The temperate climate of the Nelson Tasman region makes for excellent year-round walking and exploring the great outdoors.
Find out more about tramping on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand.
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is the perfect way to explore the unmatchable beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Because of its easy accessibility for boats, you have the option to walk a portion of the trail for a day or the entire length over 3-5 days.
Or, if you would prefer paddle power, take a kayak tour.
The walk is not a circuit track, so some form of transport needs to be organised at either end. Shuttles and water taxis are easy to book in advance.
Some areas of the track can only be walked at low-tide so it is important to check the tides(opens in new window) prior to starting your walk.
Top tip; For the ultimate walk in Abel Tasman National Park, join Abel tasman Coastal Track to the Inland Track(opens in new window). This challenging walking route passes through regenerating and original native forest and you are treated to amazing views up and down the coast.
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy yourself, so a good level of fitness and strength is necessary.
Find out more about the walk and what is involved;
Day 1, Mārahau > Anchorage, 12.4km
After the Mārahau information kiosk, follow the causeway that crosses the estuary. From here, you'll pass through open country to Tinline Bay.
The track then rounds Guilbert Point to Apple Tree Bay before passing through beech forest with large kanuka trees.
After Yellow Point the track heads inland, winding through small gullies before emerging into Torrent Bay, overlooking the coast and islands to the north. Descend into the bay where the Anchorage Hut and Campsite(opens in new window) awaits.
Day 2, Anchorage > Bark Bay, 12.1km
Today's walk crosses a low ridge into Torrent Bay Estuary so it is imperative that you check the tide times(opens in new window) prior to starting the walk today.
The estuary can be crossed two hours' either side of low tide - or take longer all-tide track leads up and around the headland.
At the northern end of Torrent Bay the track climbs steadily up and over two valleys before reaching a 47 metre-long suspension bridge strung above a beautiful inlet.
The track then meanders through coastal forest before dropping back down to the sea. Here, you'll come to the Bark Bay Hut and Campsite(opens in new window) that's just beside the estuary.
Day 3, Bark Bay > Awaroa, 11.4km
Today's walk crosses a low ridge into Torrent Bay Estuary so it is imperative that you check the tide times(opens in new window) prior to starting the walk today.
Cross Bark Bay Estuary two hours either side of low-tide or follow the all-tide track (10 minutes) around its edge where you'll climb steeply to a saddle.
Here, walkers journey through a mānuka forest; losing all sense of the coast before returning to the shore at Tonga Quarry. Here, just offshore sits Tonga Island, surrounded by a marine reserve and fascinating underwater life and snorkelling here is highly recommended.
A short distance on, you'll come to Onetahuti Bay, where an all-tide bridge and boardwalk crosses an inlet. From here, the track climbs up and over Tonga Saddle before descending to Awaroa Inlet. Awaroa Hut(opens in new window) is only a few minutes along the shore.
Day 4, Awaroa > Whariwharangi, 13km
Today's walk goes near Awaroa Estuary so it is imperative that you check the tide times(opens in new window) prior to starting the walk today.
Awaroa Estuary can only be crossed a couple of hours either side of low tide.
Once crossed, the track crosses a low saddle and drops into Waiharakeke Bay, where an old timber mill used to be located.
From here, you'll wind through more forest and beaches as well as up and over a lookout with spectacular views. When you’re hiking forested sections of the track, bellbirds, fantails, kererū (wood pigeons) and tūī will keep you company.
The walking alternates between sandy beaches and rocky headlands before descending to Whariwharangi Bay Campsite(opens in new window), an old restored farm homestead.
Day 5, Whariwharangi > Wainui, 5.5km
Take your time hiking to the end of the track today.
You'll pass through more beautiful inlets and small saddles before walking by the coast and coming to the carpark.
Here, meet your transport back to Mārahau. From Wainui there are public transport options to Tākaka (November through to May).
For water taxi pickup walkers need to return to Totaranui via Gibbs Hill (three hours).
Nelson is the main gateway to the Abel Tasman with daily flights arriving into Nelson Airport.
The beautiful beach town of Kaiteriteri is home to a number of accommodation options including a holiday park with ocean views and is only a short drive to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track trail head.
Motueka is a petite but lively town with great farmers markets and arts and crafts. Motueka is just 25 minutes drive to the village of Mārahau.
Mārahau is the Southern gateway to the Able Tasman National Park and an entrance to begin the Great Walk. Yes, Mārahau is small but it's a bustling village and a great place for kayaking, swimming and other water sports with local gear hire and tours available.
Where ever you chose to stay in the Abel Tasman area it's worth staying a few days before and after your trek.
Getting to the start of the Abel Tasman Coast Track is accessible at the four main entrances.
It is also possible to access Awaroa estuary on a road that is 31 km from Tākaka. The last 12 km of road is rough, unsealed and prone to flooding. It is not recommended as an entrance to the park.
Most visitors only walk in one direction on the Coast Track and get a water taxi in the other direction.
There are commercial water taxis that operate between Mārahau/Kaiteriteri and Totaranui. Water taxis are not permitted to go above Totaranui, so there is no service to Wainui or any of the Northern bays. Visitors travelling beyond Totaranui use the Gibbs Hill Track to make a loop in the Northern end of the Park.
Water taxis operate year round and must be booked in advance. The scheduled water taxi pickup locations are Apple Tree Bay, Anchorage, Medlands Bay, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Onetahuti, Awaroa and Totaranui.
Many of the water taxi and kayak companies have shuttle buses for their clients.
DOC provides a carpark at Mārahau, Totaranui and Wainui roadends. Cars are parked at your own risk.
There is strictly no freedom camping.
A number of specialist tour operators can aid in bringing your walking experience to life. Some offer a combination of walking and kayaking.
If you want to do a Great Walk independently, you will need to book the DOC accommodation on the trails. The fee for this varies between each Great Walk. It is recommended that you book in advance for this popular walk.
Plan My Walk takes the guesswork out of your preparation by bringing together the right information needed for planning a safe and successful walk or tramp.
The Great Hikes App is a comprehensive guide to plan your New Zealand Great Walk.
Great Hikes app - Abel Tasman Coast Track(opens in new window)
Department of Conservation provides detailed information about this trail, accommodation, gear list, and safety information.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
