Information
Landmark: Abel Tasman Coast TrackCity: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Continent: Australia
Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson, New Zealand, Australia
Overview
Winding along golden beaches and lush forest, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Great Walks, set within Abel Tasman National Park in the South Island’s Tasman region.This 60‑kilometer (37‑mile) trail hugs the park’s western coast, leading past golden sand that warms underfoot, through dense forest, and out to sweeping views of Tasman Bay’s clear, blue water.People love it for how easy it is to reach, its stunning scenery, and the wide range of things to do outside-from quiet forest walks to paddling a kayak across the glassy water.The Abel Tasman Coast Track usually takes three to five days to hike, though some walkers push through faster, catching the salty breeze in just a couple of days.The trail’s clearly marked and smoothly graded, with long easy stretches where someone of average fitness could walk without breaking much of a sweat.The route winds through a surprising mix of scenery-cool, shadowy forests, wide stretches of beach, and quiet tidal inlets where the air smells faintly of salt.Sections of the Track The walk breaks into several stages, each with its own charm.From Marahau to Anchorage-12.4 km, about four hours-you’ll follow a mostly flat path with sweeping views of Tasman Bay, where the water shines a deep, glassy blue.Walkers wind through a lush strip of coastal forest, the air rich with salt and pine, then step out onto wide stretches of golden sand.From Anchorage to Te Pukatea Bay (7.4 km, about 2.5 hours), the trail climbs into steeper stretches, rewarding hikers with glimpses of quiet blue bays and empty, wind‑brushed beaches.From Te Pukatea Bay to Bark Bay (6.2 km, about 2.5 hours), the trail winds through lush native bush, leading you beneath towering ferns and past quiet, golden beaches.From Bark Bay to Onetahuti (6.8 km, about two and a half hours), the trail passes through the famed Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where seals sprawl on sun‑warmed rocks and the water teems with life.From Onetahuti to Totaranui (6.5 km, about 2.5 hours), the trail winds from golden sand to cool, shaded forest before opening onto Totaranui, the park’s most developed area with its wide campsite and neatly lined tents.Natural Beauty The trail winds past a striking mix of landscapes, including golden beaches where the sand feels warm underfoot-favorites like Anchorage, Bark Bay, and Onetahuti Bay draw visitors year-round.These beaches are ideal for a swim, a lazy stretch in the sun, or unpacking a picnic while the waves lap at your feet.The track twists through thick stands of kanuka, rimu, and totara, where tūī call from the branches, kererū thump overhead, and quick little fantails flit past.As you climb the trail, sweeping views open up-Tasman Bay glittering below, mountains fading into blue haze, and, on clear days, the Marlborough Sounds stretching to the north.Tidal Estuaries and Inlets: Much of the trail winds through tidal estuaries, where the water can slip away to expose glittering mudflats or surge back in to flood the banks, all depending on the hour.The Abel Tasman Coast Track teems with wildlife, including a thriving colony of New Zealand fur seals that bask on Tonga Island’s sun-warmed rocks.You can often see these seals stretched out on sun‑warmed rocks or gliding through the cool, green water.Birdlife: This spot’s a dream for birdwatchers, where you might spot the chestnut glow of a South Island kākā in the treetops or a pied shag skimming low over the water.Marine Life: The waters here are glass-clear and alive with movement, perfect for kayaking-you might spot a dolphin slicing through the waves, a penguin bobbing nearby, or even the dark arch of a whale’s back.You’ll find plenty of places to stay along the track, including several simple DOC-run campsites tucked beside the trail.They need to be booked ahead-especially in summer, when tents sprout like bright mushrooms.Each campsite has running water, clean toilets, and a few simple comforts like a sturdy picnic table.Along the track, you’ll find private lodges and huts where you can rest in comfort, maybe tuck into a hot bowl of soup, and enjoy extra services beyond the basics.Alternative Transportation – Water Taxi: You can hop on a water taxi to reach different parts of the coast track, gliding past rocky cliffs and hidden coves along the way.It’s a smart choice if you’re short on time or want to skip the steeper, rockier stretches of the track.The water taxi lets visitors hike one way, then hop on board to be dropped off or picked up at different spots along the coast, where you might hear gulls overhead and smell the salt in the air.The trail often pairs with kayaking, letting you paddle across cool, rippling water for an extra rush of adventure.From a kayak, the coastline looks completely different-you can slip into quiet coves, pull up on small sandy beaches, and watch seals bob in the gentle swell.The ideal time to hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track is in New Zealand’s summer, from December to March, when the air feels warm on your skin and daylight lingers well into the evening.But it’s also the peak of the season, when every campsite and hut can fill before sunset, so booking well ahead is a must.Spring and autumn-April to May or September to November-are great for avoiding crowds, though you might get anything from warm sunshine to a sudden chilly breeze.Important to note: the weather here can flip in minutes, with clear skies giving way to sudden gusts and dark clouds.Bring a hat, a raincoat, and be ready for winds that can whip the sand into your face.Bring the right gear-sunblock for hot afternoons, a rain jacket to keep dry, and a first aid kit just in case.Tides can cover parts of the trail, so check the tide tables before you go-especially where the path crosses wide beaches or shallow estuaries, where water can rise fast around your boots.The track’s in good shape overall, but watch your step-loose gravel can catch you off guard, so take the usual precautions.Bring plenty of water and food, and make sure you’re ready for the track’s lonely stretches where there’s nothing but dust and wind.On the Abel Tasman Coast Track, you can wander golden beaches, hike through cool, green forests, and pause to take in sweeping views you’ll never forget.Whether you’re hiking a rocky trail, paddling across glassy water, or just soaking in the view, it’s a brilliant way to lose yourself in the South Island’s breathtaking scenery.
