Accomodation in and around Abel Tasman

I am planning a trip to New Zealand in February. I thought I would spend an extra week after my event, and go touring. I am thinking about Abel Tasman area. Who has some good accomodation ideas for a 50 something? I can budget about 60 dollars a night. I will have a rental car. Much appreciated. K

I was at Abel Tasman in early March 2007, stayed at a place called Abel Tasman Ocean View Chalets...located in Marahau. Marahau is the town (well, collection of buildings...) located just outside the park boundary...the park entrance was perhaps a 5 minute walk, and the water taxis / kayak tours all left from the pier at Marahau (5 mins the other direction). However they were charging over $100 NZD at that time, and as I recall they considered March as off peak already, so Feb would be priced higher.

Coming from Nelson (maybe about an hour or so away from Marahau?) you pass through a couple other bigger towns that likely have more accommodation options...we decided on Marahau since it was so close to the park. Nelson would surely have something in that range.

Try the caravan park[they have cabins] at Kaiteriteri,[just south of Marahau] its right on a gorgeous beach and the water taxis for the Abel Tasman leave from the same beach.There is also a backpackers at Kaiteriteri[google for the contact info]We were at Kaiteriteri two weeks ago and its a stunningly beautiful beach,with a caravan park,a general store, and a restaurant.We also took the water taxi and did 4 hours of the Abel Tasman,but in Feb watch out for the sand flies.You will love that part of the world!!!! Nelson is a nice town but a bit too far away.If no luck at Kaiteriteri then try Motueka as itsa much bigger town than Kaiteriteri, though a bit further south. Enjoy