Abel Tasman National Park

World-renowned kayaking and marine reserve

It may be the smallest national park in the country, but what it lacks in size, the Abel Tasman National Park sure makes up for in location.

Sitting at the top of the South Island, this 22,530 hectare water-fringed playground must be one of the most easily recognised locations in the country. Who hasn't seen the picture-perfect images of kayaks gliding in a turquoise-coloured bay cradled by a sweep of golden sandy beaches?

With over 50 kilometres of coastline, this stretch of New Zealand is a world-renowned kayaking location; not just because of the natural beauty of its hidden coves, granite cliffs, unspoiled granite-crumb beaches and Split Apple Rock – a whopping great granite boulder – but also because of the marine life hanging out in these waters.

You can thank Tonga Island Marine Reserve for providing a predator-free space for seal colonies to call home. These slugular creatures are known to invite themselves along for the ride as you paddle around the coastline. Dolphins and penguins are also regular spectators and if you're planning on trekking the 51 kilometre coastal track, then chances are you'll also meet a few tui and bellbirds, and the occasional pukeko around the estuaries and wetlands.

Kaiteriteri Beach, on the edge of Abel Tasman National park, remains one of the most popular family destinations. Here, premium real estate sits alongside holiday homes and a holiday park. It's the perfect location to combine swimming, snorkelling, sailing and waterskiing and is the ideal entrance point to this stunning South Island location.

But, if water activities are not your thing, there are other ways to check out this location, including via a fixed-wing aircraft or a helicopter.