Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Abel Tasman Coast Track
This is arguably NZ's most beautiful Great Walk - 51km of sparkling seas, golden sand,
quintessential coastal forest, and hidden surprises such as Cleopatra's Pool. Such pulling
power attracts nearly 30,000 overnight trampers and kayakers per year, who all stay at
least one night in the park. A major attraction is the terrain: well cut, well graded and
well marked. It's almost impossible to get lost and can be tramped in sneakers.
You will, however, probably get your feet wet, as this track features long stretches of
beach and crazy tides. In fact the tidal differences in the park are among the greatest in
the country, up to a staggering 6m. At Torrent and Bark Bays, it's much easier and more
fun to doff the shoes and cross the soggy sands, rather than take the high-tide track. At
Awaroa Bay you have no choice but to plan on crossing close at low tide. Tide tables are
posted along the track and on the DOC website; regional i-SITEs also have them.
It's a commonly held belief that Coast Track ends at Totaranui, but it actually extends
to a car park near Wainui Bay. The entire tramp takes only three to five days, although
with water taxi transport you can convert it into an almost endless array of options, par-
ticularly if you combine it with a kayak leg. If you can only spare a couple of days, a re-
warding option is to loop around the northern end of the park, hiking the Coast Track
from Totaranui, passing Anapai and Mutton Cove, overnighting at Whariwharangi Hut,
then returning to Totaranui via the
Gibbs Hill Track
. This will give you a slice of the
park's best features (beaches, seals, coastal scenery) while being far less crowded than
other segments.
This track is so well trodden that a topographical map isn't essential for navigation.
The map within DOC's
Abel Tasman Coast Track
brochure provides sufficient detail.
However, NewTopo
Abel Tasman
1:55,000 will give you the lay of the land.
Bookings & Transport
Along the Coast Track are four
Great Walk huts
($32)
with bunks, heating and flush toi-
lets but no cooking facilities or lighting. There are also 19 designated
Great Walk camp-
sites
($14)
. As the Abel Tasman Track is a Great Walk, all huts and campsites must be
booked in advance year-round, either online through
Great Walks Bookings
( 0800
694 732;
www.greatwalks.co.nz
)
or at DOC visitor centres, nationwide. Hut tickets and annu-
al passes cannot be used on the track, and there is a two-night limit on staying in each hut
or campsite, except for Totaranui campsite which has a one-night limit. Penalty fees ap-
ply to those who do not have a valid booking, and you may be required to leave the park.
