent Bay, Bark Bay, or Te Pukatea Bay. The track winds through lush native forest, offering stunning coastal views, swing bridges, and occasional wildlife encounters.

Some hikers may also be doing shorter day walks, while others are on multi-day treks, often using water taxis or kayaks to connect sections. The combination of golden beaches, clear water, and well-maintained trails makes this a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Beautiful  crystal-clear water.

Rocky hills rise steeply, covered in dense native forest with mostly beech, kānuka, and rātā trees. The contrast between the rugged granite cliffs, emerald forest, and turquoise sea creates a scene that feels both wild and serene. It’s no wonder this spot is a favorite for hikers, kayakers, and anyone wanting to pause and take in the raw beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.

The boat is approaching the shore.

We are getting off the boat.

NEXT... Anchorage Bay/hiking