Abel Tasman Coast Track Trail

A classic multi-day coastal walk through sheltered bays and native bush in Abel Tasman National Park.

Time to Hike: 3-5 days, about 60 km total; most hikers break it into 3 comfortable long days or 4-5 shorter stages.

Best Time to Go: Main walking season is spring to autumn - October to April offers the warmest, driest conditions and long daylight.

Getting there: Trailheads are accessed from Marahau at the park entrance or the remote northern end at Totaranui; regular water taxis connect multiple beaches. Nearest regional centre is Nelson.

Costs: Expect campsite fees on the Department of Conservation network and paid water taxi runs; choices range from basic camping to private lodges, so daily budgets vary accordingly. Book campsites and water taxis in summer.

Difficulty: Mostly easy to moderate walking on marked coastal tracks and beaches, with some steep granite headland sections and tide-dependent estuary crossings that need planning.

Abel Tasman National Park is compact but varied - golden sand beaches sit beside native coastal forest and low granite headlands. The route threads beaches, tidal estuaries and short bush tracks, with views across Tasman Bay and frequent opportunities to stop on quiet sandflats and coves.

Highlights include the popular bays such as Anchorage and Bark Bay, the tidal saddle at Torrent Bay and the quiet northern terminus at Totaranui. There are no alpine huts; the track is serviced by a string of Department of Conservation campsites and several private lodges and water taxi drop-offs, which makes flexible itineraries and one-way walks easy.

What makes the Coast Track notable is its accessibility and variety - you move from beach to forest to headland in a few hours, with good infrastructure, abundant swimming spots and regular boat links that let you shorten or extend days.

Nelson is the nearest city with an airport and is the usual arrival point for international and domestic flights. Many walkers travel from Nelson or Motueka by bus or rental car to Marahau at the southern trailhead; organized shuttles and tours also operate.

Water taxis run seasonally between Marahau and bays along the coast and to Totaranui, allowing one-way walks. Most people walk from Marahau north to Totaranui, though the route is commonly done in either direction depending on water taxi schedules.

The track is walkable year-round but the prime season is October to April when weather is milder and beach swimming is possible. December to February are busiest; book campsites and water taxis well in advance for those months.

Weather can change quickly - expect sun and heat in summer, sudden rain in shoulder seasons and strong sun exposure on open beaches. Several crossings are tide dependent, so consult tide tables and water taxi timetables when planning daily stages.