If you read my posts about the north island, you might have realized that I am minorly obsessed with New Zealand.  Warning: I will only get more enthusiastic from this point onward.  Dear readers, welcome to Abel Tasman National Park!

I am majorly obsesed with Abel Tasman.  It’s difficult to imagine anything more relaxing than glamping on the edge of a park featuring shocking blue water and pristine beaches.  I would not have left my luxury tent at The Barn (real beds! cheaper than a dorm!), but after four nights I remembered that I had booked a flight to Australia.  For shame.

Hiking is a great way to see the park – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks winds along the coast.  I’d also strongly recommend getting out on the water. From a catamaran, I got a completely different and equally lovely view of the park.  You can also kayak or take a water taxi.  And, as you can see from the collage above, you can ride a horse on the beach!  Hooray!

Just outside the entrance to the park, there’s a funky art gallery to explore and a few food options.  My fellow backpackers and I strongly recommend The Fat Tui, a truck that serves delicious burgers.  One of their burgers is the perfect reward after a long hike.  Let’s be real, though – it’s also the perfect reward after spending a strenous day tanning on the beach.