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Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park, established in 1942. It stretches from Wainui Inlet in Golden Bay (in the north), to Marahau. (In the south) The Park is renowned for its spectacular scenery and temperate climate.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is classed as one New Zealand's GREAT WALKS.
The rocky sculptural shapes of the shoreline and the sparkling sands are results of the erosion of structural granite. The distinctive golden colour of most beaches is due to the deposits of polished quartz crystals, more resistant to the process of erosion.
Scenic variation within the park is striking; freshwater rivers and pools, offshore islands, and stretches of golden sand are elements not found in such combination elsewhere in the country.
FORESTS along the coastline are dominated by both manuka and kanuka. Older patches of native bush are found along the many stream gullies. Further north there are nikau palm.
In the coastal forests, BIRD LIFE abound, tui, bellbird and kereru to name a few. In the estuaries, pukeko, shags, oyster-catchers, tern's stilts and herons are common. The park also includes the Tata Island group in the north, Tonga Island Marine Reserve, Adele and Fisherman Islands in the south.
There is a long history of Maori occupation, and in more recent history European settlement. Within the park there are many sites of cultural, historical and archaeological significance.
The COASTAL TRACK is managed by the Department of Conservation (D.O.C) and is open to visitors the whole year round.
D.O.C manages a range of accommodation along the track, including four huts, 21 campsites, and the Totaranui campground. There are charges for the use of these facilities and visitors must purchase their passes prior to entering the park. There is a two night consecutive limit on stays in any one hut or campground throughout the park.
The track itself is classed as a walk, and can be done in sturdy walking shoes, is suitable for all ages and can usually be walked in 3-5 days Stream and river crossings are bridged and the track is regularly maintained.
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There are 2 tidal estuaries in the park that do not have tracks around them. Awaroa Estuary can be crossed approximately TWO hours either side of low tide, while the narrow inlet at Onetahuti can be crossed approximately THREE hours either side of low tide.
FIRE is a major threat to the National park and fires should only be lit in the fireplaces provided. D.O.C may institute a policy of total fire ban in the park at its discretion.
RUBBISH must be taken out of the park. There are no rubbish disposal facilities in the park.
WATER must be treated or boiled, unless the water is obtained from taps marked "safe for drinking". Guardia has been found in some of the waterways in the park.
Mosquitoes and Sand flies (little pests) are prevalent in the park, as are wasps and bees.
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