Abel Tasman Coast Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60 kilometres (37 mi) long walking track within the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. It extends from Mārahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with many side tracks. It is one of two main tracks through the park, the other being the Abel Tasman Inland Track, which stretches for 38 km between Tinline Bay and Torrent Bay off the main coastal track. The coastal track is well sheltered, and with mild weather in all seasons, it is accessible and open throughout the year.
| Abel Tasman Coast Track | |
|---|---|
Anapai Bay, one of many beaches along the track | |
| Length | 60 km (37 mi) |
| Location | Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand |
| Designation | New Zealand Great Walk |
| Trailheads | Mārahau, Wainui Bay |
| Use | Tramping |
| Highest point | Saddle close to Wainui Bay 200 m (660 ft) |
| Lowest point | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | All year |
| Sights | Sandy beaches, lush coastal native bush, tidal estuaries and wetlands |
| Hazards | Tidal estuary crossings |
| Surface | Dirt, sand |
| Website | www |
As one of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walks, the coastal track is well formed and easy to follow. It is the most popular tramping track in New Zealand, with most of the approximately 200,000 visitors to Abel Tasman National Park walking at least part of the track. It can be walked independently or with commercial operators with guiding, camping, lodge stay and boat stay options. Following a protected coastline, many people combine walking and sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park.
To walk the entire track takes from 3 to 5 days. Single-day walks are popular, as many points are accessible by boat from beaches along the track. The only road access other than the start and end points, is at Tōtaranui. Commercial water taxi and boat operators operate on a published schedule, and provide pick-up and drop-off services between Mārahau and Tōtaranui. One of the most popular sections for walkers with limited time is from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay (or vice versa), a distance of 7.8 kilometres, which incorporates some steep paths, beautiful views over the two bays and a crossing of the Falls River by a 47 m swing bridge.
To stay overnight in the National Park, visitors must use officially designated accommodation. Independent travellers use DOC campsites and huts that must be reserved in advance during the most popular months. A small number of commercial properties occupy parcels of private land within the boundaries of the National Park and provide lodge-style accommodation. Some backpacker accommodation is provided by boats moored off the coast.
With one of the largest tidal ranges in New Zealand, the coastal track includes some tidal crossings that can only be negotiated at low tide. Independent walkers and sea kayakers need to have information on tides in the area to plan their trips.