Abel Tasman Coastal Track

New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a stunning 60-kilometer (37-mile) journey along the golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park. This track offers a perfect blend of coastal scenery, lush native bush, and wildlife encounters, including seals, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. The track is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible to a wide range of walkers. You can hike the entire track over 3-5 days, or opt for day walks and water taxi services to explore shorter sections. The track is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Anchorage and Bark Bay, and the opportunity to kayak alongside the trail.

Highlights & What to See

• Torrent Bay – A stunning tidal lagoon with a swing bridge over the estuary, perfect for swimming and kayaking.
• Anchorage Beach – One of the park’s most picturesque beaches, with clear waters and a nearby hut.
• Bark Bay – A serene bay with a beautiful sandy beach and a short side trip to the Falls River swing bridge.
• Onetahuti Beach – A long, golden beach with a tidal estuary, ideal for a lunch stop or a swim.
• Totaranui Beach – The largest beach in the park, with a campground and access to the inland track.
• Separation Point – A headland with a lighthouse offering panoramic views and a fur seal colony.
• Wainui Inlet – The northern end of the track, featuring a scenic estuary and a swing bridge.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 3-5 days to complete the entire track, staying in huts or campsites. If you have less time, a popular option is a day walk from Marahau to Anchorage (one way, 4-5 hours) or a water taxi to Bark Bay and walk back to Marahau (6-7 hours). For a multi-day itinerary, plan to walk 3-4 hours each day, leaving time for swimming and exploring side trails.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson – The gateway city, known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and the World of WearableArt museum.
• Kaiteriteri – A popular beach town with golden sand and water taxi services to the track.
• Marahau – The southern trailhead for the track, offering accommodation and kayak rentals.
• Golden Bay – A nearby region with Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupu Springs, and the artsy town of Takaka.
• Abel Tasman National Park – Explore the park’s inland tracks, such as the Gibbs Hill Track, for different perspectives.

Please check official sources for current details.