Abel Tasman National Park - Definition and Overview

Abel Tasman National Park is located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. It consists of an area of forested hill country to the north of the valleys of the Takaka and Riwaka Rivers, and is bounded to the north by the waters of Golden Bay and Tasman Bay.

The park was founded in 1942, and covers 225 km². It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand.

The Abel Tasman Track is a popular tramping track which has an option of following the coastline or an inland route. Kayaking, camping and sightseeing are other activities carried out in the park. The Department of Conservation administer the park.

The nearest large town is Motueka, 20 kilometres to the south.

See also

• List of national parks of New Zealand
• New Zealand tramping tracks