Abel Tasman Coast Track

New Zealand's most popular Great Walk, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, is a stunning 60-kilometer journey along golden sand beaches, lush native bush, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This track is a paradise for hikers and kayakers, offering a perfect blend of coastal scenery and wildlife encounters, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of birdlife. The track is well-maintained with numerous huts and campsites, making it accessible for both day walkers and multi-day trampers.

Highlights & What to See

• Anchorage & Watering Cove: Pristine beaches perfect for swimming and kayaking, with the historic Anchorage hut nearby.
• Torrent Bay: A stunning tidal lagoon with a short side trip to the Cleopatra's Pool natural rock slide.
• Bark Bay: A scenic estuary with a swing bridge and a beautiful sandy beach.
• Onetahuti Beach: A vast, golden-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for a rest stop.
• Tonga Quarry: A historic quarry site with panoramic views over the coast.
• Whariwharangi Bay: A remote and serene beach at the northern end, with a historic farmhouse hut.
• Marahau: The southern gateway to the park, offering kayak rentals, water taxis, and the start of the track.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers take 3-5 days to complete the entire track, but you can easily enjoy day walks from Marahau or Kaiteriteri. For a full experience, allow 4 days to walk from Marahau to Totaranui or Wainui, staying in huts or campsites. If you're short on time, a half-day walk to Anchorage or a kayak trip around the coastline offers a taste of the park's beauty.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kaiteriteri: A lively beach town with golden sand and water taxi services to the track.
• Marahau: The main access point with kayak hire, cafes, and accommodation.
• Nelson: The nearest city, known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and the World of WearableArt museum.
• Abel Tasman National Park: The park itself offers inland tracks, such as the Abel Tasman Inland Track, for a different perspective.
• Golden Bay: A stunning region with Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupu Springs, and the artsy town of Takaka.
• Kahurangi National Park: A vast wilderness with the Heaphy Track and diverse hiking opportunities.

Please check official sources for current details.