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Abel Tasman National Park, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand's smallest national park and one of its most family-friendly. Think golden sand, turquoise water, seals on the rocks and walking tracks that hug the coast. You can get dropped off by boat on a beach with no road access and walk back, which turns a hike into an adventure for kids.
Two towns make great bases: Takaka in Golden Bay and Kaiteriteri on the park's southern edge.
Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri is the main gateway to the park, with a sheltered golden beach right in town.
Our kid-approved picks:
A cruise with a beach drop-off. Companies like Wilson's Abel Tasman let you build your own day: a scenic cruise, a cruise and walk, or a cruise and kayak. We thought getting dropped off on a remote beach to hike was pretty awesome.
A sailing cruise with an open day pass. Explore the coast at your own pace and look out for Split Apple Rock and seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Kayaking in the marine reserve. Calm water, sea caves and a good chance of spotting seals.
Takaka and Golden Bay
Takaka is a relaxed, artsy town over the hill in Golden Bay, and a great base for the quieter northern end of the park.
Our kid-approved picks:
Wainui Bay to Whariwharangi Bay. A point-to-point section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track with a lovely beach halfway, perfect for a snack and a swim.
Labyrinth Rocks. A free park of limestone formations with winding paths, archways and little tunnels. Kids treat it like a giant maze.
Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs). Some of the clearest fresh water in the world. It's sacred to Māori, so you look from the boardwalk rather than swim.
A horseback ride with Hack n' Stay. A guided ride along the beach and coastal trails.
Dinner at Molly B's. Casual, with outdoor picnic tables and a trampoline for the kids while parents finish their meal.
Tips for Abel Tasman with kids
Book water taxis and cruises ahead, and check tide times. Some beaches and crossings depend on the tide.
Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, hats and plenty of water for beach drop-offs. There are no shops in the park.
Bring insect repellent for the sandflies.
Pick a short section of the Coast Track for little legs. You don't need to walk the whole Great Walk to get the best of it.
A car makes it easy to get between Kaiteriteri and Golden Bay. Compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars.
Stay connected with an eSIM like Holafly, so you can check tides and water taxi times on the go.
Plan your onward travel. From Kaiteriteri, it's a drive to Picton for the Interislander ferry to Wellington. Arrive early, because the ferry leaves once it's loaded.
See how Abel Tasman fits into our 4-week New Zealand itinerary, or request a custom itinerary.
Happy Adventuring!
Jen
Get dropped on a remote beach and walk back, explore Labyrinth Rocks and swim in turquoise water. Our kid-approved guide to Abel Tasman.