ABEL COAST TRACK

Duration: 3–5 days Great Walks season: Distance: 60 km (one way) All year ABEL ELEVATION PROFILE & TRACK GUIDE

Akersten Bay TASMAN 3 campsites Tinline Te Pukatea Bay Bark Bay 15 campsites 7 campsites 34 bunks Observation Beach 40 campsites Coquille Bay Anchorage COAST 6 campsites 34 bunks 6 campsites 50 campsites Torrent 200 m Watering Cove Apple Tree Bay Bay Village 5 campsites Marahau 15 campsites 10 campsites TRACK 100 m 0 m Blessed with a mild climate, 12.4 km / 4 hr 11.5 km / 4 hr golden beaches and lush, coastal native bush, the has it all. Located in Abel Tasman National Park on the ’s northern shores, this gentle, family-friendly Great Walk showcases the best that the park has to offer. Marvel at naturally-sculptured granite Day 2: cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Day 1: Marahau to Anchorage Anchorage to Bark Bay Plan an adventure that suits your ability and schedule. You 4 hours, 12.4 km High tide track: 4 hours, 11.5 km can hike the whole track, take You’ll begin your journey as you cross the Low tide crossing: a water taxi or kayak between estuary over the Marahau causeway, and 3 hours, 8.4 km different locations at any time follow the track, first through open country, of the year. then lush beech forest with large kānuka Torrent Bay estuary can be trees. The track eventually turns inland, crossed within 2 hours either winding in and out of several little gullies side of low tide, or you can The Abel Tasman Coast Track can before emerging to a view of the beautiful take the all-tide track around be walked in either direction. The Anchorage Bay. Here you’ll descend to it. An impressive 47-metre long track is well marked and signposted, Anchorage Hut and Campsite. suspension bridge takes you but some sections may be steep and over Falls River. You’ll then rough and the track could be muddy. meander through lush coastal This guide describes a 5-day hike for forest before being led back to independent, non-guided walkers the sea and the idyllic golden who choose to walk the whole track sands of Bark Bay. from Marahau to . This track involves one compulsory tidal crossing – consult a tide timetable before booking your trip.

Duration: 3–5 days Distance: 60 km (one way)

Great Walks season: All year greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732

water tidal hut campsite car park access only crossing

Mosquito Bay 20 campsites

Tonga Quarry Awaroa Whariwharangi Bay 10 campsites 26 bunks Waiharakeke Bay Totaranui Mutton Cove 20 bunks 18 campsites 10 campsites 20 campsites 20 campsites 20 campsites Onetahuti Bay Awaroa Anapai Bay 20 campsites car park 6 campsites Wainui Bay

13.5 km / 4 hr 30 min 7.1 km / 2 hr 20 min 9.8 km / 3 hr 15 min 5.7 km / 2 hr

Day 5: Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui Bay Day 3: Bark Bay to Awaroa Day 4: Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay or Totaranui

4 hours 30 minutes, 13.5 km 5 hours 35 minutes (tidal), 16.9 km 2 hours, 5.7 km 3 hours, 9 km Cross the beautiful Bark Bay estuary Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed within 1 hour 2 hours either side of low tide or follow 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low Follow a trickling stream the all-tide track (10 minutes) around tide. Along the track, the scenery alternates and climb above the bay the edge of the estuary. A steep climb between sandy beaches and rocky headlands to a saddle overlooking takes you through stands of mānuka. of regenerating kānuka. Camp or stay in the the serene Wainui Inlet. Return to the coast at Tonga Quarry cosy and historic Whariwharangi Hut (a At this point you can and it’s a short walk from there to former homestead built around 1896) just either descend to the car Onetahuti Bay, where one of the behind the beach. park at Wainui or take a longest beaches in the Abel Tasman left turn onto the Gibbs stretches before you. As you leave Hill Track. This will take Onetahuti and start to descend from you to Totaranui where Tonga Saddle down to Awaroa Inlet, you can get a water taxi take a non-DOC track to visit the back to Marahau. famous Awaroa Beach before returning to the main track.

