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Weather in Abel Tasman
Golden beaches and crystal kayaking at land's end
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About Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park crystallizes perfection: golden beaches, turquoise waters, coastal rainforest, and granite peaks. Kayakers paddle between secluded bays while walkers traverse 60km of pristine coastline touching the world's southernmost temperate rainforest.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Abel Tasman
Kayak between beaches
Hike the Abel Tasman Trail
Snorkel crystal waters
Camp on isolated shores
Spot seals and penguins
Fish from kayaks
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
February
16C
Cool, with occasional showers.
March
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
June
8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
July
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
August
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
September
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
October
11C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
December
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
Abel Tasman National Park fringes the top of the South Island with golden granite-sand beaches, clear turquoise water and a coastal track that links bays accessible only by foot, kayak or water taxi. Its compact size and mild climate make it one of New Zealand's most approachable wilderness experiences, whether tackled as a single day's kayaking or a multi-day walk with nights in beachside huts.
Best areas to stay in Abel Tasman
Marahau
The main southern entry point to the park, with water taxi departures and the start of the Coast Track.
Anchorage & Torrent Bay
Popular beach stops along the Coast Track, reachable by walking, kayak or water taxi.
Kaiteriteri
A golden-sand beach town and alternative gateway with water taxi services into the park.
Totaranui
A remote northern beach and campground, often visited as part of longer multi-day trips.
Getting to Abel Tasman
✈
Flights
Fly into Nelson Airport, then drive around 1 hour to Marahau or Kaiteriteri.
⏱
From London
~28-30 hours from London including connections and the drive.
🚕
Getting around
Water taxis connect bays along the coast; a hire car is needed to reach Marahau or Kaiteriteri from Nelson.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Abel Tasman?
December to April offers the warmest weather for swimming and kayaking, though the park is walkable year-round in milder conditions.
How long is the Abel Tasman Coast Track?
Around 60km, typically walked over 3-5 days with stays in huts or campsites, though many visitors do shorter day sections using water taxis.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No — the Coast Track is well-graded and suitable for most fitness levels, and water taxis allow flexible single-day visits without a full multi-day commitment.
What is the kayaking like?
Guided and self-guided kayak trips explore the bays and seal colonies along the coast, often combined with a walking section and water taxi return.
How do I get into the park?
Water taxis run from Marahau and Kaiteriteri to drop-off points along the coast, allowing visitors to walk one way and return by boat.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Kayaked to a seal colony in the morning and walked back along the Coast Track in the afternoon — a brilliant mix of activities in one day.
Esme W. · January 2024
★★★★★
Walked a two-day section with a water taxi pickup and the beaches were genuinely some of the best I've seen anywhere, golden sand and clear water.
Theo B. · March 2024
★★★★☆
The water taxi system made it really easy to do a flexible day trip without committing to the full multi-day walk. Great for families.
Priya D. · April 2023
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