Abel Tasman Coast Track
Located in Abel Tasman National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region
Introduction
Enjoy the mild climate, golden beaches and lush coastal native bush on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.Highlights
Bookings open. Campsites: Good availability | Huts: Availability in October/November and from March 2022
60 km one way
Dog access
Image gallery
-
Day 1: Marahau to Anchorage Image: | DOC
![Walkers on beach.]( "Walkers on beach.")
-
Camping on the beach Image: photonewzealand.com ©
![Camping on the beach.]( "Camping on the beach.")
-
Day 2: Anchorage to Bark Bay Image: | DOC
![Walkers reading an interpretation panel.]( "Walkers reading an interpretation panel.")
-
Cleopatras Pool Image: Nick Thompson ©
![Cleopatras Pool.]( "Cleopatras Pool.")
-
Day 3: Bark Bay to Awaroa Image: | DOC
![Kayaks on beach.]( "Kayaks on beach.")
-
Day 4: Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay Image: | DOC
![Walkers on track.]( "Walkers on track.")
-
Seal Image: Karin Noresten ©
![Seal.]( "Seal.")
-
Day 5: Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui Bay or Tōtaranui Image: | DOC
![Wainui Bay.]( "Wainui Bay.")
Video
Highlights
- Discover Cleopatra's Pool – natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide.
- Admire the beautiful inlet to Falls River as you walk across a 47 m suspension bridge.
- Keep an eye out for fur seals/kekeno.
- Crystal-clear waters of Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
Explore on Google Street View | Watch videos | Download the free visitor app
What to expect
The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep and rough and the track could be muddy.
There is one compulsory tidal crossing – check the tide tables for when it's safe to cross.
Walking options
Walk the whole track in either direction, take a water taxi or kayak between different locations.
Places to stay
There are 4 huts and 18 campsites along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which must be booked in advance all year round. Visitors arriving without a valid booking, or staying at a hut or campsite other than the one named on their ticket, will be charged a penalty fee or may be asked to leave the park.
Note, campsites are designed for tents and are not suitable for hammocks. Campers are not permitted to use hut facilities.
Marahau to Anchorage
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 12.4 km
You’ll begin your journey as you cross the estuary over the Marahau causeway, and follow the track, first through open country, then lush beech forest with large kānuka trees. The track eventually turns inland, winding in and out of several little gullies before emerging to a view of the beautiful Anchorage Bay. Here you’ll descend to Anchorage Hut and Campsite.
Side trip: Tinline Bay Nature Walk
Time: 20 min return
Home to a bizarre tree growing in an unusual place.
Campsites and huts between Marahau and Anchorage
- Tinline Campsite
- Coquille Bay Campsite
- Apple Tree Bay Campsite
- Akersten Bay Campsite
- Watering Cove Campsite
- Observation Beach Campsite
- Te Pukatea Bay Campsite
- Anchorage Campsite
- Anchorage Hut
Anchorage to Bark Bay
High tide track
Time: 4 hr
Distance: 11.5 km
Low tide crossing, Torrent Bay estuary
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8.4 km
Torrent Bay estuary can be crossed within 2 hours either side of low tide, or you can take the all-tide track around it. An impressive 47-metre long suspension bridge takes you over Falls River. You’ll then meander through lush coastal forest before being led back to the sea and the idyllic golden sands of Bark Bay.
Side trip: Cascade Falls
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
A beautiful waterfall hidden in native bush that’s a great spot to cool off. The track is quite steep in parts.
Side trip: Cleopatra's Pool
This beautiful rock pool with clear cool water is a nice swimming hole.
Campsites and huts between Anchorage and Bark Bay
Bark Bay to Awaroa
Time: 4 hr 30 min
Distance: 13.5 km
Cross the beautiful Bark Bay estuary 2 hours either side of low tide or follow the all-tide track (10 minutes) around the edge of the estuary. A steep climb takes you through stands of mānuka. Return to the coast at Tonga Quarry and it’s a short walk from there to Onetahuti Bay, where one of the longest beaches in the Abel Tasman stretches before you.
