Exploring Abel Tasman Drive
Abel Tasman Drive is a relatively short scenic road from Tākaka to Pōhara, then along the northeast coast of Golden Bay to Wainui Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. Although the drive is only 26 km, it is packed with attractions, including short walks, beautiful forests, golden-sand beaches, a historic viewpoint, and a waterfall. This route is perfect for a day trip, so pack a lunch and enjoy the journey.
Discovering the Grove Track
Begin your adventure by turning from Abel Tasman Drive onto Clifton Road, just before reaching Pōhara. At the next right turn into Rocklands Road, you'll find the car park for the Grove Track. This short walk is an enchanting experience among forest-clad limestone rocks.
Coastal Highlights and Scenic Stops
From the Grover Track, continue your drive to Pōhara, where you can explore the beach and nearby shops. Then, follow the coastal road to Limestone Bay, with a picturesque marina and interesting rock formations. Just beyond, the Abel Tasman Monument provides a spectacular viewpoint and historical perspective.
Next, visit Ligar Bay, the first of the region's renowned golden sand beaches. A short detour will then take you to the charming Tata Beach before you head across Abel Tasman Point to Wainui Bay. At low tide, this bay and inlet are a vast golden flat.
About halfway around the bay, take Wainui Falls Road to the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. From there, a 40-minute walk through mostly forested terrain leads to the stunning Wainui Falls. Choose one of the beaches for a relaxing picnic in the afternoon.
Historical Significance of Abel Tasman
The touring route, monument, and national park commemorate the first recorded European sighting of Aotearoa New Zealand by Abel Tasman and his crew in 1642. Tasman, a Dutch sea captain working for the Dutch East India Company, led an expedition to explore lands south of Australia in search of a legendary southern continent rich in gold. At the time, Australia had only been partially discovered.
Tasman commanded two small ships, the Heemskerck and the Zeehaen. They sailed from Holland to the Indian Ocean, reaching as far south as the 45th parallel. After discovering Tasmania, they crossed the Tasman Sea, anchoring in Golden Bay near the memorial site. The first meetings between Europeans and Māori were mixed, resulting in the deaths of several crew members. Tasman's expedition then sailed up the west coast of the North Island, spending Christmas Day in New Zealand before heading north to Tonga and eventually returning home via the East Indies.
The Dutch East India Company deemed New Zealand of little interest, as it was not the fabled southern continent they sought. But a partial map was published, although it would be another 127 years before Captain James Cook arrived, followed by sealers, whalers, traders, and settlers.
Getting to Abel Tasman Drive
To get to Tākaka and the start of Abel Tasman Drive from Nelson, take State Highway 6 south to State Highway 60, then head northwest to Mouteka, then across Tākaka Hill to Tākaka. The drive takes 100 minutes and is 99 km. The route is well-marked and easily accessible by car.
