Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Great Walks > Abel Tasman Coast Track

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Location
The Abel Tasman Coast Track, located in Abel Tasman National Park on South Island’s northern shores.The Abel Tasman Coast Track is accessible by road at four points, each with a carpark:· Marahau, the southern gateway, is 67km from Nelson on sealed road· Wainui is 21km from Takaka. For the last 2km, the road is unsealed.Totaranui is 32km from Takaka. For the last 13km, the road is unsealed.· Awaroa estuary is 31km from Takaka. The last 12 km of road is rough and unsealed. There are two fords, which flood after heavy rain. From the Awaroa carpark on the northern side of the estuary, it’s 25 minutes of tidal walk to the DOC Awaroa hut and campsite, which are on the southern side of the estuary.
Description

Abel Tasman National Park is 225 sq km.

Marahau to Anchorage: 4 hr, 11.5km.
Anchorage to Bark Bay: 3 hr, 9.5km.
Bark Bay to Awaroa Time: 4 hr, 11.5km.
Awaroa to Totaranui: 1 hr 30 min, 5.5km.
Totaranui to Whariwharangi: Time: 3 hr Distance: 7.5km Whariwharangi to Wainui: 1 hr 30 min, 5.5km

Transport is available from the carpark. Please note that overnight stays for Coast Track walkers are limited to one night at Totaranui campground and two consecutive nights in all huts and other campsites along the Coast Track. DOC provides a range of accommodation along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, including four huts, 20 campsites and the Totaranui Campground. Visitors must book huts and campsites before starting the track. The Coast Track is open all year. Transport, activity, equipment and accommodation operators are available year round.

New Zealand fur seals can be seen at various places along the coast. There is a large breeding colony at Tonga Island. Seals should not be approached closer than 20 metres·Track has signs, poles or markers. Major stream and rivers crossings are bridged· Light tramping/hiking boots required.

The Abel Tasman National Park has the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, an area of nearly 2000 ha along 12km of coastline. The reserve protects fish, shellfish, sea birds and animals and native plants that are rare on the mainland. Scuba Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Caving and abseiling are available into Harwoods Hole which drops 176m into an underground river.

Distance
51.0 km
Level
Medium
Amenities
  • Birds
  • Camping
  • Carpark
  • Historical
  • Huts
  • Plant Life
  • Swimming
  • Toilets
  • Tramping
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
Avg Rating
3 out of 5
Discussion
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