Exploring Abel Tasman
Coming back inland from the West Coast is easy, and the next destination on your hitlist should be Nelson. Not everyone makes up here, but I have to say that it was one of my favourite spots! The bohemian town has a wonderful beach and it’s lively enough to spend a few days. On top of that, it also gives you the best access to Abel Tasman National Park.
You can take day trip into the park to hike through some incredible forests and coastline or stay within the park itself. Abel Tasman is scattered with golden beaches, inlets and lodges, making it a nature-lovers dream. It’s home to an abundance of wildlife, so it’s a brilliant place to spot some of the rarer birdlife in New Zealand.
We stayed at the incredible Awaroa Lodge, a beautiful property situated right in the park. The level of service is impeccable, and the wine list is very tempting after a long hike in the park.