Where on earth
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- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Coastal beach forest (0–200 m)
- Best season
- October – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Coastal beach forest (0–200 m)
- Best season: October – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Abel Tasman Coast Track
Topic summary
A 60-km 3-5 day coastal walk through Abel Tasman National Park.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Coastal beach forest (0–200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Abel Tasman Coast Track trip tools
How to get there
The track is in Abel Tasman National Park, on the northern South Island coast between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. Road access is available at Marahau, Wainui and Tōtaranui; Tōtaranui is the only road access between the endpoints. Scheduled commercial water taxis and boats provide pick-ups and drop-offs between Marahau and Tōtaranui. Arrange onward transport for a one-way walk and check boat schedules before fixing walking stages.
- Marahau
Southern road-access endpoint. The walking route begins across the estuary on the Marahau causeway, heading toward Anchorage. Water taxi services also operate from here.
- Wainui
Northern road-access endpoint for the full coastal track, with the route approaching Wainui Bay from Whariwharangi Bay.
- Tōtaranui
The only intermediate road-access point on the coastal track and a destination served by scheduled commercial boats and water taxis.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Abel Tasman Coast TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Abel Tasman Coast Track
Planning to fish Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Abel Tasman Coast Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Abel Tasman Coast Track
Thinking about hunting Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Abel Tasman Coast Track?
- Confirm the land around Abel Tasman Coast Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A coastal Great Walk with flexible stages
The Abel Tasman Coast Track follows the coast of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand’s Nelson/Tasman region, at the northern end of the South Island. The 60 km route links Marahau in the south with Wainui in the north and takes 3–5 days to walk in full. Golden beaches, coastal native bush and sheltered bays define the trip, with stretches through beech forest and large kānuka trees. The track is well marked and signposted, but its intermediate tramping classification matters: some sections are steep, rough or muddy. Walk it in either direction, or use boat connections to put together a shorter visit. The mild climate supports year-round walking, though clothing and footwear should still suit wet weather and uneven ground rather than just time on the beach.
Plan around tides, boats and overnight stops
Tides are a central part of planning here, not a detail to check after choosing each day’s schedule. The track has one compulsory tidal crossing; check the tide tables for safe crossing times before committing to an itinerary. Water taxis offer scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs between Marahau and Tōtaranui, making shorter walks and walking–kayaking combinations possible. Match walking stages to those schedules rather than assuming a boat will be available on arrival. For overnight trips, the four huts and 18 campsites must be booked in advance all year round, and each night’s stop must match the booking. Campsites are intended for tents, not hammocks, and campers cannot use hut facilities. Mosquito Bay campsite is accessible only by private boat, such as a kayak; it cannot be reached on foot and does not belong in a walking-only itinerary.
Coastal features and current track work
The 47 m suspension bridge over Falls River gives a clear view into the inlet and is a feature of the Bark Bay–Torrent Bay section. Elsewhere, Cleopatra’s Pool is a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide, while Tonga Island Marine Reserve adds clear coastal waters to the landscape. Watch for fur seals, keeping enough distance to avoid disturbing them. Dogs are not allowed on the track. For spring 2026 trips, maintenance between Falls River and Torrent Bay runs from 31 August to 23 October, with machinery and explosives used at times; expect short delays and follow staff directions and signs. Helicopter spraying of individual wilding conifers between Bark Bay and Awaroa is scheduled over several days between 9 September and 31 October 2026, with spraying at least 50 metres from tracks.
Route options
- Full Abel Tasman Coast Track60 km one wayIntermediate tramping track
Walk between Marahau and Wainui in either direction over 3–5 days. Plan stages around the compulsory tidal crossing and book each hut or campsite in advance.
- Marahau to Anchorage12.4 km
A 4-hour stage crossing the Marahau causeway, then passing through open country and beech forest with large kānuka trees. The track winds inland through gullies before descending toward Anchorage Bay.
- Bark Bay to Torrent Bay7.8 kmIncludes steep paths
A shorter section that can be walked in either direction, with views over both bays and a crossing of the 47 m Falls River suspension bridge. Coordinate boat connections if using it as a standalone walk.
Sample itineraries
- Five-day coast traverse · 5 days
Walk Marahau to Anchorage, Anchorage to Bark Bay, Bark Bay to Awaroa, Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay, then Wainui Bay. The full track is 60 km one way. Book each overnight stop and plan around the compulsory tidal crossing.
- Bark Bay to Torrent Bay day walk · 1 day
Walk the 7.8 km section between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay, including steep paths and the 47 m Falls River suspension bridge. Arrange water-taxi connections around published schedules. Check maintenance notices before setting out.
