Overview

We went to Nelson to see Abel Tasman National Park. Honestly, it’s a pretty park, but I’m not 100% sure it was worth the effort. We took a small boat out to the park, wandered around, did a hike … but we went hours out of our way to go to Nelson and not sure I’d tell anyone it was the # priority.

Per above, the town near our Hotel (Mapua) was very cute, very local not touristy, and nice to visit. There’s nothing bad about Nelson & Abel Tasman — we’re just not sure 100% sure it was all the way worth the trip to get there.

What We Did

Describe your activities and experiences…

Where We Stayed

Share accommodation recommendations…

Food & Dining

There are several nice restaurants in Mapua.

Practical Tips

• Getting there
• Getting around
• What to bring
• Best time to visit

The ringmaker of The One Ring is not Sauron, rather he's a jeweler a few blocks from the water in Nelson. The display is not worth a major trip, but it was a 10-minute detour from our already-planned route so pretty entertaining.

Tokangawhā or Split Apple Rock at Abel Tasman National Park. The tour guides feel the need to invent all sorts of fables for this ... natural rock splitting just doesn't cut it evidently.

Distance view of Split Apple Rock

Nice multi-hour catamaran ride to Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman boat day trips stop at Anchorage Bay. From there it was a lovely 20-minute walk to Te Pukatea bay, which we had mostly to ourselves.

Opposite angle of Te Pukatea bay.