Named after the Dutch seafarer and explorer that was the first European to “discover” the islands of New Zealand in 1642, the park was created in 1942 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the event. New Zealand’s smallest national park at just under 100 square miles, Abel Tasman is one of the most visited for its popular 37-mile-long coastal trek. This area of the park has been inhabited for over 700 years, with the first peoples here being the Māori iwi, with Europeans arriving in the 19th century. Following European settlement, the landscape was altered dramatically (as it was everywhere in New Zealand) with massive deforestation, quarrying and farming. So much of the efforts in managing the park have focused on restoring as much of the native ecosystem and removal of introduced pests.
The weather and conditions were very pleasant which allowed us the opportunity to offer both a moderate hike and strenuous hike on the very well-maintained trails. For our photography focused guests, the photo team led a walk along the beach and near shore area, and lastly several guests chose to enjoy a scenic cruise on the local partner’s catamaran tour boat. We all were back on board just as light showers began to fall and a lovely rainbow graced the horizon as we set sail for our next adventures.
