Tourism operators in Abel Tasman are gearing up for a record summer as Kiwis book in to see the new beach we own.
Awaroa Beach was bought by the public earlier this year following a successful crowd-funding campaign.
The seven hectares of bush and 800-metre stretch of golden sand officially became a part of the Abel Tasman National Park earlier this year.
A massive Givealittle campaign saw more than 40,000 people give more than $2.2 million to buy the private beach for all New Zealanders to enjoy.
Now families from across the country are coming to check out their piece of paradise, like the Smiths.
"We quite often come here. It's a beautiful spot and the kids love it," mum Shelly says.
"It would have broken my heart had gone to private ownership. Beaches like this shouldn't be owned privately."
They're not alone. Hannah Bower has travelled from Warkworth, north of Auckland, to see what she got for her money, and she's happy with what her small contribution purchased.
"It's magnificent. It's amazing - soglad to have it in New Zealand ownership," she says.
Awaroa Beach is accessible only by foot, boat and kayak, so with an ever-increasing number of visitors, tourism operators say it's shaping up to be their busiest summer yet.
"It looks like it's going to be a record summer. We've had year-on-year growth and this year looks like it's going to be a boomer," says Brendon Alborn, owner of Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi.
Newshub.
