Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Abel Tasman, Kahurangi &
Nelson Lakes
Why Go?
The Nelson region is a trampers' paradise, boasting three national parks - Abel Tasman,
Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Between them they offer a mind-blowing diversity of land-
scapes and experiences, from swimming in golden coves or quick plunges in frigid mountain
streams, to traversing a plateau strewn with ancient rock formations, tramping across the
sands of a wild West Coast beach, or exploring alpine peaks and passes with views as far as
the eye can see.
This region has two Great Walks, including New Zealand's most popular, the Abel Tasman
Coast Track. The other, the Heaphy Track, is famed for its ecological and geological won-
ders. There are many other well-established tracks and myriad more-remote and less-frequen-
ted options such as the Mt Arthur Tableland Circuit, included in this topic for the first time.
When to Go
Sheltered by mountain ranges, Abel Tasman National Park basks in some of NZ's best weath-
er. Particularly pleasant spells occur reliably through summer and autumn, but the park can
happily be tramped all year round.
Kahurangi cops the westerly winds that blow off the Tasman Sea, bringing substantial rain-
fall to mountain areas that in turn lead to river flooding. Snow is also possible at higher alti-
tudes, but Kahurangi can be tramped all year round in favourable conditions.
Nelson Lakes possesses a surprisingly moderate climate for an alpine region. Things can
turn pear-shaped very quickly, though, with the arrival of heavy rain or even a blizzard. The
odds of good weather are considerably higher from November to April.
Best Huts
A
Anchorage Hut (
Click here
)
A
Whariwharangi Hut (
Click here
)
