Abel Duration: 3 – 5 days Distance: 60 km Great Walks season: Coasta Tr ck All year

Get out walk &0800 694 732 greatwalks.co.nz Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and lush, coastal native bush, the Abel Tasman Coast Track has it all.

Cover image: Onetahuti Beach. ocated in Abel Tasman National hh Half- or multi-day Photo: DOC/90 Seconds options available. This page: Onetahuti Beach. LPark on the South Island’s Photo: DOC/90 Seconds northern shores, this gentle, family hh 4 huts and 19 campsites Quote: rankers.co.nz friendly Great Walk showcases the —many with sea views. best that the park has to offer. Marvel hh Great snorkelling sites at naturally sculptured granite cliffs and beautiful remote beaches. and crystal clear waters. “Stunning views of beaches, Choose to hike the whole track or bays and coves. The best water taxi or kayak between beaches we have seen in different locations at any time of the year. New Zealand so far!” Megan, England greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 Track guide The Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. This guide describes a 5-day easy hike for independent, non-guided walkers who choose to walk the whole track from Marahau to .

Day 1: Marahau to Anchorage 12.4 km, 4 hours Cross the estuary over the Marahau causeway and follow the track through open country, then beech forest with large kānuka trees. The track eventually turns inland, winding in and out of several little gullies before emerging to a view of the beautiful Anchorage Bay. Descend to Anchorage Hut and Campsite.

Day 2: Anchorage to Bark Bay High tide track: 11.5 km, 4 hours Low tide crossing, Torrent Bay estuary: 8.4 km, 3 hours Anchorage Hut. Photo: Cab Roe Torrent Bay estuary can be crossed within 2 hours either side of low tide, or you can take the all-tide track around it. An impressive 47 metre suspension bridge takes you over Falls River, then you’ll meander through lush coastal forest before Optional side trips being led back to the sea.

Day 3: Bark Bay to Awaroa Day 2: Te Pukatea Bay and Pitt Head 13.5 km, 4 hours 30 minutes 1 hour 20 minutes hh Great views to Pitt Head, and visit Cross Bark Bay estuary or follow the all-tide track (10 minutes) around the edge an old pā site. of the estuary. A steep climb takes you through stands of mānuka. Return to the coast at Tonga Quarry with a short walk to Onetahuti Bay. The track then climbs Day 2: Cleopatras Pool over Tonga Saddle and descends to Awaroa Inlet. On arriving at Awaroa Inlet 20 minutes wait until the water has receded to expose the beach in order to walk around to hh Walk along a stream bed of the hut or camp. large boulders to this secluded swimming spot. Day 4: Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay Day 4: Separation Point/Te Matau 16.9 km, 5 hours 35 minutes (tidal) 1 hour Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed up to 1 hour 30 minutes before low tide and up hh From Mutton Cove, a track leads to to 2 hours after it. Along the track, the scenery alternates between sandy beaches this breeding ground for fur seals. and rocky headlands of regenerating kānuka. Camp or stay in the hut just behind The track rejoins the coast track at the beach. the saddle. Day 4: Tidal track Day 5: Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui Bay Consult a tide timetable when 5.7 km, 2 hours planning your trip. Follow a stream and climb out of the bay to a saddle overlooking Wainui Inlet. The track winds down to the shore and follows the estuary edge to the car park.

E LEVATION PROFILE Key

Please refer to altitude to assess track elevation

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

5.7 km 12.4 km 4 hours 11.5 km 4 hours 13.5 km 4 hours 30 minutes 7.1 km 2 hours 20 minutes 9.8 km 3 hours 15 minutes 2 hours Getting there The track is accessible by road at the following locations, each with a car park: Takaka Abel Tasman Coast Track 1. Marahau (67 km from Nelson). 2. Wainui (21 km from Takaka). The road is unsealed for the final 2 km.

60 3. Totaranui (32 km from Takaka). The road is unsealed for the final 12 km. 4. Awaroa estuary (31 km from Takaka). The road is rough and unsealed for the final

Motueka 12 km and there are two fords that flood after heavy rain. From the Awaroa car park on the northern side of the estuary, it is a 25-minute tidal walk to Awaroa Hut

60 and Campsite, which are on the southern side of the estuary.

