Abel Tasman Coast Track

Highlights

Walk sections

1. 1

   Marahau to Anchorage

   Cross the Marahau causeway, then follow the track through open country and beech forest. Winds in and out of gullies before descending to Anchorage Bay.

   12.4 km

   4h

2. 2

   Anchorage to Bark Bay (high tide)

   High-tide all-weather track around Torrent Bay. Crosses the impressive 47m Falls River suspension bridge before meandering to Bark Bay.

   11.5 km

   4h

3. 3

   Anchorage to Bark Bay (low tide)

   Tide-dependent

   Low-tide alternative crossing Torrent Bay estuary. Cross within 2 hr either side of low tide.

   8.4 km

   3h

4. 4

   Bark Bay to Awaroa

   Tide-dependent

   Steep climb through manuka stands; descends to Tonga Quarry, then a short walk to Onetahuti Bay. Crosses the forested Tonga Saddle to Awaroa.

   13.5 km

   4h 30m

5. 5

   Awaroa to Totaranui

   Tide-dependent

   Cross Awaroa Inlet within 1.5 hr before / 2 hr after low tide. Sandy beaches and rocky headlands of regenerating kanuka.

   7.1 km

   2h 20m

6. 6

   Totaranui to Whariwharangi

   Scenery alternates between sandy beaches and rocky headlands. Stay at the historic Whariwharangi Hut (former homestead built ~1896).

   9.8 km

   3h 15m

7. 7

   Whariwharangi to Wainui

   Follow a stream and climb to a saddle overlooking Wainui Inlet. Descends to the shore and follows the estuary edge to the car park.

   5.7 km

   2h

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   4h

   Marahau to Anchorage

   MarahauAnchorage Hut

   Distance

   13 km

   Elevation gain

   300m

   Est. time

   4h

   The classic opener crosses tidal estuaries and passes golden Appletree Bay.

   Appletree Bay and first estuary crossing

2. 2

   Day 2

   3h 30m

   Anchorage to Bark Bay

   AnchorageBark Bay Hut

   Distance

   11 km

   Elevation gain

   200m

   Est. time

   3h 30m

   Stunning coastal walking past Torrent Bay and the lagoon at Bark Bay.

   Bark Bay lagoon and estuary

3. 3

   Day 3

   4h 30m

   Bark Bay to Awaroa

   Bark BayAwaroa Hut

   Distance

   14 km

   Elevation gain

   280m

   Est. time

   4h 30m

   Cross the Tonga Island Marine Reserve lookout for seal colony views.

   Tonga Island seal colony viewpoint

4. 4

   Day 4

   5h

   Awaroa to Whariwharangi

   AwaroaWhariwharangi Hut

   Distance

   17 km

   Elevation gain

   400m

   Est. time

   5h

   The track's highest crossing leads to a remote and peaceful bay.

   Whariwharangi historic homestead

5. 5

   Day 5

   1h 30m

   Whariwharangi to Wainui

   WhariwharangiWainui Bay

   Distance

   5 km

   Elevation gain

   50m

   Est. time

   1h 30m

   A short final section through kanuka scrub to the road end.

   Final beach views north to Farewell Spit

Points of interest

• Cleopatra's Pool

  Natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide near the high-tide track at Anchorage.

• Falls River Suspension Bridge

  47m suspension bridge across the beautiful inlet to Falls River.

• Tonga Island Marine Reserve

  Crystal-clear waters off Tonga Island — keep an eye out for fur seals/kekeno.

• Te Pukatea Bay

  Golden-sand bay just before Anchorage — designated campsite.

• Whariwharangi Homestead

  Cosy former homestead built ~1896 now operating as a hut.

Side trips

Tide-dependent crossings

Check LINZ tide predictions before you set out — crossings outside the safe window can be dangerous.

• Awaroa Inlet

  Compulsory tidal crossing. Only crossable in daylight within 1.5 hr before and 2 hr after low tide. 25 min crossing — no alternative track.

  ±1.5 hr

• Torrent Bay Estuary

  Crossable within 2 hr either side of low tide. All-tide alternative exists, also gives access to Cleopatras Pool.

  ±2 hr

  All-tide alternative

• Goat Bay

  Section of beach access cut at large tides — wait until tide recedes before continuing.

  All-tide alternative

Huts on this walk

1. Night 1HutSleeps 26

   Anchorage Hut

   BunksFlush toilets
2. Night 2HutSleeps 24

   Bark Bay Hut

   BunksFlush toilets
3. Night 3HutSleeps 25

   Awaroa Hut

   BunksFlush toilets
4. Night 4HutSleeps 26

   Whariwharangi Hut

   BunksFlush toilets

Campsites along the track

Getting there

Know before you go

Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.

• Tidal crossings

  One compulsory tidal crossing at Awaroa Inlet — only crossable in daylight, within 1.5 hr before and 2 hr after low tide. Torrent Bay can be crossed 2 hr either side of low tide; all-tide alternative exists.

• Tsunami risk

  NZ coastline at risk from tsunamis. If you feel a long or strong earthquake, see a sudden rise/fall in sea level, or hear loud/unusual noises from the sea, go to higher ground immediately.

• Wasps and sandflies

  Carry insect repellent and antihistamines if allergic to wasp stings.

Weather averages

Recorded at Totaranui

What to take

Nature, history & culture