I like to think of New Zealand as a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece interconnects, each region a sample of a very different environment. At the very top of the South Island near the main center of Nelson is one of the country’s top ten hiking tracks, called the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman who came over in 1642 to have a wee look around before going back to Batavia in the Dutch East Indies, the national park includes forested and very hilly back country all the way down to the coastal gems of Golden and Tasman bays.

 The track is an awesome way to explore a part of New Zealand that includes beaches and coastal bush in one of the sunniest areas of New Zealand and we often recommend the area especially for families or for outdoor loving travellers. There are many ways to do the track from the basic “on your own”with backpack, camping along the way to our very own exclusive, guided in private lodges. Our favourite way, if you are short on time, is using a private charter sailboat as a base to explore shorter sections of the track along with kayaking and snorkelling. Nothing like a beach picnic with a chilled Sauvignon waiting for you on one of the many beaches along the hiking trail. The track is 60 km one way and can be done in 3 to 5 days depending on how fit you are. And don’t miss the famous Split Apple rock!!

LITTLE KNOWN FACT

Covering 237 sq.km (92 sq.mi), Abel Tasman is the smallest national park in the country. 

 BEST MONTH TO VISIT

December till March, keeping in mind the track will be very busy.

 LONGITUDE 80 OFFERS

We have several options on our New Zealand itineraries, one is the slow way, where you can take 5 days to walk the entire track, escorted by a private guide and completely private, with each day walking 3-5 hours and staying in private lodges. For those with a shorter holiday time, we offer a private charter sailboat allowing you to hike a few small portions of the track and include beach picnics and overnight sleeping on the boat anchored in sheltered bays. Contact us if you want to start planning your New Zealand adventure for 2022 or 2023!