The track then leads over the forested Tonga Saddle. At the junction just beyond the saddle, either stay on the main track around and down to Venture Creek, following the path up the hill to a lookout point over Awaroa Bay, before dropping down to walk to Awaroa Campsite and hut. Alternatively, if you need to catch a water taxi, turn right at the junction and take the non-DOC track down to the beach. At low tide, it is possible to follow the beach below the high tide mark around the inlet and wade across to Awaroa Hut and Campsite.
Take care to stay below the high tide mark away from nesting birds.
Onetahuti Bay on Google Street View
Campsites and huts between Bark Bay and Awaroa
Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay
Awaroa to Tōtaranui
Time: 2 hr 20 min
Distance: 7.1 km (tidal)
Tōtaranui to Whariwharangi Bay
Time: 3 hr 15 min
Distance: 9.8 km
Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide. Along the track, the scenery alternates between sandy beaches and rocky headlands of regenerating kānuka. Camp or stay in the cosy and historic Whariwharangi Hut (a former homestead built around 1896) just behind the beach.
Campsites and huts between Awaroa and Wainui
- Waiharakeke Bay Campsite
- Tōtaranui Great Walk Campsite
- Anapai Bay Campsite
- Mutton Cove Campsite
- Whariwharangi Bay Campsite
- Whariwharangi Bay Hut
Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 5.7 km
Follow a trickling stream and climb above the bay to a saddle overlooking the serene Wainui Inlet. The inlet is a great place to swim or to explore rock pools. The track winds down to the shore and follows the estuary edge to the car park.
Whariwharangi Bay to Tōtaranui
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 9 km
From Whariwharangi Hut follow a small stream, then climb out of the bay to a low saddle overlooking Wainui Inlet. At this point take a left turn onto the Gibbs Hill Track. This track will take you over the steep Gibbs Hill then back down to Tōtaranui.
From Tōtaranui you can get a water taxi back to Mārahau, ensure you allow enough time to walk to Totaranui. Refer to your water taxi provider for their pick up and drop off locations and timetable.
Note this is a shared-use track. Mountain biking Wainui – Gibbs Hill – Tōtaranui is allowed from 1 May to 30 September at any time of the day. There is a maximum group size of eight riders.
Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts and campsites on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. There are no fees to complete a day walk on the track or for entry into the Abel Tasman National Park.
Pay your fees by booking the huts and/or campsites before you start the track.
Hut fees
1 October – 30 April
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand:
- Adult (18+ years): $42 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $56 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $32 per person, per night
1 May – 30 June, and September
All visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
1 July – 31 August
All visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $26 per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Campsite fees
1 October – 30 April
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand:
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): Free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $24 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $12 person, per night
1 May – 30 September
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $16 person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): Free
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Discounts
Discounts for Great Walks are not available online. If you belong to a group or organisation that is entitled to a discount we will need to see proof of your membership.
To receive your discount, you must email your organisation's membership card, showing your name, membership number and expiry date, to bookings@doc.govt.nz or go to a DOC visitor centre in person. Visitor centre staff will make your booking for you and apply your discount. No booking fee will be charged.
If you make your booking online yourself, you must contact bookings@doc.govt.nz or a DOC visitor centre within 48 hours of making the booking to receive your discount. Discounts cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings after this time.
Bookings
Huts and campsites must be booked in advance year round. Visitors arriving without a valid booking, or staying at a hut or campsite other than the one named on their ticket, will be charged a penalty fee or may be asked to leave the park.
Book the Abel Tasman Coast Track online
What to book
Before you start walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track, you need to book:
- Huts and/or campsites on the track – the walk takes 3-5 days to complete
- Transport to/from the start/end of the track or mid-points along the track – the walk is one-way with track ends approximately 60 km apart
How to book
Bookings open. Campsites: Good availability | Huts: Availability in October/November and from March 2022
- Decide how much of the track you want to walk and what direction you want to walk in – shuttles service the northern end of the track at Wainui, and water taxis run between Kaiteriteri and Marahau at the southern end of the track to the main beaches of Anchorage, Torrent Bay, Bark Bay Onetahuti, Awaroa and Tōtaranui.
