“Jobs fill your pocket, adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty
Country | New Zealand
Distance | 60 km
Route | Marahau to Wainui Bay
Duration | 3-5 Days
Official Website
Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Sections
Below are the different sections of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track with the elevation profile. It is possible to walk sections of the track and take a water taxi back from Totaranui. Another option is to drive to Totaranui or Awaroa and walk sections from the car park.
- Wainui Bay to Totaranui – 18.8 km
- Totaranui to Awaroa – 9.8 km
- Awaroa to Bark Bay – 13.5 km
- Bark Bay to Anchorage – 11.5 km
- Anchorage to Marahau – 12.4 km
How to get to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
The best way to access the Abel Tasman Track is by driving to Marahau, Wainui, Totaranui or Kaiteriteri.
From Marahau and Totaranui you can then take a water taxi or walk to the track. Some taxi companies also offer a shuttle bus.
Wainui Bay is the northern trailhead, there is a carpark, but no other services or facilities.
Water taxis operate year round between Marahau/Kaiteriteri and Totaranui. There are no water taxis beyond Totaranui, as they are not permitted to go there. You must book the water taxis in advance.
Water taxi pickup locations are: Apple Tree Bay, Anchorage, Medlands Bay, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Onetahuti, Awaroa and Totaranui.
There is a carpark at:
♦ Marahau
♦ Totaranui
♦ Wainui
Check out this website for your best itinerary to Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodation on the Abel Tasman Track
As one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, accommodation on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track needs to be booked in advance. There is an abundance of huts and campsites to choose from that will provide comfort for every itinerary.
Specifically on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, I preferred to stay on the campgrounds, because they are right on the beach and offer some sort of remote feeling.
The campgrounds are spacious and some have cooking shelters. However, hang up your food to avoid mice getting in to your bag.
From Wainui Bay to Marahau in order of passing:
1. Whariwharangi Hut and campground
2. Mutton Cove campground
3. Anapai Bay campground
4. Totaranui campground
5. Waiharakeke bay campground
6. Awaroa Hut and campground
7. Onetahuti Bay campground
8. Tonga Quarry campground
9. Bark Bay Hut and campground
10. Anchorage Hut and campground
11. Observation Beach campsite
12. Akersten Bay campsite
13. Apple Tree Bay campsite
14. Coquille Bay campsite
15. Tinline campsite
There are a number of private accommodation options available as well:
1. Meadowbank Homestead (Awaroa)
2. Awaroa glamping
3. Awaroa Lodge
4. Fernbank Holiday Homes
5. Torrent Bay Lodge
6. Old MacDonalds Farm and Holiday Park
7. The Barn Cabins
8. Abel Tasman Lodge
9. Abel Tasman Guesthouse
10. The Kite
Gear List
Additional Information
Luggage Transfer:
Not available
Maps and Guides:
New Zealand’s Great Walks: The Complete Guide
If you don’t know which hike to choose yet, then The Lonely Planet Hiking & Tramping in NZ is worth checking out! It has itineraries and information of about every hike in NZ, including the Abel Tasman Track and more lesser known tracks!
Check out the complete list of the gear that I took with me on the Abel Tasman Track. The link will take you to my Lighterpack gear list and includes weight and links to more info.
To find out about the best hiking gear and how to select quality hiking gear, check out the gear section on this website.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track Trail Blog
Day 1: Wainui Bay to Anapai Bay
Excited to start one of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks, the bus drops us off at Wainui Bay carpark, where we meet a few people that just finished the Abel Tasman Track.
The first few km on the Abel Tasman track are refreshing and give you lots of beautiful ocean views.
Although this track is only 60km, it has a lot to offer!
Day 2: Anapai Bay to Onetahuti Bay
Waking up at Anapai Bay feels magical and I just want to stay here for a few more days…beautiful secluded beach!
A long day is waiting with the Awaroa crossing, which we can only cross at low tide.
Today feels like you are in between jungle and beach and it is absolutely stunning!
Another beautiful day with lots of highlights, including Totaranui and the bush “cafe” near Awaroa Lodge.
Day 3: Onetahuti Bay to Coquille Bay
A not so wonderful morning at Onetahuti Bay, after discovering that there were lots of mice that were food hunting during the night. A hole in my jacket and other peoples tent invaded, I can’t wait to move on from this campsite…
The day turns out to be beautiful with a few wet sections, but nothing too deep. There are so many secluded campgrounds on the last section of the Abel Tasman Track. To my surprise, I was the only one camping at Coquille Bay!
Day 4: Coquille Bay to Marahau
Today is the finish of the Abel Tasman Track, but also the finish of my 400km hiking trip in New Zealand!
Just a few kms hike into Marahau, I get welcomed by a stunning estuary bridge and amazing cafe food and drinks!
The bus is right on time to go back to Nelson…what a journey!
Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY
What would I do different? Take more time to enjoy the Abel Tasman Track…maybe stay in huts for 1 or 2 nights.