COVER: Te Pukatea Bay, Darryl Wilson

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Monster Valley; Shellie Evans (tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz) Andy Dennis; photonewzealand.com; Eduardo Villouta Stengl

MAIN PHOTO: Totaranui, Daniel Deans HIGHLIGHTS

Air partners with the Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks.

Photo: Rob Suisted (www.naturespic.com)

1 Explore the crystal-clear waters of Marine Reserve. Running alongside the Abel Tasman National Park, the marine reserve is a fantastic Photo: Nick Thompson place to swim, snorkel or kayak.

2 An enticing 20-minute side trip on day two takes you through lush trees to the secluded Cleopatras Pool – a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide fit for a queen!

3 Keep an eye out for fur seals/kekeno found along the coast of the park, particularly on the more remote granite headlands and boulder beaches. Seals are confident and agile swimmers but are more wary when out of the water.

Photo: Karin Noresten 4 Take advantage of the region’s sunshine hours and stay next to golden beaches at one of the 19 campsites.

Conservation story Project Janszoon is a privately funded trust named after explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman. It is working with DOC, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, local iwi and the community to restore the ecology of the Abel Tasman National Park over a 30-year time frame. As predators and weeds are reduced, native birds like robin and kākāriki and plants like rātā and mistletoe are beginning to flourish again. www.janszoon.org Photo: photonewzealand.com greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 GETTING THERE

The track is accessible by road at the following locations, each with a car park: Sign me up! What do I do?  Marahau, 67 km from Nelson 0 25 50 km  Wainui, 21 km from Takaka (unsealed for 2 km)  Totaranui, 32 km from Takaka (unsealed for 12 km) Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/ 1 abeltasman for more information. ABEL TASMAN Water taxis operate year COAST TRACK round from Marahau and , and can transport Takaka you to and from several locations along the track. Consult tide timetables and Refer over page for Kaiteriteri 2 book your huts and campsites

transport options online or at a DOC Visitor Centre. and services.

Karamea NELSON Nelson Picton Visitor Centre Wakefield Book your transport to and from 3 the track – operators are listed BLENHEIM online and in this brochure.

Westport Murchison PLACES TO STAY St Arnaud Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Buy your food and pack your Visitor Centre 4 bags – download the Great Walks packing list and make sure you have everything you need for a 4 – 5 day Punakaiki Reefton independent unguided hike. Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre

Kaikoura Greymouth Read up on safety and make Hanmer Springs 5 sure you’re well prepared for your journey and changeable weather Kumara at greatwalks.co.nz/abeltasman. Make sure you have left your Hokitika Photo: David Buckton intentions with a trusted contact at adventuresmart.org.nz. DOC operates 4 huts and 19 campsites along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which must be bookedArthur’s Passin advance National all year round. Campers are not permitted Park Visitor Centre to use hut facilities.

Great Walks huts 6 Check the weather, and make sure $32 (1 May – 30 September) per adult per night; 17 years and you’ve printed your ticket and official track guide. You can also under free (booking required). Oxford Rangiora pick up a tide timetable, track guide $38 (1 October – 30 April) per adult per night; 17Kaiapoi years and Franz Josef/Waiau and get the latest weather updates Westland Tai Poutini under free (booking required). National Park Visitor Centre from the Nelson Visitor Centre, and The huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets,CHRISTCHURCH cold running water download the Abel Tasman National and hand-washing facilities. They may have a lightingŌtautahi/Christchurch source, and Visitor Centre Park app at janszoon.org. a DOC rangerMethven may be present. These huts do not provide cooking facilities, cooking utensils, linen or showers. Aoraki/Mount Cook Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Akaroa Visitor Centre Great Walks campsites Haast ASHBURTON All set! Lace up your boots Awarua/Haast Visitor Centre $15 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). 7 and get hiking. Don’t forget to The campsites offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water share your experience on Geraldine facebook.com/GreatWalks. Fairlie supply. Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters.

