Latest News & Events
Low Season Timetable Now Operating
Departing Kaiteriteri every day at 9.30 am, a full range of
walking and sea kayaking options makes the most of winter
sunshine in Abel Tasman National Park. View the low season
timetable here.
First company in the National Park to be awarded Qualmark Enviro Gold
Our committment to preserving the National Park for future
generations has been recognised in our latest Qualmark
audit.
West Coast Bridge at HariHari Now Open
The West Coast Highway is now open for all traffic after the
bridge washed out by heavy rain was repaired ahead of
schedule. It is now possible to drive from Nelson and
Motueka down the West Coast to Wanaka, Queenstown and
Fiordland so you can include Punakaiki, Hokitika, Greymouth
and all the West Coast attractions after you leave the Abel
Tasman area.
Vista Cruise Sailing New Year's Day
Have a wonderful holiday season break in Abel Tasman
National Park.
What is State-of-the-art Cruising?
The Wilson family searched the world for the best hull form
and construction to suit shallow, tidal beach landings in
the National Park. They found what they were looking for
right here, in New Zealand. Designed by Catamarans
International, Whangarei, it features as the committee boat
at all America's Cup races.
Conservation and Tourism funding
Go to our Facebook Page to join discussions on developments
with conservation and tourism funding in the Nelson region.
Our America's Cup Connection
It looks like our Vista Cruise has made a detour to the
regattas. There's a great story behind it.
We're Getting Our Road Back
Awaroa Ratepayers are delighted to hear from Councillor
Trevor Norriss, Chairman Engineering Services Committee,
Tasman District Council, that funding is secured for the
repair of the Totaranui Road which includes the Awaroa
Road. Totaranui Rd is 100% funded by the New Zealand
Transport Agency and Awaroa Rd by the Council providing a
subsidy for repairs and maintenance. This work has or is
due to start. It will take some time and the road will be
closed while construction takes place. At this time we
have got no information as to how long this could take.
Trust to help restore Abel Tasman National Park
Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has praised the
generosity of a private family trust which has launched a
multi-million dollar conservation project in Abel Tasman
National Park.
Project Janszoon is a partnership between the Department of
Conservation and the Project Janszoon Trust. It aims to
restore biodiversity - essentially the variety of plant and
animal life - to around 80 per cent of the park over the
next 30 years.
“Our indigenous flora and fauna are a major part of New
Zealand’s culture and heritage,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“Though the Government is committed to protecting these
native species it is important to understand that
conservation is not just the domain of the Department – it
is everyone’s responsibility.”
“Here we see community leading the way and I wish to
congratulate the Trust for instigating this very valuable
initiative.”
Project Janszoon includes planting programmes, pest control,
education initiatives and wildlife recovery programmes. It
will see the return of native species no longer found in the
park such as great spotted kiwi, mohua (yellow head) and
sooty shearwater.
Despite being New Zealand’s smallest national park, the
Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most visited.
“Tourism operators have already contributed much to
conservation work in the park and this initiative will build
on that,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“The restoration of the park’s natural values and the
return of native wildlife to the area will provide an even
greater visitor experience.”
“With the support of the public, private trusts and a
growing number of New Zealand businesses, we will succeed in
achieving sustainable conservation goals throughout the
country.”
Media contact: Britton Broun – 04 817 8266 or 021 244 9354
Background:
• The Project Janszoon Trust is aiming to
restore the biodiversity of the park by 2042 in time for the
park’s 100th anniversary, and the 400th anniversary of
Abel Tasman’s visit to the area.
• It was selected by the Trust as an ideal
project site to demonstrate a sustained restoration
partnership effort.
• The philanthropic New Zealand family,
whose financial support is launching Project Janszoon,
wishes to remain anonymous.
Welcome to our New Website
Please let us know what you think of our new website,
designed by HotHouse web developers in Nelson. It's been
fun and a lot of hard work bringing it to you, so please let
us know what you think. We really want to know if you like
it and if you think anything is missing.
