Thousands raised to purchase private Abel Tasman beach

Abel Tasman National Park's Awaroa Inlet, is currently up for grabs for $2 million. Photo / Supplied

More than $600,000 has been pledged to a Givealittle campaign to buy a 7ha private beach in Abel Tasman National Park's Awaroa Inlet.

Christchurch resident Duane Major set up the crowdfunding page just over a week ago in the hopes Kiwis would club together and buy the piece of land to make it publicly accessible.

The property is listed with real estate company Bayleys for $2 million, 50 cents per person if everyone in New Zealand chipped in to buy it.

Mr Major said he thought there would be many in the country who, like him, wanted such a beautiful piece of land to be shared by the public rather than privately owned.

"I really value our national park and the idea of taking this opportunity to permanently take it off the private market and put it into the hands of everyone is certainly worth a shot."

The hefty sum has been raised by 9273 pledgers so far, with just over three weeks left to raise the remaining money.

Telecommunications company Spark has pledged $20,000 for the campaign.

Spark director Simon Moutter said if the $2 million wasn't raised, it would be a lost opportunity.

"Two million is a big ask for a small country like ours so at Spark we wanted to chip in and do our bit. We're encouraging other New Zealand businesses to join us. New Zealand only has a couple of weeks to secure this beautiful beach, otherwise the opportunity will be lost," Moutter said.

Although the beach was open for the public, Mr Major said that might not be guaranteed in the next 30 to 40 years as it had riparian rights.

"I want to make sure it can't be developed, as I enjoy and appreciate it so much. This beach is particularly beautiful."

The $2 million would need to be pledged before the tender closes on February 16 at 4pm.

• To donate to the Givealittle page visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/project/abeltasmanbeach2016