Temuka Twizel Makaroa

TIMARU

ROUTEBURN TRACK Wanaka Kurow Waimate Milford Sound Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre

Arrowtown Cromwell QUEENSTOWN OAMARU Whakatipu-wai-Māori/ Ranfurly Queenstown Visitor Centre Clyde Alexandra

KEPLER TRACK

Palmerston Te Anau Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Waikouaiti

Mossburn Lumsden DUNEDIN Fairfield Ōtepoti/Dunedin Visitor Centre Dipton

GORE Milton

Winton Mataura Balclutha

Kaka Point Riverton/ Aparima INVERCARGILL

RAKIURA TRACK

Oban Stewart Island/ Rakiura National Park Rakiura Visitor Centre Daily scheduled service/s GOLDEN BAY COACHLINES between October and April. Bookings essential. email: [email protected] We offer Private Charters on phone: +64 (03) 525 8352 request all year round. Book online or contact. www.gbcoachlines.co.nz

Come and experience the only Aqua Packers floating backpackers in New Zealand. Enjoy the provided BBQ AQUAPACKERS dinner, and breakfast on board our Anchorage Bay, Abel Tasman NP specially converted catamaran email: [email protected] in Anchorage Bay Abel Tasman phone: 0800 430 744 or 027 430 7400 National Park. www.aquapackers.co.nz

ABEL TASMAN SCENIC FLIGHTS Abel Tasman National Park Virtual Visitor Centre available free on your smartphone www.adventureflightsgoldenbay.co.nz Includes up-to-date information on weather, Flights connecting the Abel Tasman National Park to Motueka tides, walking times, track conditions, map, - Nelson - Awaroa & Takaka. Flights from as little as $100 pp. points of interest, history, plants and wildlife......

Free phone: 0800 150 338 email: [email protected] The app and private Wi-Fi network are pro- vided by Project Janszoon www.janszoon.org Search for Abel Tasman National Park works Adventure Flights Golden Bay off-line NZ’S PIONEERING KAYAK COMPANY Still exploring the length of the Abel Tasman 30 years later

ATING 30 Y BR EA LE R E S

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* FREEPHONE 0800 732 529

Add Canyoning to your I N K T R or call 03 527 8022 H A E P Abel Tasman experience L AB A EL ION www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz TASMAN NAT free phone: 0800 86 34 72 WWW.ABELTASMANCANYONS.CO.NZ

Year round service to Want to relax and unwind? all popular tracks. Cosy chalets, indoor/outdoor We specialize in mountain bike pool, spas, saunas and spa transport to Heaphy, Rameka www.kimiora.com treatments. We can cater for all! www.maxicabshuttles.com and Old ghost trail. email: [email protected] MAXICAB SHUTTLES email: [email protected] KIMI ORA ECO RESORT freephone: 0800 626 4222 99 Martin Farm Road, Kaiteriteri 7197 phone: (03) 5278027

The peaceful, relaxing way to experience The Park! Join us on a scheduled tour, a private sailing experience or overnight yacht stay. www.sailingadventures.co.nz

ABEL TASMAN SAILING Departing Anchorage & Kaiteriteri Beach daily ADVENTURES freephone: 0800 467 245 Flights+Shuttles North Abel Tasman Takaka • Daily services Heaphy Track • Great rates Abel Tasman • Call or book online

Karamea Nelson Wellington

Stop hot-spots in their tracks Wool-it is the ultimate friend 100% NZ wool against blisters. Available at DOC Visitor All natural, incredibly soft and centres, select retailers and biodegradeable online Golden Bay Air www.woolit.co.nz goldenbayair.co.nz STOP BLISTERS WOOL-IT 0800 588 885 email: [email protected]

Grea Walker deserve great hostels

YHA Motueka, YHA Golden Bay and YHA Nelson A ordable comfortable accommodation pre and post Great Walk

 yha.co.nz  0800 278 299

How many have you done?

Lake Waikaremoana

Whanganui Journey Tongariro Northern Circuit

Abel Tasman Coast Track Heaphy Track

Opening 2018/19

Transport to both ends www.trekexpress.co.nz Milford Track of Abel Tasman Book online or contact Bus and 4WD shuttles to suit all needs. Chartered and scheduled transport. Trek express email: [email protected] We also offer car relocation, vehicle phone: 64 3 5402042 storage and bag storage. or freephone 0800 128 735

Published by: Editing and design: Department of Conservation Publishing Team Marketing Team DOC National Office PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New Zealand May 2017 R112670 * Prices are accurate at the time of publication.

