Abel Tasman Coast Track 2009 / 2010 Season
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Location 5
Getting there 5
Walking seasons 6
Can I do it? 7
Other activities 8
Planning, preparation and equipment 11
Weather 12
What to take 13
DOC huts and campsites 15
Transport options 18
Tidal crossings 19
Safety and track closure 21
Winter 21
Track map 22
Track notes—the Coast Track 25
Track profile 25
Track notes—side trips 27
Low-tide timetables 28
Booking information and conditions 32 CONTENTS (continued) Introduction
History 37 The Abel Tasman Coast Track, located in Abel Tasman National Park on South Island’s northern shores, is one of Natural history 38 the DOC Great Walks*. The Coast Track extends for 52 km and is classified as a walking track: all streams are bridged but there are tidal crossings, which can only be crossed DOC management 39 within a few hours either side of low tide. The track takes an average of three to five days to complete. There are Environmental Care Code 41 huts and campsites where you can stay for a fee. Bookings are required. There is no charge for day walks. Visitors can Commercial operators 42 walk into the park from the roadend carparks, catch water taxis to beaches along the track or kayak along the coast.
Other publications 45 *Great Walks are the Department’s premier walking tracks, through areas of some of the best scenery in the country. DOC contact details 46 The huts and tracks on the Great Walks are of a higher standard than other tramping tracks. Many of the Great Walks have booking systems to manage visitor pressure.
Location
The nearest towns of Nelson, Motueka and Takaka have i-Sites, accommodation and shops catering for tramping and kayaking needs. Kaiteriteri has a petrol station, small grocery shop, accommodation and café. Marahau has accommodation, a shop and cafés. Takaka is the last place for petrol before Totaranui.
Getting there
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is accessible by road at four points, each with a carpark: sealed road. ! is unsealed. " " road is unsealed. # $ " Cleopatras Pool. Photo: D Parr the road is rough and unsealed. There are two fords, 5 % ! &