- Marahau to Anchorage · 1 day
Follow the Marahau causeway through open country, beech forest and large kānuka before descending to Anchorage Bay. Allow 4 hours for the 12.4 km one-way walk. Arrange onward transport rather than treating this as a short return outing.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Year-round access
The sheltered coastline has a mild climate. Check current work notices before departure, and allow flexibility for delays. Tidal crossings still determine when some sections can be walked.
Summer
Year-round access
Beach walking and coastal bush feature throughout the route. Carry sun protection and drinking water. A mild climate does not remove the need to check weather and tides or book overnight accommodation.
Fall
Year-round access
The track remains accessible in the generally mild coastal climate. Pack rain protection and layers, and be prepared for muddy sections. Confirm boat schedules before relying on a pickup.
Winter
Year-round access
The sheltered track remains a year-round walking option. Carry warm layers and waterproof clothing rather than relying on its mild reputation. Advance hut and campsite bookings are required in winter too.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Year-round access | The sheltered coastline has a mild climate. Check current work notices before departure, and allow flexibility for delays. Tidal crossings still determine when some sections can be walked. |
| Summer | Year-round access | Beach walking and coastal bush feature throughout the route. Carry sun protection and drinking water. A mild climate does not remove the need to check weather and tides or book overnight accommodation. |
| Fall | Year-round access | The track remains accessible in the generally mild coastal climate. Pack rain protection and layers, and be prepared for muddy sections. Confirm boat schedules before relying on a pickup. |
| Winter | Year-round access | The sheltered track remains a year-round walking option. Carry warm layers and waterproof clothing rather than relying on its mild reputation. Advance hut and campsite bookings are required in winter too. |
Permits, fees & closures
Stay only at the hut or campsite named on your booking. Arriving without a valid booking or staying elsewhere can result in a penalty fee or being asked to leave the park.
Reservations: All 4 huts and 18 campsites must be booked in advance year-round through DOC. Bookings are open for the 2026/27 season. Do not book Mosquito Bay campsite for a walking itinerary: access is by private boat only.
Official source: Abel Tasman Coast Track - Department of Conservation · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- There is one compulsory tidal crossing. Check DOC tide tables and plan the route around safe crossing times; do not assume every section is passable whenever you arrive.
- Some sections are steep, rough or muddy despite the track being well marked. Wear suitable footwear and allow time for slower footing.
- Track maintenance between Falls River and Torrent Bay runs from 31 August to 23 October 2026. Machinery and explosives may cause short delays. Follow signs and staff directions.
- Helicopter spraying of individual wilding conifers between Bark Bay and Awaroa is scheduled over several days from 9 September to 31 October 2026. The spray area will be at least 50 metres from tracks.
- Water-taxi services follow published schedules. Confirm pickup arrangements before committing to a one-way walk.
What to pack for Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Footwear suited to steep, rough and muddy track
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Sun protection
- Drinking water and food
- Track map
- DOC tide tables
- Hut or campsite booking confirmation
- Confirmed water-taxi schedule if using boat transport
- Tent rather than hammock
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Self-contained cooking equipment: campers cannot use hut facilities
Wildlife you may see
- Fur seals/kekeno may be seen along the coast. Watch without approaching or disturbing them.
Abel Tasman Coast Track FAQ
- How long is the full track, and how difficult is it?
- The Abel Tasman Coast Track is 60 km one way and usually takes 3–5 days. DOC classifies it as an intermediate tramping track. It is well marked, but some sections are steep, rough or muddy.
- Where can the track be accessed?
- The track runs between Marahau and Wainui, with additional road access at Tōtaranui. Commercial water taxis provide scheduled pickup and drop-off services between Marahau and Tōtaranui. The full track can be walked in either direction.
- Can walking be combined with kayaking?
- Yes. Walking, water-taxi travel and kayaking can be combined between coastal locations. Plan around tides and transport arrangements. Mosquito Bay campsite is accessible only by private boat, such as a kayak, and cannot be reached on foot.
- Are huts and campsites interchangeable?
- No. Stay at the accommodation named on your booking. Campers cannot use hut facilities, and campsites are designed for tents rather than hammocks. Advance bookings are required all year.
- Are dogs allowed?
- No dogs are allowed on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
- What are the main natural features?
- The route links beaches and coastal native bush. Highlights include Cleopatra's Pool, a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide; the Falls River inlet and suspension bridge; and the waters of Tonga Island Marine Reserve.