Destination: Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Introduction
Abel Tasman National Park occupies the top of the South Island between Nelson and Golden Bay, a compact stretch of coast that packs in everything a cruising sailor dreams of: golden granite-sand beaches lapped by clear turquoise water, native podocarp and beech bush running down to the tideline, an archipelago of rocky islets draped in fur seals, and a succession of sheltered coves that serve as perfect overnight anchorages. The park is New Zealand's smallest national park but arguably its most beautiful, and the coastline is dramatically different from almost anywhere else in the country — warm, gentle, and Mediterranean in feel even at 41 degrees south. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, winds along the clifftops and beaches for 60 km, but sailors have the supreme advantage: you can move the whole boat between bays and have a deserted beach to yourselves before the walkers arrive in the morning.
GPS Coordinates
40° 55' 0.120"S 173° 0' 0.000"E
40 55 0.120S 173 0 0.000E
Protected Anchorages
Anchorage Bay (Te Pukatea Bay) — the most popular and most sheltered anchorage in the park, at the southern end near Marahau. Drop anchor in 4–6 m over sand with good holding, well protected from southerlies by the headland. The bay fills with day kayaks in summer but is peaceful in the evenings. Torrent Bay — a large, drying tidal flat bay 8 km north; anchor in the entrance channel in 3–5 m over sand at the northern arm (Te Ahu Ahu Bay), which stays wet at low tide. Good holding, calm conditions. Bark Bay — a stunning arc of golden sand 13 km north of Marahau, open to the north but otherwise sheltered; anchor in 4–7 m over clean sand. The lagoon behind the beach is accessed by dinghy at high tide. Onetahuti Beach — further north, exposed but beautiful in settled conditions; 5–8 m over sand. Totaranui — the northernmost bay, large and partially sheltered by the headland; DOC campsite ashore, anchor in 5–10 m over sand. Tidal ranges in this area run to 3.5 m at springs — check tide times for all bay entrances. There is no VHF working channel for the park; Nelson Radio (ZLM) on VHF Ch 16 provides the regional weather service.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Abel Tasman National Park is in domestic New Zealand waters — no customs or biosecurity clearance required for vessels already in New Zealand. The park is administered by the Department of Conservation; landing is unrestricted on park beaches. Standard DOC campsite fees apply if using the designated campsites ashore. No anchoring is permitted in the marine reserve zone between Te Pukatea Bay and Tonga Island — check current boundaries on DOC charts. Water is available at Totaranui DOC camp. Fuel and full provisioning from Nelson (30 km south) or Motueka.
Renowned Attractions
- Anchorage Bay swimming — the clearest, warmest coastal water in the South Island, sheltered, sandy-bottomed, and uncrowded in the early morning before the day kayakers arrive
- Tonga Island Marine Reserve — a DOC-managed fur seal colony on a rocky islet; motor or sail slowly past to see dozens of seals hauled out, and snorkel the kelp fringe for crayfish and blue cod
- Abel Tasman Coast Track — pick up sections of New Zealand's most scenic Great Walk directly from the beach; the Bark Bay to Awaroa section is outstanding and takes 4–5 hours
- Sea kayaking the archipelago — the park's famous limestone stacks and granite islets are best explored at sea-kayak pace; hire kayaks from Marahau or bring your own inflatable
- Totaranui beach — a sweeping 1 km golden beach at the northern end of the park, accessible only by boat or 4WD; anchor overnight for the solitude the day trippers never experience
- Split Apple Rock (Tokangawha) — a perfectly split granite boulder just offshore at Kaiteriteri, one of New Zealand's most photographed natural curiosities, accessible by dinghy
- Glowworm Dell, Marahau — a short walk from the park's southern trailhead leads to a small grotto with native glowworms, easily visited during a crew rest day at Marahau
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Abel Tasman National Park delivers the finest coastal cruising on the South Island — a succession of golden-sand anchorages in clear turquoise water, native bush, fur seal colonies, and empty beaches that only a visiting yacht can reach before the morning crowds.