Abel Tasman National Park

Infobox_protected_area
name = Abel Tasman National Park
iucn_category = II

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caption = Map of New Zealand
locator_x = 147
locator_y = 102
location = Tasman District, New Zealand
nearest_city = Motueka
lat_degrees = 40
lat_minutes = 50
lat_seconds =
lat_direction = S
long_degrees = 172
long_minutes = 54
long_seconds =
long_direction = E
area = 225 km²
established = 1942
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = Department of Conservation

Abel Tasman National Park is a national park located at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. The park was founded in 1942 and with a coverage of only 225.3 square kilometres, is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks. [ http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38455 DoC - Abel Tasman National Park] The park consists of forested, hilly country to the north of the valleys of the Takaka and Riwaka Rivers, and is bounded to the north by the waters of Golden Bay and Tasman Bay. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand.

Abel Tasman National Park does not extend beyond Mean High Water Mark on the adjacent coast. Between Mean High Water and Mean Low Water Springs, the beaches are gazetted as a Scenic Reserve, covering 7.74 km² in total (about 70 km long).

Department of Conservation administers the National Park. The Scenic Reserve is administered by the Tasman District Council (TDC) Chief Executive and Department of Conservation’s Nelson/ Marlborough Conservator.Activities in adjoining coastal waters are TDC’s responsibility. These areas operate under separate regulations.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a popular tramping track which follows the coastline; while an inland route, the Abel Tasman Inland Track, is less frequented. Kayaking, camping and sightseeing are other activities carried out in the park.

The nearest large town is Motueka, 20 kilometres to the south.

In 2008 an extra 7.9 sq km, including the formerly private land known as Hadfields Clearing, were added to the park. [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = National Parks gain ground
work = press release
publisher = New Zealand Government
date = 2008-03-20
url = http://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/release/national+parks+gain+ground
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2008-03-26 ]

ee also

* National parks of New Zealand
* New Zealand tramping tracks
* New Zealand Great Walks

References

External links

* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38455 Department of Conservation information on Abel Tasman National Park]