Abel Tasman Coastal Track

South Island NZ

Discover Cleopatra's Pool – natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide.
Admire the beautiful inlet to Falls River as you walk across a 47 m suspension bridge.
Keep an eye out for fur seals/kekeno.
Crystal-clear waters of Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep and rough and the track could be muddy.

There is one compulsory tidal crossing – check the tide tables for when it's safe to cross.

Part of the Abel Tasman NP. Easy but challenging walk on well maintained coastal track. Day walks are possible as drop off and pick up by water taxi is available. Combining with sea kayaking amongst the seal colony is a special experience. Many coves, beaches, even a few crossings on hanging bridges. Stunning scenery and lots of birds and wildlife.

Lookouts
Swimming
Bird Watching
Camping Permitted
Coastal

Getting there

The Abel Tasman Coast Track has four main entrances

Marahau is the southern gateway. It's 67 km from Nelson on sealed road providing access by water taxi, kayak, or walking

Wainui is the northern entrance. It's 128 km from Nelson and 21 km from Takaka. For the last 2 km, the road is unsealed providing access by walking

Totaranui is 160 km from Nelson and 32 km from Takaka providing access by walking and water taxi. The last 12 km of the road is unsealed but suitable for campervans.

Kaiteriteri is 61 km from Nelson providing access by kayak or water taxi. Note: This is 7 km from the track entrance by walking and it is not advisable to walk this.

It is also possible to access Awaroa estuary on a road that is 31 km from Takaka. The last 12 km of road is rough, unsealed and prone to flooding. It is not recommended as an entrance to the Park.

Maps

Abel Tasman Coast Track trip information sheet and detailed map (https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-coast-track-trip-sheet.pdf)

Route/Trail notes

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/abel-tasman-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/abel-tasman-coast-track/

Permits/Costs

Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts and campsites on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. There are no fees to complete a day walk on the track or for entry into the Abel Tasman National Park.

Pay your fees by booking the huts and/or campsites before you start the track.

Other References

Brochure: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-coast-track-brochure.pdf

Guide: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-track-guide.pdf

Elevation Profile: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/abel-tasman-elevation-profile.pdf

GPS Tracks

  • No GPS available for this walk yet.

Comments

Did Tonga Quarry to Medlands beach section, really nice pleasant walk through coastal and deep forested area.

Simon Hazelgrove on 9 Jan, 2020

One of my favourite in South Island. Combining with sea kayaking around Adele Island and the seals, just unforgettable. A must do when you are in the area. Stunning views. Only downside, can be very busy in peak time, we were 1 week before X-Mas and ok.

Hugues Debeyser on Dec, 2015

Amazing walk amazing scenery.

ian parker on 1989

Where

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