Kiwis celebrate as Awaroa Beach gifted to DOC

(File)
(File)

Hundreds of people have spent the day celebrating New Zealand's beach in the Abel Tasman officially being handed over to the public forever.

Awaroa Beach is officially a part of the Abel Tasman National Park after being gifted to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

For the two men who made it happen - Adam Gardner and Duane Major - it's mission complete.

"It's really emotional to see everyone come and support, it's just great," Mr Gardner says.

Hundreds of people arrived on the golden shores of Awaroa Beach to witness our little piece of paradise officially becoming a part of the Abel Tasman National Park.

In February, a massive Givealittle campaign led by the two brothers-in-law saw almost 40,000 people raise more than $2 million to buy the seven hectare property and ensure it remained public land.

Today the gifting ceremony began with a Powhiri by local iwi, followed by speeches and the unveiling of the beaches plaque which reads 'Abel Tasman National Park'. 

The Awaroa Inlet will now be looked after by DOC and its natural habitat protected.

"This area is a significant dune ecosystem - we will help look after that - but also has birds … we will protect their nesting grounds as well," Associate Minister of Conservation Nicky Wagner says.

Now the beach is a part of the national park anyone and everyone is allowed to come here.

It will be a special place where New Zealanders and future generations can come and enjoy a day in paradise.

Newshub.