Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Planning
WHEN TO TRAMP
The top of the South Island enjoys an enviable climate, making Abel Tasman a sparkling
jewel at any time of year. Timing your visit for the shoulder season or even winter will
avoid the crowds, as Coastal Track trampers number more than 250 a day in January. The
best time to visit is from the end of February to May, when the crowds thin out but the
weather is still pleasantly warm. Come August, you'll feel like you've got the whole place
to yourself.
If you can't avoid January and February, you can keep out of people's way by skipping
the huts and camping at smaller campsites. Avoid the main water-taxi and kayak drop-off
and pick-up beaches between 9.30am and 10.30am, and 3.30pm and 5pm, when the coming
and going of trampers is like rush-hour traffic in Auckland. You can also head to the lesser-
used northern end of the park, from Totaranui north to Wainui.
WHAT TO BRING
The main Abel Tasman tracks are so well benched that sneakers are perfectly adequate.
They are also easier to pull on and off again as you wade across tidal sections or paddle the
shallows. Make sure you pack sunglasses, a swimsuit and a wide-brimmed hat, insect repel-
lent and sunscreen.
Bring a stove, as none of the huts have cooking facilities.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre (
Click here
)
, located within the i-SITE, is the re-
gion's primary DOC centre and a good place to get advice, purchase hut tickets and maps,
or to book Great Walks huts and campsites.
Information and bookings are also available at
DOC Motueka Area Office
( 03-528
1810;
www.doc.govt.nz;
cnr King Edward & High Sts; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri)
, and over the hill in
Commercial St;
8.30am-4pm Mon-Fri)
and Golden Bay i-SITE (
Click here
)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Duration
5 days
