Table of Contents
Introduction
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is considered one of the world’s greatest coastal walks. Winding along beaches, cliffs, and forests within New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park, this track offers stunning scenery and diverse landscapes that make it a top trekking destination.
With its turquoise bays, golden sands, and lush rainforest backdrop, it’s easy to see why the Abel Tasman Coastal Track draws hikers from around the globe. Read on to learn everything you need to plan your own adventure on this remarkable trail.
Getting There
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, within the northern reaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
The nearest airports are in Nelson and Motueka. From the Nelson airport, you can take a bus or taxi to your accommodations in the Abel Tasman area. Motueka is just a 30-minute drive from Marahau, the usual starting point for the coastal track.
The small towns of Kaiteriteri and Marahau are gateways to Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri offers ample accommodation options and activities like sea kayaking tours, while Marahau is a common kicking-off point for the track itself.
When to Go
The best time to hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months of December to March. During this peak season, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather with average highs of 72°F (22°C).
The summer months also bring more crowds. If you prefer fewer people on the trail, then hike during the shoulder seasons of November or April. The weather is still decent, with highs around 64°F (18°C), and you’ll beat the crowds.
Winter hike options are limited since parts of the track may close. But the upsides are cooler weather, lower prices, and beautiful green landscapes. Just prepare for frequent rain.
Trek Overview
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track stretches 37 miles (60km) from Marahau to Wainui Bay. Most trekkers take 3-5 days to complete the full traverse.
The track follows seaside cliffs, wanders through lush native forest, and crosses golden sand beaches. You’ll encounter granite headlands, seabirds, hidden coves, tidal lagoons, and islands dotted offshore.
Highlights include Totaranui Beach, one of New Zealand’s finest beaches; Bark Bay with its big tidal range; Torrent Bay, Rākauroa/Anchorage Bay, and Cleopatra’s Pool, a large rock pool perfect for swimming.
The terrain includes beach walking, forest paths, some steep climbs over headlands, boardwalks, and footbridges. There are also water taxi and kayak options to avoid some of the hills.
Planning Your Hike
To trek the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, you must book your accommodations in advance. There are campsites along the track, plus a few lodges and private holiday homes.
Independent travelers can take water taxis to skip portions of the track. You can also kayak and meet up with water taxis at predetermined pickup spots. Guided tours are another structured option.
The track requires permits from October to April. You can purchase these online from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.
What to Pack
Pack layers for changing weather and temperatures. Bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a warm jacket, and rain gear. Make sure you have broken-in hiking boots.
Other essentials include a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cookset, headlamp, and enough food. Pack a lightweight stove and fuel since campfires are prohibited.
Carry at least 2 liters of water capacity. Use water treatment like purification tablets since stream water may be contaminated and needs treated before drinking.
Safety Tips
Make sure you’re aware of high tides which can cut off sections of the track. Check tidal charts and plan your hiking schedule accordingly.
In rainy conditions, the track can become slippery and dangerous near cliffs. Adjust your itinerary if need be and take extra precautions.
Certain sections allow camping only to prevent harm to local wildlife. Follow all regulations to preserve this fragile environment.
Always tell someone your intended hike itinerary and never wander off track. New Zealand wilderness makes it easy to become lost if you’re not prepared.
Camping Along the Track
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track has designated campsites located along the route, which must be booked in advance.
These campsites have basic facilities like composting toilets, rain shelters, and food storage boxes. Fires are not allowed. You must carry tents and supplies and cook on a lightweight camp stove.
Popular campsites include Anchorage and Bark Bay near the northern end, and Awaroa and Totaranui on the southern end. There are also four additional backcountry campsites available.
Day Hikes vs. Multi-Day Hikes
You can opt to tackle sections of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track as day hikes rather than backpacking the entire route. Quality day hike options include:
- Totaranui to Anapai Bay (9 miles/14.5km return)
- Marahau to Totaranui (7.5 miles/12km one way)
- Kaiteriteri to Bark Bay (9 mile/15km return)
Day hikes allow you to see Abel Tasman highlights without camping. But you’ll need to arrange transportation to and from trailheads.
Multi-day hikes let you fully experience the diversity of the track at a slower pace. You can witness the landscape change each day while camping under the stars.
After the Trek
After completing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, relax and rejuvenate in Kaiteriteri or Marahau. Go swimming, enjoy local cuisine, or sign up for additional activities like sailing.
Nearby Nelson and Motueka offer wineries, galleries, cafes, and Saturday markets. Or you can visit Golden Bay and Farewell Spit to the northwest for more unspoiled coastal scenery.
Wherever you choose, be sure to rest up after your epic journey along New Zealand’s gem, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Why the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a Must-Do
From its white sand beaches to fern-filled forests, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track showcases New Zealand’s diversity at its finest. It combines coastal scenery, native bush, granite headlands, tidal lagoons, and ocean vistas unlike anywhere else.
The track offers the ideal balance of natural beauty and superb facilities like huts, campsites, water taxi access, and kayak options. You can tailor the experience to your abilities and timeline.
Few places let you live so closely with nature and the elements. From the crashing waves to the night skies, you’ll gain memories to last a lifetime.
If you crave stunning scenery, outdoor adventure, and moderate but rewarding hiking, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a must for your New Zealand trekking list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total length of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track?
The total length end-to-end is 37 miles (60km). It typically takes 3-5 days to complete the full traverse.
When does the track open and close each year?
The track is open year round but peak season is December to March. Portions can close due to weather from May to September.
What is the terrain like on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track?
The terrain includes sandy beaches, rocky headlands, forested inland paths, boardwalks, and footbridges. Expect beach walking, some steep climbs, and muddy sections.
Can you kayak along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track?
Yes, kayaking is a popular way to journey portions of the track. You can book kayak rentals and trips to paddle and meet water taxis at pickup spots.
Do you have to book the campsites in advance?
Yes, all huts and campsites must be booked ahead of time as they are in high demand, especially during summer. Make reservations online.
Conclusion
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a sparkling jewel along New Zealand’s coastline. From granite headlands to secluded coves, this track boasts some of the most sublime scenery in the country against the backdrop of the Tasman Sea.
With careful planning and preparation, trekkers who take on this multi-day adventure will be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. From beach walking to climbing headlands, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track offers the complete package when it comes to stunning landscapes, wilderness camping, and moderate yet rewarding hiking.
Don’t miss out on walking this world-renowned track on the top of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. Let the Abel Tasman Coastal Track wow you with its golden beaches, crystal blue bays, coastal forests, and granite cliffs towering above the sea.