Where Golden Beaches, Orchard Valleys & Everyday Coastal Life Come Together
 
Abel Tasman National Park may be the headline draw here – and for good reason. Golden beaches, clear water and gentle coastal tracks make it one of New Zealand’s most loved coastal landscapes, and the heart of many visitors’ plans when deciding on the best things to do in Abel Tasman National Park.
 
From the southern gateways at Kaiteriteri and Marahau, the park opens easily into days shaped by sand, sea and sunlit walks. But beyond the famous shoreline, the wider Tasman region rewards those who linger. Orchard towns, estuaries, rivers and relaxed coastal villages shape the rhythm around Abel Tasman, creating days that feel grounded rather than rushed.
 
Motueka’s café culture, Mapua’s wharf-side pauses, Richmond’s practical calm and the quiet back roads of the Moutere valleys all sit naturally between beach time and bush walks.
 
Whether you’re here to explore Abel Tasman’s bays, wander coastal trails, cycle village paths or simply slow your pace between swims and long lunches, Tasman offers a balance of iconic scenery and everyday ease.
 
This is your essential guide to the best things to do along the Tasman Coast – from the easy-access highlights of Abel Tasman National Park to the towns, beaches and valleys that make staying longer feel natural.