Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks have been linked after a 169ha block of land was purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund for $275,000.

The land will be added to Abel Tasman National Park. The block borders the park to its north and completes a chain of legally-protected natural areas. The land adjoins Takaka Hill Scenic Reserve to the south, which borders Harwood QEII Covenant protected private land, beside Kahurangi National Park (see map below).

The land is being managed by DOC as a scenic reserve and will eventually be added to Abel Tasman National Park. The Nature Heritage Fund is also purchasing an adjoining 43ha block from the same landowner, which will also be added to the national park.

The land contains diverse and rare ecosystems, with more than 200 native plant species, including threatened shovel mint, bamboo tussock, native germander, limestone kowhai and limestone mahoe.

The Nature Heritage Fund is a contestable ministerial fund, administered by an independent committee appointed by the Minister of Conservation. Since 1990, the fund has protected over 341,880ha of land.