Kepler Track. This publication is produced using paper © Daniel Deans sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. Separation Point / Te Matau Know before you go Taupo Hill Great Walk hut It is important to plan your trip thoroughly to ensure you stay safe, and have a great Mutton Cove Great Walk campsite Whariwharangi Anatakapau Bay time. Before you go, know the Outdoor Bay Hut Tasman Bay / Scenic campsite Safety Code – 5 Simple rules to help you Te Tai-o-Aorere #makeithome. Motu Island Shelter Tata Islands Wainui Bay Ngawhiti Island Anapai Bay Toilet – there are also toilets 1. Plan your trip. at each hut and campsite Travel times vary greatly in New Tata Bay Takapou Gibbs Hill Low tide crossing Bay Zealand, so carefully planning 405m Awaroa Hut Takapou Wainui your route is essential. Seek local K a Inlet ik Great Walk/ au information about what to take, and S t re Tramping track am allow enough time for the journey. Ligar Bay Totaranui Totaranui Route Book accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/end of track early. m ! ! ! a Walking track e tr S i u 2. Tell someone your plans. n Anatimo a r a Tarakohe t o 0 1 Km Safety is your responsibility. Leave your T ¯ intentions – including your trip details Goat Bay and emergency contact information r e iv – with a trusted contact. It could save R W i a u Centre Peak ih in a your life if things go wrong. Head to a ra W ke ke Str adventuresmart.org.nz for more eam information. Waiharakeke Bay

Canoe Bay 3. Be aware of the weather.

Awaroa Beach New Zealand weather is very

Brereton Cove changeable. Plan for the worst, expect the best. Check metservice.com for on track the most up to date info. Awaroa Hut Mt. Rollinson

Awaroa Inlet 4. Know your limits. k Shag Harbour e Alma Hill e r R Always follow the track markers and C ic h e r a r u d signposted tracks. Off-track navigation t n s o e n V is not recommended for novice walkers S

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. Tonga Island in New Zealand. A good level of fitness Stony Hill Marine Reserve is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 6 hours a day

r depending on your fitness level. If e Onetahuti Bay

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R Tonga Island you get into trouble don’t make a bad

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r a Tonga Quarry situation worse. Think STAR – Stop / w A Think / Assess / React. Tonga Hill 458m H u 5. Take sufficient supplies. f f a m S With New Zealand’s changeable tr e a m conditions many hikers are frequently Murray Peak Mosquito Bay caught out by isolated local conditions. Abel Tasman Access by water only Carry – and expect to use – rain jackets Bark Bay Hut all year round. Take an extra day’s National Park Medlands Beach supply of food and an emergency

Pisgah shelter. Don’t rely on cellphone signal Hill alone for communication. Food and Sandfly Bay drinks are not available to purchase at r Falls Rive Bare Knob Great Walks huts or campsites. Plan to Frenchman Bay be self-sufficient.

Cascade Falls Boundary Bay Abel Tasman Coast Track safety

Ballon Rock  Consult a tide timetable when planning Rākauroa/ your trip as Awaroa estuary is only Torrent Bay Village Torrent Bay Mount Evans passable at low tide. See ‘Know The Te Pukatea before you go’ at greatwalks.co.nz/ Cleopatras Anchorage Pool Bay abeltasman or contact the DOC Visitor Anchorage Hut & Campsite T Anchor Bay Centre in Nelson. orrent River  While the Abel Tasman coast is Watering Cove generally warm and dry in summer, it is

k Observation Beach e a coastal environment that can change re Rata Hill C Cyathea Cove S n i o 582m m ss quickly, so be prepared for rain, cold o Le T n in e Akersten Bay l t and windy conditions. in C r e e Stilwell Bay S e Adele Island t k re a m  Go to greatwalks.co.nz/abeltasman M ar ‘Know before you go’ section for detailed ah au Ri ver Apple Tree Bay safety information, and ‘What to take’ section for a comprehensive gear list. Tinline Coquille Bay Fisherman Island Remember – your safety is your responsibility Marahau

To Kaiteriteri, Motueka Sandy Bay