The Abel Tasman National Park is one of the marvels in New Zealand. Located in an area with the highest amount of sunshine in the country it features an almost tropical scenery with lots of beaches, dense forests, beautiful inlets and relatively warm azure-blue water to swim for. Sounds too good to be true ? Well, in part it is because in the high season the first portion of the track is crowded and expect a beach party to be around on the first campsite. However, beyond the first campsite the masses are continuously decreasing the further you go and towards the end of the track you may well be alone on a vast beach just for yourself.

The access to the park is very easy - you can hike in straight from the little town of Marahau and at the end of the track you can be picked up by boat (via a Zodiac from the main vessel) in order to return to the your starting point. The operators offer a couple of pickup points but it is really worth to hike the complete track. Another option is to return via the Abel Tasman Inland Track forming a loop track with its coastal counterpart. If you choose to finish the track you may also try to organize a (bus-)shuttle to the nearby Heavy Track to continue your adventure for a couple of days longer towards the west coast. The Abel Tasman Track is one of New Zealand's "Great Walks" so it is necessary to obtain a camping permit. Typical for most NZ track the DOC (Department of Conservation) has established tramper huts but I think it is more fun here to carry a tent. The trail standard is very easy without any major gains in altitude or other obstacles. The only "spice in the soup" are two longer tidal crossings which need to be timed accordingly but apart from a little mud this is all harmless if you follow the tide tables for the region.

Apart from trekking the NP is also a great place for sea kayaking in the crystal clear coastal waters. If you're very lucky (and we were at the time) you may even be passed by a family of Orca whales!