Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman is famous for its sandy beaches with long braids , stone outcrops and river estuaries preserved intact ^{[2] [1]} . At a distance from the coast, the height above sea level rises to a kilometer ^[1] . In the southwestern park the relief is karst-pebble, there are several karst funnels ^[1] .

The flora of the park is represented by beech trees (on elevations), and other species ^[1] . The park is home to the region's usual forest, coastal and sea birds - thuja , makomako and , cormorants , penguin ^{[2] [1]} . On the coast you can see fur seals ^{[1] [3]} .

Access to the park is provided by four roads leading from both ends of the “Abel Tasman Coastal Route” ( Motueka and Totaranui ) to Nelson , two roads from Takaka to Vainui and to the River, as well as regular bus routes from the nearest settlements ^[2] .

Maori have inhabited the coastal strip in the territory of the modern park since at least the 15th century. On December 18, 1642 the Dutchman Abel Tasman moored ashore in Golden Bay and anchored; local Māori perceived his ships as a threat and attacked by canoe , killing four Europeans in the battle ^{[2] [4]} .

After the colonization of New Zealand began, the Europeans began to massively cut down the forest growing on the present territory of the park, its place was taken by the European ulex and ^[3] . The activist’s concern, about the condition of the coastal strip and its actions aimed at preserving the region, led to the emergence in 1942 of a protected area of ​​150 km²; The park received the name of a Dutch explorer thanks to a petition sent to the government ^{[1] [3]} . The connection of the park with the Netherlands is not limited to the name: after the official opening, the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina became the patroness of Abel Tasman, setting the tradition for the dynasty ^[5] .

You can visit the park year-round ^[2] . Here is one of the - , which runs along the forest more often and along the coast; the length of the route is 51 km, its passage takes from three to five days and does not require special training ^{[1] [3]} . Another, more difficult route leading through the forest is called the “internal” ( English Abel Tasman Inland Track ) ^[3] .

In addition, tourists can enjoy sailing , boating and kayaking , as well as beach vacations ^{[1] [3]} . By water, tourists can reach the nearest islands, the flora and fauna of which are better preserved than in the rest of the territory ^[2] .

The park has six cottages with cold water, toilets and sinks, but without kitchens and electricity ^[3] . Throughout the “Coastal Route” there are tents, equipped with toilets and access to cold water ^[3] . On the beach of there is a camp of the same name in which tourists can rent a house for a long period ^[3] . There are also a number of private cottages, hostels and hotels ^[3] .

• Abel Tasman National Park . Department of Conservation . Date of treatment July 1, 2016.
• Abel Tasman National Park . Department of Conservation (2006). Date of treatment July 1, 2016.
• John Wilson European discovery of New Zealand // Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand . - Ministry for Culture and Heritage . - S. 2. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
• Les Molloy. Protected areas // Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand . - Ministry for Culture and Heritage . - S. 2. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
• Nancy Swarbrick National parks // Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand . - Ministry for Culture and Heritage . Retrieved July 1, 2016.