I read over most of the South Island Itineraries, and it seemed that most people choose to skip Abel Tasman NP and Nelson Lakes NP also Mt Aspiring National Park. Why is this? I thought Abel Tasman was supposed to be gorgeous, I assumed other two were also?

Also, if we've been to Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, can we skip the glaciers? Are we missing anything? If we don't do the helicopter ride or helihike, is it worth it?

Thanks for your help

I want aware that most people did skip those places. We return next year for our third visit and fully intend seeing all of those. We missed out on Mt Aspiring NP last time because of the weather but will do it regardless this time. A few photos of our time in Abel Tasman @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2015/08...national-park/ . It is indeed spectacular! We spent a day there last time and plan on staying for several days this time around.

I live in the Colorado Rockies and have been to the SI over a dozen times - and I still want to go back.

The West Coast of the SI is one of my favorite places - we try to fit it into every visit. Not for the glaciers so much, but for the rain forest and the incredible ruggedness of the West Coast. There really is no place like it IMO, and I've been around...so to speak.

I also happen to like Abel Tasman National Park, which I've heard people compare to California. Haven't seen much of CA myself, so can't comment on the comparison. Personally, I only visit Abel Tasman in the low season - it's one of the most visited national parks in NZ and high season there is not something I ever want to experience.

Having said that, there are a couple of ways to access the park, some more popular than others, therefore busier. What do you have in mind specifically?

Mt Aspiring National Park is probably my favorite of the bunch though - it is stunning, particularly the bits reached from Wanaka and Glenorchy.

Nelson Lakes is my least favorite of the bunch. It's pretty enough, but ALL of the SI is pretty.

I suspect the 'most people' you're referring to are folks with limited time, who have to make difficult choices in narrowing down their options - they probably choose the shorter, less time consuming driving routes, thus eliminating those parks that take more time and effort to get to.

Everyone has to make choices on overseas holidays. It can be easier and cheaper to go to the more touristy spots. Nelson takes a bit more time to get to which is probably why people go to more accessible parks.
Certainly if you go to ATNP right now in the summer holidays it will be FULL.
Nelson Lakes NP is lovely and worth doing a few walks around there but a day might be enough. Depends if you like the beach or not if ATNP is a better choice.