Abel Tasman National Park: Jewel of New Zealand's Coastline

• HelloKia ora
  [Kee-ah oh-rah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [High-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [Eye]
• NoKāo
  [Kah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [Tay-nah koh-eh]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [Nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakamaumahara
  [Fah-kah-mow-mah-hah-rah]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [Kay teh pay-hea koh-eh?]
• Fine. And you?Māmā. Ā, koe?
  [Mah-mah. Eye, koh-eh?]
• Do you speak English?Kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [Koh-reh-roh koh-eh ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-hah?]
• I don't understandKaore au e mārama
  [Kah-oh-reh oh eh mah-rah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe tiro i te menewa, tēnā
  [Meh tee-roh ee teh meh-neh-wah, tay-nah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai konihi
  [Kah-oh-reh oh eh kai koh-nee-hee]
• Cheers!Ārahi!
  [Eye-rah-hee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu au, tēnā
  [Meh oo-too oh, tay-nah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [Eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga i te Pirihimana!
  [Kah-rah-ngah ee teh Pee-ree-hee-mah-nah!]
• Call a doctor!Karanga i te Rata!
  [Kah-rah-ngah ee teh Rah-tah!]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [Ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illE mate ahau
  [Ee mah-teh ah-how]

• I'd like to buy...Me hoko...
  [Meh hoh-koh...]
• I'm just lookingKa kite ahau
  [Kah kee-teh ah-how]
• How much is it?He aha te utu?
  [Heh ah-hah teh oo-too?]
• That's too expensiveHe rawa te utu
  [Heh rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [Kah teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too?]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [Heh ah-hah teh wah?]
• It's one o'clockKotahi te haora
  [Koh-tah-hee teh how-rah]
• Half past (10)I muri i te (tekau)
  [Ee moo-ree ee teh (teh-kow)]
• MorningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [Poh]
• YesterdayInāianei
  [Ee-nah-ee-ah-neh-eh]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [Tay-nay rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [Eye-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Whitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [Wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [Ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [Teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [Kay heh-ah teh...?]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhi?
  [Heh ah-hah teh wah-hee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu i ahau (i te mahere)?
  [Kah teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too ee ah-how (ee teh mah-heh-reh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kei hea te (waka) e whai ake ana?
  [Kay heh-ah teh (wah-kah) eh fah-ee ah-keh ah-nah?]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki ....)
  [Heh tee-kee (kee ....)]

In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. He anchored in what is now Golden Bay, initially naming it 'Murderers' Bay' after a violent encounter with the Māori. Despite the hostile reception, Tasman's journey marked the first European exploration of the region, and the park was later named in his honor.

Long before European contact, the region now known as Abel Tasman National Park was inhabited by various Māori tribes, including the Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri. The Māori utilized the area's rich natural resources for fishing, hunting, and gathering, and they established pā (fortified villages) along the coastline. Numerous archaeological sites, including middens, terraces, and pits, bear testimony to their long-standing presence.

In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in New Zealand, bringing significant changes to the region. The introduction of new flora and fauna, along with the establishment of farms and towns, disrupted the traditional Māori way of life. The Europeans exploited the region's natural resources, particularly timber and minerals, leading to deforestation and environmental changes.

Abel Tasman National Park was officially established on December 18, 1942, as part of New Zealand's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. The park spans 22,530 hectares and is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, golden beaches, and lush native forests. The establishment of the park aimed to protect the area's unique ecological and cultural values while promoting tourism and outdoor recreation.

Conservation initiatives have been crucial in maintaining the ecological integrity of Abel Tasman National Park. Efforts include the reforestation of native tree species, control of invasive species, and protection of endangered wildlife. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including kiwi birds, tui, and various marine species. Ongoing conservation projects aim to sustain the park's biodiversity for future generations.

Since its establishment, Abel Tasman National Park has become a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and natural beauty. The park offers a wide range of activities, including kayaking, hiking, and sailing. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tourism development has been carefully managed to balance visitor enjoyment with environmental protection.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of Māori culture and heritage within the park. Initiatives include the revitalization of traditional practices, such as waka (canoe) voyages and storytelling. Collaborative efforts between Māori iwi and the Department of Conservation ensure that cultural values are respected and preserved. The park serves as a living testament to the enduring connection between the Māori people and their ancestral land.

Abel Tasman National Park is located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The nearest major city is Nelson, which has an airport with regular flights from major New Zealand cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. From Nelson, you can drive to the park, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or shuttle service. Another option is to take a ferry or water taxi from Kaiteriteri or Marahau, which are closer to the park's entrance.

Once in Abel Tasman National Park, transportation options include hiking, kayaking, and water taxis. The park is known for its coastal track, which can be walked in sections or in its entirety over several days. Water taxis and kayaking tours are popular ways to explore the coastline and reach more remote parts of the park. Car rentals are available in nearby towns, but vehicles are not allowed within the park itself.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in nearby towns, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or remote areas. ATMs are available in Nelson and other towns near the park. Some tours and accommodation options within the park may require pre-booking and pre-payment, so plan accordingly.

Abel Tasman National Park is generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within the park. Be mindful of natural hazards like changing tides, which can affect your plans if you're hiking along the coast.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some parts of the park, so it is advisable to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone if you are going into remote areas. The nearest medical facilities are in Nelson. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for hiking. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: There are no specific religious customs to observe within the park, but be respectful of any cultural sites you may encounter. Public Transport: Do use water taxis and shuttles to access different parts of the park. Don't litter and always follow Leave No Trace principles. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'kia ora,' the Maori greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do carry sufficient food and water, especially if you're going on a long hike. Don't leave food scraps behind, as this can attract wildlife.

To experience Abel Tasman National Park like a local, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the park is less crowded. Take the time to explore the smaller, less-visited bays and beaches. Join a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna from an expert. If you're kayaking, start early in the morning when the water is typically calmer.