Abel Tasman National park

Abel Tasman National park is one of the most famous National parks of the south island in New Zealand.
I've been hiking there 40 km in 3 days days and 2 nights. The total walks island 51 km with the south end being Marahau, where all the water taxi and many tour company start their trip/

It is really famous because it has several bays and so known golden beaches with beautiful cristal water. Many people go kayaking through different companies and/or combine kayaking and hiking on a 2/3 days tour. The combinations offered by tour operators are many and anybody is able to walk at least a part of it taking the water taxi in the way in and or the way out in only a day. But hiking and camping is a wonderful experience to do in Abel Tasman, sleeping in remote and out of civilation huts or in nice beach camping grounds is such a beautiful and rejuvenating adventure to get back in contact with nature and its beauty.
Depending on the period of the year you want to hike Abel Tasman National Park, be ready to sweat (through late spring, summer and early autumn) and so prepare and pack the right gear, at least a dry change to get comfy in during the resting time and the night.

I honestly recommend to explore the park at least for 2 days, because there's so much to see and there are so many beaches to rest on, some smaller bays and some bigger long beaches, there are walks with a stunning view of the coast and walks in the forests that immerse yourself in a prehistoric type type of environment. The palm trees and the different types of ferns where beautiful fant tail birds sing and follow you on your way are what make the walk peaceful, relaxing and beautiful.
Be prepare to wait for low tides in some river or estuary crossings and push yourself in an adventurous crossing if can't wait longer in order to catch the water taxi in time.
If you decide to go kayaking don't miss out Pinnacle Island where a colony of new zealand seals live and you may lucky and see some puppies with mummy ;)

Been exchanging opinion with a tasmanian woman, we found the park similar to the Frecynet Peninsula with the world known Wine glass bay; the different is the proportion: Abel Tasman is much bigger and has more bays and wonderful spots!
So if you ever travel to this part of the world and love hiking and nature, don't miss it out!!