Abel Tasman Coast Track

New Zealand’s most iconic coastal walk, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60 km golden-sand-and-emerald-forest masterpiece that lives up to every superlative. This Great Walk offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, granite outcrops, and lush native bush, all set within the country’s smallest national park. Whether you’re a seasoned tramper or a first-time walker, the track delivers jaw-dropping views at every turn, with the turquoise Tasman Sea as your constant companion.

Highlights & What to See

• Anchor Bay & Separation Point – The northern section rewards you with dramatic granite cliffs, seal colonies, and the iconic separation point lighthouse.
• Torrent Bay & Cleopatra’s Pool – A stunning tidal lagoon with a natural rock waterslide; time your visit for low tide to explore the bay’s sandbars.
• Bark Bay & Falls River – A beautiful estuary walk leads to a swingbridge over a cascading waterfall – perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Onetahuti Bay – Often called the track’s most photogenic beach, a sweeping arc of golden sand flanked by granite boulders.
• Totaranui – A vast golden beach with camping facilities and a gateway to the inland tracks; also a great spot for birdwatching.
• Wainui Inlet & Tinline Track – For a shorter day walk, the Tinline Track offers panoramic views of the inlet and the park’s lush interior.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers take 3–5 days to complete the full 60 km track, staying at Department of Conservation (DOC) huts or campsites. If you’re short on time, a 1–2 day section from Marahau to Anchorage or Totaranui to Wainui is highly rewarding. The track is well-maintained and relatively flat, so you can comfortably cover 10–15 km per day. Book huts and water taxis well in advance during peak season (October–April).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson – The gateway city, known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and the World of WearableArt museum.
• Mapua & Rabbit Island – A charming seaside village with excellent cafes and a golden-sand beach perfect for a post-walk relax.
• Kahurangi National Park – New Zealand’s second-largest national park, offering the Heaphy Track and diverse alpine landscapes.
• Kaiteriteri – A popular beach resort with golden sands and the main departure point for water taxis to the track.
• Golden Bay & Farewell Spit – A stunning coastal area with the iconic Farewell Spit sandspit and the artsy town of Takaka.

Please check official sources for current details.