6 The track is well serviced by public transport including buses and coaches. Water taxis operate year round from Marahau and and can transport you to and Nelson from Anchorage, Torrent Bay (drop off only), Medlands, Bark Bay, Onetahuti, Awaroa 6 and Totaranui. Refer to the back of the brochure for transport options and services.

Map by Geographx Whariwharangi N Bay Separation Point / Te Matau Whariwharangi Hut Taupo Point Mutton Cove

Wainui Bay Anapai Bay Gibbs Hill Track

Wainui Carpark

Abel Tasman Totaranui memorial Pohara Waiharakeke Marine Reserve Bay to Takaka Awaroa Bay

Pound Awaroa Gully Hut

Onetahuti Tonga Island ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Tonga Quarry

Mosquito Bay Campsite (access by water only) Bark Bay Hut Bark Bay Falls River

Torrent Bay Village Bay ent Inland T Cleopatras rr rac To k Pool Te Pukatea Bay

Torrent River Anchorage Hut

Watering Cove Observation Beach Campsite (access by water only) Akersten Bay Canaan Road Apple Tree Adele Island Bay Marahau Coquille Tinline Fisherman Island Marahau Bay Bay

Sandy Bay Hut Great Walk

Shelter Other Walk

SH60 to Takaka Campsite Tidal Crossing SH60 to to Kaiteriteri, Motueka

This map is intended as a general guide only. For up-to-date track, route, hut and safety information, visit www.doc.govt.nz and/or your local DOC Visitor Centre before you travel. greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 Pla cES to stay Plan and prepare The Abel Tasman Coast Track huts have bunks, It is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well mattresses, heating, toilets, cold running water and equipped on a Great Walk. hand-washing facilities. They may have a lighting source, and a DOC ranger may be present. These huts do not provide cooking facilities, cooking utensils, linen Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code— or showers. $32 per adult per night; 17 years and under 5 simple rules to help you stay safe: stay free. 1. Plan your trip Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including 2. Tell someone toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic 3. Be aware of the weather tables and cooking shelters. Great Walks campsites can only be accessed on foot and are not accessible by vehicle. 4. Know your limits Bookings are essential all year round. Great Walks huts and 5. Take sufficient supplies campsites must be booked in advance. Campers are not permitted to use hut facilities. hh Book your trip well in advance including your accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/ Futherr information and bookings end of the track. Visit the Great Walks website or contact your nearest DOC hh Safety is your responsibility—leave your trip details Visitor Centre for further information and bookings. with a trusted contact. See adventuresmart.org.nz. Phone: 0800 NZ GREATWALKS (0800 694 732) hh Weather on the track is changeable, so be prepared and Email: [email protected] check the forecast before you go. See metservice.com. Web: greatwalks.co.nz

hh A good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You can expect to walk up to 5 hours a day, depending on your fitness and weather conditions; and carry a Book online greatwalks.co.nz pack of up to 15 kg for the whole length of the track.

hh The right outdoor clothing, gear and equipment will greatly improve the enjoyment of your trip. Pack all necessary equipment, your own food and drinks Project Janszoon Trust (including an extra day’s supply) and personal effects. Project Janszoon is a privately funded trust working hh Food and drinks are not available for purchase at Great Walks huts and campsites. with DOC, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, local iwi and the community to restore the ecology of the A bel Tasman Coast Track safety Abel Tasman National Park.

hh Consult a tide timetable when planning your trip as Over a 30-year timeframe the project aims to Awaroa estuary is only passable at low tide. (See Abel reverse the trend of ecological decline in the Tasman ‘Plan and Prepare’ information at greatwalks. Park by reducing predator numbers and weeds, co.nz or contact the DOC Visitor Centre in Nelson.) restoring ecosystems and reintroducing native hh While the Abel Tasman coast is generally warm and birds, animals and plants into a thriving park dry in summer, it is a coastal environment that can environment. change quickly, so be prepared for rain, cold and windy For more information, go to conditions. www.janszoon.org or look hh For a comprehensive gear list, see Plan & Prepare at for Project Janszoon greatwalks.co.nz. on Facebook.

