New Zealand has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Though there are places in the world that get more hours of sun it is more intense in NZ for three reasons. The UV levels are higher because of the closeness of the sun in the summer,a thinner ozone layer over NZ and most surprising to me, New Zealands amazing clean air makes people more vulnerable to sunburns because pollution can actually block ultraviolet rays. Doctors advise to avoid sun exposure and always use protection. Though this is common in Southern California where the suns shines over 3,000 hrs, the rate of Kiwis having skin cancer is double even though their sunniest locations (Nelson region being # 1) gets closer to 2,000 hrs of sun a year. In California the sun is strongest between 11:00 and 2:00 PM in NZ they have longer daylight hrs and the sun is considered strongest between 11:00 and 4:00 PM.
Updated Aug 28, 2011
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Reviews and photos of Abel Tasman National Park attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Abel Tasman National Park sightseeing.

New Zealand has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Though there are places in the world that get more hours of sun it is more intense in NZ for three...
Q: Hi there, A group of friends & I are doing the Abel Tasman 3 day kayak & walk (1 day kayaking & 2 days walking) in January and...

A: the kayaking will be fine....i am unfit and i did it for the full day...yes i got sore arms but there are 2 in a kayak so go with someone fit like the guide and slack a...
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Abel Tasman is a beautiful National Park, near Nelson,on the South Island of New Zealand.Enjoy hiking (tramping) walking on the unspoiled beach. It is mind boggling to see so much unspoiled coastline...
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I'm transferring from the old VT (travelogues) to here, so please bare with me while I rebuild this page. We stayed a few nites at the Awaroa Lodge, deep in the Abel Tasman National Park. Sea Kayaking...
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Abel Tasman, like being on a pacific island

The best time to experience Abel Tasman national park is during summer. The water is a clear blue, the sky is blue, the weather warm, not hotter then 28 degrees, its like being on a tropic island. You...
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We only came here to take part in the Sea Kayaking. I had never done anything like this before so I was looking forward to it and very nervous. My boyfriend had done it when he was younger. The views...
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Peace - if you don't mind the tourists

Had a lovely week in the area, we missed most of the Christmas holiday rush, and enjoyed several days exploring the beaches and walks in the Abel Tasman National park.
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