Abel Tasman National Park, at the northwestern tip of the South Island, is New Zealand's smallest national park and one of its most popular — a 22-kilometre stretch of golden beaches, clear turquoise water, and coastal forest accessible by foot, kayak, or water taxi. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks, following the coastline through the park for 60 km and typically walked over three to five days.
The beaches along the track — Torrent Bay, Anchorage, Bark Bay, Totaranui — are among the finest in New Zealand, sheltered and warm by South Island standards. Sea kayaking is excellent: the clear water, the variety of landing beaches, and the abundance of New Zealand fur seals make it one of the best coastal kayaking environments in the country. Water taxis run from Marahau and Kaiteriteri and allow you to drop in and out of the track at any point, making a full walk unnecessary if time is short. The hut system is well managed but books up months in advance for the peak December–February season.