Golden beaches on a coastal track
Abel Tasman, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand's smallest national park and one of its most loved. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the country's Great Walks, follows the shoreline for about sixty kilometres through native bush, past golden-sand beaches and clear turquoise bays. Walkers can do it over several days or combine short sections with water taxis. Sea kayaking is just as popular, with fur seals on the rocks at Tonga Island, and the park's gentle climate makes it good for families.