From Tōtaranui, follow the Coast Track north up Anapai Hill. After a short climb, the Headlands Track will branch off to your right. 

It will take you on loop around the ridge above Tōtaranui. There are lovely views of the bay in gaps between vegetation.

The track connects with the Pukatea Walk at the bottom of the hill. Follow it back to the Coast Track.

Like other walks in the Tōtaranui area, Headlands Track is largely an introduction to dramatic changes in vegetation as fertility, slope, aspect and damage from past fires all have some influence on the state of the present plant cover.

Extensive die-back of beech trees has now resulted in dense pockets of regeneration, particularly along infertile ridges where drought stress on the vegetation can be severe. On better soils the forest grows taller and beech is joined by northern rātā, massive and intertwined.

Nelson to Tōtaranui is about two and a half hours. Take SH6 south out of Nelson and turn onto SH60 (the Coastal Highway) once past Richmond. Follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka.

From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Tōtaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road.

Wasps

Wasps are a possible hazard and are more common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

Rubbish

Day visitors must take out their own rubbish.

Giardia

Giardia has been found in some park waters. It can be removed from drinking water by boiling, filtering or chemical treatment. All tap water at Tōtaranui is filtered.