Abel Tasman Coast Track

Point to point

For those who love a bit of height and a great photo opportunity, the Falls River Suspension Bridge is a spectacular landmark. Stretching 47 metres across the river, the bridge offers a "birds-eye" view of the tea-coloured waters of the inlet winding through the forest below. It’s a moment of pure Kiwi drama amidst the coastal serenity.

Then, there are the beaches. Awaroa Beach, often referred to as "The People’s Beach" after New Zealanders crowdfunded its purchase to keep it in public hands, is a stunning stretch of golden sand. Further north, the Tonga Island Marine Reserve offers a chance to see the coastline’s more playful residents. While you can't walk to the island itself, the headlands overlooking the reserve are prime spots for spotting New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) basking on the rocks below.

Finally, the tidal crossings are a highlight in their own right. Crossing the Awaroa Inlet at low tide is a rite of passage for Abel Tasman hikers. There is something uniquely adventurous about shedding your boots and walking across the vast, sandy floor of an estuary, racing the incoming tide to reach the other side.

Getting There

The primary gateway to the Abel Tasman Coast Track is the small coastal settlement of Marahau, located about an hour’s drive from Nelson or 20 minutes from Motueka. This is where the southern entrance is located, and it serves as the main hub for water taxis, kayak rentals, and track information.

Parking: DOC provides designated car parks at the southern entrance in Marahau. If you are starting from the northern end, there are also road-end car parks at Totaranui and Wainui. While these areas are generally safe, please remember that vehicles are parked at the owner's risk. It is always wise to remove any valuables from your car before heading off on your tramp. Note that freedom camping is strictly prohibited in these car parks; you’ll need to head to an official campsite or local accommodation if you’re staying overnight before your hike.

For those not wishing to walk the full 60km, many hikers choose to take a water taxi from Marahau to a point like Bark Bay or Totaranui and walk back towards the south. This allows you to see the best of the park without the need for a multi-day commitment.

Wildlife Spotting

The Abel Tasman is a vibrant corridor of birdsong and marine life. As you walk through the manuka and kanuka forests, you are almost guaranteed to be accompanied by the Fantail (pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds often flutter just centimetres from hikers, catching the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also hear the melodic, flute-like call of the Bellbird (korimako) echoing through the canopy throughout the day.

If you keep a sharp eye on the forest floor, you might spot a Weka. These flightless, brownish birds are famously cheeky and known for their "curiosity"—which usually involves trying to steal shiny objects or food from unsuspecting hikers. Keep your packs zipped! High in the trees, look for the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) with its iridescent green feathers and white "singlet," often heard before it's seen due to the heavy whoosh-whoosh of its wings.

Down on the shoreline, the Spotted Shag (parekareka) is a common sight on the rock stacks, while the lucky hiker might hear the screech of the Kākā, a large forest parrot, though they remain quite rare. If you are near the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, bring a pair of binoculars to watch the fur seals. The best time for wildlife spotting is usually early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active and the heat of the day hasn't sent the seals into the water to cool off.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the few Great Walks that stays open and accessible year-round, but each season offers a different flavour of magic.

• Summer (December – February): This is the peak season. The weather is hot, the water is a perfect temperature for swimming, and the atmosphere is buzzing. However, you will need to book your DOC huts and campsites months in advance.
• Autumn (March – May): Often considered the "local's favourite" time to walk. The sea is still warm enough for a dip, but the scorching heat has faded into crisp, clear days with settled weather.
• Winter (June – August): Don't dismiss a winter tramp! While the nights are chilly, the days are often incredibly calm and still, offering the best water reflections for photography. Plus, you’ll have the beaches almost entirely to yourself.
• Spring (September – November): The forest is lush with new growth and the birdsong is at its peak.

• The Tide is King: This is the most important tip for this track. Several sections, most notably the Awaroa Inlet, can only be crossed within a few hours of low tide. If you miss the window, you could be waiting several hours for the water to recede. Always check the DOC tide tables before you set out.
• Sun Protection: The New Zealand sun is fierce, especially when reflected off white sand and turquoise water. Wear a hat and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
• Water: While there are water sources at DOC huts, it is essential to carry enough to get you between bays, especially in the summer heat.
• Gear: Even in summer, coastal weather can change. Carry a light waterproof jacket and a warm layer for the evenings.

Local & Regional Context

The area now known as Abel Tasman National Park has a rich and storied history. Long before it was a national park, the coastline was home to Māori, with the iwi (tribes) of Ngāti Rārua and Te Āti Awa maintaining strong ancestral links to the land. You can still feel the spiritual significance of the area, known to some as Te Tai Tapu (The Sacred Coast).

The park gets its European name from the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who anchored in nearby Golden Bay in 1642. He was the first European to sight New Zealand, though his encounter with the local Māori was brief and somewhat fraught. Centuries later, the park was established in 1942—exactly 300 years after Tasman's visit—thanks in large part to the tireless advocacy of conservationist Perrine Moncrieff.

Geologically, the park is famous for its Separation Point Granite. This unique rock type erodes into the characteristic coarse, golden sand that makes the beaches here so distinctive. Today, the park is at the centre of one of New Zealand's most ambitious conservation projects, Project Janszoon, which aims to clear the park of predators and restore the native flora and fauna to its former glory.

After the Walk

Once you emerge from the trail at Marahau, dusty and sun-kissed, you are perfectly positioned to refuel. The village may be small, but its food scene is legendary among hikers.

For a proper sit-down meal with a view, head to Hooked. This waterfront restaurant and beer garden offers stunning views of the very coastline you just walked. It’s a great spot for fresh seafood or a local craft beer as you watch the water taxis come and go.

If you are after a more laid-back, "garden party" vibe, The Park Cafe Marahau is a local institution. Located just 200 metres from the track entrance, they are famous for their wood-fired pizzas and organic produce. It’s the perfect place to sit under the trees and celebrate your achievement with a barista coffee.

Finally, if you just want a massive, high-energy refuel, you cannot beat The Fat Tui. This high-end food truck is famous across the South Island for its gourmet burgers. The portions are enormous—exactly what you need after burning through your energy reserves on the trail. Their fish and chips are equally excellent, and they offer great vegan options too.

Whether you’ve completed the full 60km or just spent a day exploring the fringes, there is no better way to end your Abel Tasman experience than with good food and a cold drink in the Marahau sun.

200m away

A beloved cafe, wood-fired pizza kitchen, and licensed bar, known for its exceptional coffee, delicious wood-fired pizzas, local seafood, and organic produce, situated in a scenic garden setting.