- Decide what huts or campsites you want to stay at. Consider:
- Distances and walking times between huts/campsites
- Low tide times: Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide. Check the tide timetable
- Drop off and pick up times of transport operators. Find shuttle services and water taxis for the Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Decide the date you want to stay at each hut/campsite. Note there is a maximum number of nights you can stay at each:
- 1 October - 30 April: maximum 2 nights (except Tōtaranui campsite which is a maximum of 1 night all year)
- 1 May - 30 September: maximum 5 nights (except Tōtaranui campsite which is a maximum of 1 night all year)
- Check availability of huts and campsites on the dates you want to stay. If there is no space in one of the huts/campsites you want to stay at, consider:
- Starting your walk on a different date
- Re-arranging your walk to use a different combination of huts/campsites
- Check the availability of transport services on your desired dates.
- Book huts/campsites.
- Book online, or
- Contact a DOC visitor centre or local iSITE for personal assistance.
- Note:
- Bookings are required for children and/or youth even though it's free for them to stay.
- If you're booking campsites, you'll need to know the number of people in your group as well as the number of tent sites required.
- Book transport to/from the start/end of the track with a transport operator. Find shuttle services and water taxis for the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Terms and conditions
Read the booking terms and conditions (scroll to the bottom to find the Terms and Conditions link) for general information, age ranges, prices, discounts, penalty rates and the alterations and cancellations policy. Bookings not meeting the terms and conditions will be treated as invalid and cancelled.
Booking on behalf of others
Guided groups: To operate a commercial activity in an area managed by DOC, you need to apply for a concession (an official permit), in addition to any bookings you would need to make. Read more about concessions
To make multiple bookings for facilities/services on behalf of customers, you must obtain permission or an agent agreement from DOC. To do this, email: agents@doc.govt.nz
The Abel Tasman Coast Track has four main entrances
Marahau is the southern gateway
It's 67 km from Nelson on sealed road providing access by water taxi, kayak, or walking
Wainui is the northern entrance
It's 128 km from Nelson and 21 km from Takaka. For the last 2 km, the road is unsealed providing access by walking
Totaranui
Totaranui is 160 km from Nelson and 32 km from Takaka providing access by walking and water taxi. The last 12 km of the road is unsealed but suitable for campervans.
Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri is 61 km from Nelson providing access by kayak or water taxi. Note: This is 7 km from the track entrance by walking and it is not advisable to walk this.
It is also possible to access Awaroa estuary on a road that is 31 km from Takaka. The last 12 km of road is rough, unsealed and prone to flooding. It is not recommended as an entrance to the Park.
Transport options
Abel Tasman Coast Track locality map
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 Marahau/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.
You can make a 5–7 day circuit using the Abel Tasman Inland Track. However, the Inland Track is very steep, rough underfoot and does not have many viewpoints.
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.
Vehicle parking
DOC provides a carpark at Marahau, Totaranui and Wainui roadends. Cars are parked at your own risk.
There is strictly no freedom camping.
Water taxi and kayak operators have their own private car parking for clients.
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors and follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code
Tide times
Be sure to consult a tide timetable when planning your trip as the Awaroa estuary area on the track is only passable at low tide.
Check with visitor centres for any track updates and important notices, which report closures or maintenance on huts, campsites, roads and tracks – also listed on Nelson/Tasman alerts.
Walking seasons
The Coast Track is open all year. Transport, activity, equipment and accommodation operators are available year round.
All huts and campsites must be booked all year round. See booking information for details.
In peak season (October to April), DOC hut wardens and staff are based at the huts and Tōtaranui Camp Office.The number of walkers on the track between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay peak in January with over 250 per day and drop in August to less than 25.
In winter, wardens rotate among the huts.
The advantages of visiting the Abel Tasman Coast in the winter include fewer visitors, calmer water, less water traffic such as water-skiers, and hardly any insects.
The main disadvantages are the shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures.
Track closure
In case of any accident or injury that requires emergency evacuation, contact Police Search and Rescue via Department of Conservation staff or boat transport staff radios.
In the unusual situation of the track being closed, signs will be erected at track entrances and information will be at i-SITES, DOC information centres and on the DOC website. Check the track update before you start the track. If the track is closed, a full refund will be given.
Tell someone
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors by following the Land Safety Code.
Tell someone your plans, including when to raise the alarm if you haven't returned, by using the Outdoors Intentions form.
Fill in the visitors book if you are staying in a hut.
