Know before you go
Introduction
Safety information you should consider before commencing your trip.No drones
Unauthorised use of drones is prohibited. You must have a permit to fly a drone.
DOC does not generally approve permits to fly drones in this national park and we do not recommend you apply for one.
Your safety is your responsibility. Stay safe in the outdoors and follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code
Drinking water
Drinking water is not provided at these huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track:
- Anchorage Hut
- Bark Bay Hut
- Awaroa Hut
- Whariwharangi Hut
Boil or treat drinking water before use.
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.
Tsunami risk
The New Zealand coastline is at risk from tsunamis, including the Abel Tasman Coast Track and its huts and campsites. If you feel a long or strong earthquake, see a sudden rise/fall in sea level, or hear loud/unusual noises from the sea, go to higher ground immediately.
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
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.