Nelson Official Visitors - NZOA Annual Scientific Meeting 2013

45
“I can’t believe Nelsonians get to wake up in
this amazing paradise every morning.”
Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf).
the abel tasman national park is new
Zealand’s only coastal national park –
and its golden sandy beaches and clear
turquoise water make it one of the most
popular. the sheltered bays are popular
for cruising, sailing and sea kayaking.
on land, the abel tasman coastal track
follows the coastline through lush native
bush, over limestone cliffs and along
golden sandy beaches. this is one of
the department of conservation’s “great
Walks”. the 53km track can be walked
in its entirety over three to five days.
smaller sections of the track can be easily
accessed by the network of water taxis
operating from kaiteriteri and marahau
in the southern end of the park, and
totaranui at the northern end.
the tonga island marine reserve prevents
fishing within a designated zone within
the park. it is here that the tonga island
new Zealand fur seals delight visitors as
they frolic and glide sleekly through the
clear water.
Tips for Visitors
to the Parks
Abel Tasman National Park
• Make sure you check out the high and
low tide times as this will affect how you
travel from bay to bay. tidal crossings at
torrent bay, onetahuti and awaroa.
• Small amount of fitness required.
• Book accommodation prior to starting
out on hike/walk.
• If it’s dry weather, light footwear is
sufficient. if wet weather, covered
footwear needed.
• Any waste or rubbish must be
taken out with you.
POPULAtION
marahau 500
kaiteriteri 870
abel tasman national park 500
Moving around
access is either on foot from marahau
at the south end of the park, or Wainui
bay at the north end. the southern
park entrances are 20 – 30 minutes
north-west from the town of motueka
at kaiteriteri and marahau. the northern
road entrance is at totaranui, reached by
road from takaka in golden bay.
regular transport services leave from
nelson city – visit the nelson i-site
or www.NelsonNZ.com for details.
if you have booked a multi-day tour,
complimentary or a transport add-on
may be available.
DrIVE tIMES
nelson city
– kaiteriteri/marahau
motueka
– kaiteriteri/marahau
1 hr 20
mins
25 mins
NELSON • RICHMOND RUBY COAST • MOUTERE HILLS • MOTUEKA abel tasman golden bay
MURCHISON • NELSON LAKES • st arnaud regional transport
VISITOR GUIDE 2013 • 45