Weather
The climate is mild with sea breezes, summer droughts and some winter frosts. Rainfall averages 1800mm and the sun shines around 2200 hours per year. During late spring and throughout summer the coast is subject to strong westerly winds, while the autumn and winter months are generally calm. Abel Tasman National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
| Max temp ˚C | Min temp ˚C | Rainy days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 13 | 4 | 11 |
| August | 13 | 5 | 10 |
| September | 15 | 7 | 12 |
| October | 17 | 8 | 9 |
| November | 19 | 10 | 10 |
| December | 21 | 12 | 10 |
| January | 23 | 12 | 6 |
| February | 22 | 13 | 7 |
| March | 21 | 12 | 9 |
| April | 18 | 10 | 8 |
| May | 16 | 7 | 10 |
| June | 14 | 6 | 10 |
Winter
The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked all year but in winter temperatures are cooler. All huts have heating. Campsites that get good afternoon sun are Anchorage, Bark Bay, Mosquito Bay, Awaroa and Tōtaranui.
Supplies
Full list of what to take on Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Cookers and lighting
- Cookers and lighting are not provided in any of the huts.
Wasps
- If you are allergic to wasp stings, take your medication, such as antihistamines, with you.
Sandflies
- Sandflies are tiny black insects which cause itchy bites.
- Bring and use insect repellent.
Camping
The use of hammocks, including "tree hugger" hammocks, is not permitted in campsites on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Note: There are some low tide crossings along the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Do not cross when it's not low tide as it's dangerous.
Where you need to do tide crossings
Torrent Bay Estuary
- This can be crossed 2 hours on either side of low tide, under normal conditions.
- There is an all tide track around the estuary. This gives access to Cleopatra’s Pool.
Awaroa Inlet
- You can cross Awaroa Inlet within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide. Although this can be affected by natural influences such as tide heights, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
- Only cross the inlet in daylight when it's safe.
- Allow 25 minutes to cross.
- No alternative track around the estuary.
Goat Bay
- There is a section of the access to the beach that is cut at large tides.
- Wait until the tide recedes before continuing.
Download the low tide timetables
View as tables
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track don't have gas cooking facilities and lighting. Remember to take a portable stove and fuel, and candles with you.
Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof/plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including insect repellent, sunscreen, blisterkit, personal medication. For example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Survival kit – survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year. For example, map, compass, tide timetables
- Drink bottle – 1-2 litre capacity
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
- Toiletries
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag
- Booking confirmation letter and ID
- Portable stove and fuel
- Candles
- Toilet paper
- Swimwear
- Sandals or aqua shoes for walking in water
- Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a back-up toilet option
If you're camping
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
Clothing
- For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. Walking boots or firm footwear should be comfortable and well broken in
- Socks – wool or polypropylene
- Shorts – quick dry material
- Shirt – wool or polypropylene
- Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
- Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
- Overtrousers – wind and water proof
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
Note: It's not possible to dry clothes in the huts. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts aren't suitable.
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Food
You can't buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
- Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads
- Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
- Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated freeze-dried meals.
You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
If you haven't kayaked before
For people who haven’t kayaked before, a guided trip is recommended. If you're renting a kayak or going on a guided trip, discuss your kayak trip with your chosen kayak operator before booking huts or campsites.
If you're not going on a guided trip
For independent kayak rentals, a minimum of two people and previous sea-kayaking experience are essential.
Kayaking weather dependant
Kayaking is more weather dependent than walking along the Coast Track. Abel Tasman National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.
Book campsites that are within your kayaking ability and plan for the worst weather – head winds and rough seas. Then, if the weather makes kayaking slow you will still get to your campsite. If the weather is fine and there is a tail wind, you can always kayak to your campsite, set up your tent and then go exploring with your kayak without your overnight gear.
Assess your fitness, the wind strength and direction and sea swell before proceeding each day. If the weather is too rough to safely kayak to your intended destination (the campsite you have booked), stop and wait for a few hours for sea conditions to improve.
Only camp at a campsite other than the one you have booked for safety reasons.
Never risk your life by kayaking in dangerous seas.
Paddling times
Rough paddling times for experienced kayakers in calm conditions without stops are:
- Marahau to Anchorage 4 hr
- Anchorage to Bark Bay 2 hr
- Bark Bay to Onetahuti 1 hr 30 min
Where kayaking is not recommended
Kayaking is not recommended north of Onetahuti Bay due to the remote and exposed coastline.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |