Abel Tasman National Park is located at the top of the South Island. It is the smallest of all national parks in New Zealand, with an area of 22,500 hectares (87 square miles). The land was extensively modified by fire, forest clearing and introduced plants, before being abandoned and reverting to wilderness. The creation of the national park in 1942 followed threats of further exploitation of the remaining native forests. Abel Tasman National Park is a rough and mountainous area, best known for its coastline of crescent-shaped bays, golden sand beaches, clear waters, little islands and granite headlands sculpted by erosion. Both sea-kayaking and tramping (the Coastal Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks) are especially well suited to discovering and enjoying this coast.