Nature’s Reset: Rewilding in Abel Tasman
Happy New Year, lovely readers — and thank you, as always, for being here and reading my blog. To begin this new year, I felt drawn to focus on the present rather than the past.
Many of my previous posts have reflected on travels around the world and how the landscapes and wild creatures I encountered inspired my creativity. This time, I want to celebrate where I am now. It’s a beautiful part of the world and one that truly deserves the spotlight.
Coming Home to New Zealand
In 2024, my family relocated from the UK back to my homeland, New Zealand. I’d been away for a long time, and returning home felt strangely unfamiliar — almost like being a foreigner in my own country.
Yet the move has been hugely transformational. Reconnecting with my heritage and rediscovering the quirks that make Kiwis who they are has been deeply grounding. The accent, the slang, the dry humour — if you’ve ever watched Flight of the Conchords, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
A Country Defined by Nature
One of the most rewarding things about being home is New Zealand’s outstanding natural beauty. Europe may be rich in history, architecture, and deeply layered culture, but New Zealand offers something else entirely: raw landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Here you’ll find remarkable native birds, many of them flightless and historically without predators — one of the reasons they are so fiercely protected. New Zealand is the only country in the world without snakes. It’s home to the kea, the only alpine parrot on Earth, and the kakapō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot often called the “owl parrot.”
Then there’s the stunning tūī, instantly recognisable by the white tuft of feathers at its throat. With a uniquely complex voice box, it can mimic hundreds of sounds — from other birds to everyday noises like microwaves.
Abel Tasman National Park: Paradise on My Doorstep
Living back in New Zealand, I’m incredibly lucky to have one of the country’s most beautiful national parks right on my doorstep. Abel Tasman National Park is a slice of paradise tucked away at the top of the South Island.
It’s renowned for its golden beaches, sculpted granite cliffs, and world-famous coastal track, where hidden coves and beaches reveal themselves at every turn.
Tramping: A Kiwi Tradition
I first walked the Abel Tasman when I was six years old. My parents and I set off on a three-day tramp from Marahau to Tōtaranui. I don’t remember many details, but I do remember that it felt like a real adventure.
For Kiwi kids, tramping — the local term for hiking or multi-day backpacking through forests, mountains, and coastlines — is part of the culture. New Zealanders love to camp and explore, helped by the absence of dangerous wild animals found in other parts of the world.
More recently, while walking through the park in spring, I spotted a little morepork — a small, dark brown owl — sitting perfectly still in a tree. Similar to the little owl but darker, it’s named for its distinctive “more-pork” call, a sound deeply woven into New Zealand nights.
The Great Walks of New Zealand
New Zealand’s eleven Great Walks are premier hiking tracks that showcase some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The season typically runs from October to April, with basic huts and campsites available along the routes. Due to limited capacity, bookings are essential.
While Covid significantly impacted tourism, the industry is slowly returning to normal, and summer once again brings visitors from around the world.
Abel Tasman is the smallest of the Great Walks, yet it’s the most popular — and for good reason. The golden beaches along the coastal track offer perfect pit stops for picnics, swimming, and rest. The walk can be done from Marahau to Golden Bay or vice versa, with camping allowed at designated beach sites (fires strictly prohibited). The beauty and sense of inspiration you feel on this track is truly something else.
History, Islands, and Simple Pleasures
The park is named after Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman, the first known European to sight New Zealand when he arrived off the coast of Mohua (Golden Bay) on 13 December 1642. Three hundred years later, in 1942, Abel Tasman National Park was officially opened.
Dotted with small offshore islands, the park can also be explored by water taxi — perfect if time (or tired legs!) are a factor. Snorkelling in the clear coastal waters is another wonderful way to experience the park.
At the start of the track in Marahau, The Park Café is a quirky local favourite. Known for its regular open-mic nights, it’s either your last chance for a proper coffee before heading out — or your first meal after finishing the walk. Their wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in the region.
A New Creative Chapter
I’m so inspired by the wildlife and landscapes of this region that I’m now working on a new series of illustrated works featuring native birds, flora, and fauna. These designs will appear on printed homewares, cards, and art prints in the coming year.
Much of my previous surface pattern work was inspired by the tropics — travels to Kenya and Bali, wandering savannahs and encountering elephants, leopards, lions, and giraffes. Now, I’m excited to begin a new body of work rooted in the wild beauty of New Zealand’s Tasman region.
You’ll find some of my New Zealand–inspired pieces at Ilka Boutique this summer. I can’t wait to welcome you into my little retail space and share these exciting new works — my first since relocating back down under.
Have you tramped any of New Zealand's Great Walks? Let me know in the comments!
All photos copyright ©Abbey Mae