Air New Zealand partners with the Department of Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks. Tūī. Photo: Herb Christophers Other Great Walks

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: L ake Waikaremoana 3 – 4 days 46 km Tongariro Northern Circuit 3 – 4 days 43 km

race the shoreline of beautiful Huts: inding its way past Huts: TLake Waikaremoana ‘the sea $32 WMount Tongariro and $32 of rippling waters’ for spiritual adult/night Mount Ngauruhoe, this Great adult/night and cultural enlightenment. Walk lets you explore dramatic Walk through ancient rainforest, volcanic landscapes including pass giant podocarp trees and craters, glacial valleys, native admire stunning views from beech forest, alpine meadows Panekire Bluff. and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area.

Location: Te Urewera National Park, east North Island Location: Tongariro National Park, central North Island Nearest towns: Rotorua, Napier, Wairoa, Gisborne Nearest towns: Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune, Waiouru

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: W hanganui Journey 3 – 5 days 145 km 4 – 6 days 78.4 km

he Whanganui River winds Huts: rom forest to coast, the Huts: Tits way from the mountains $32 FHeaphy Track combines $32 to the Tasman Sea through adult/night all of New Zealand’s scenic adult/night countless hills and valleys. This beauty into one Great Walk. journey lets you take a multi-day Travel through expansive canoe or kayak trip to experience tussock downs, lush forests its most remote scenic beauty, and nīkau palms to the roaring history and cultural significance. seas of the wild West Coast.

Location: Whanganui National Park, south-west North Island Location: , north-west South Island Nearest towns: Whanganui, Taumarunui, Ohakune Nearest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: 2 – 4 days 32 km K epler Track 3 – 4 days 60 km

he Routeburn Track Huts: n adventure above the Huts: Ttraverses the Southern $54 Aclouds! The $54 Alps of New Zealand and adult/night takes you from the gentle, adult/night passes through ice-carved beech-forested shores of Lakes valleys and beech forest. Walk Te Anau and Manapouri to the alongside pristine rivers and exposed tussock lands and the glistening alpine lakes offering summit of Mount Luxmore for breathtaking views and spectacular alpine views. mountain scenery.

Location: Mount Aspiring & Fiordland Nat. Parks, South Island Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Nearest towns: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: 4 days 53.5 km 3 days 32 km

xperience the stunning Huts: scape on an island Huts: Egrandeur of the Milford Track $54 Eadventure and exchange the $22 including rugged mountain peaks, adult/night hustle and bustle of mainland adult/night breathtaking sheer canyons and life for the tranquillity of majestic waterfalls. Walk beside the Rakiura Track. Revel in pristine rivers and amongst lush, the peacefulness and idyllic green rainforest before crossing surroundings, with the bush, Mackinnon Pass and reaching birds and beach at your side. spectacular Milford Sound.

Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hr ferry)

Published by: Publishing Team, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, Wellington, New Zealand | August 2014 This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. www.adventuresmart.org.nz We offer a comprehensive portfolio of guided, day and multi-day tours designed to showcase the scenery. www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz

Abel TAsmAn KAyAKs email: [email protected] 273 Sandybay Marahau Rd, Rd 2, phone: 0800 732 529 or 03 537 8022 Motueka 7196

Flights connecting Motueka, Takaka and Awaroa. A fast efficient way to travel over this stunning track. Scenic flights available. Adventure Flights golden BAy www.adventureflightsgoldenbay.co.nz Takaka Airport, RD 2, Takaka, 7182 phone: 03 525 6167 or 0800 150338 email: [email protected]

Daily scheduled service to and from ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK and Self-contained, studios’ and 1 & HEAPHY TRACK. We provide a friendly ALL YEAR service. 2 bedroom units. Free internet access. At the entrance to Takaka Township. I-site, bus depot and Golden Bay CoaChlines email: [email protected] Supermarket 100 mtrs away. www.gbcoachlines.co.nz phone: +64(03) 525 8352 Restaurants, hotels, cafes, and park nearby. www.mohuamotels.com ABEL TASMAN BACKPACKERS Mohua Motels Warm welcomes • Quality ensuite, private and 22 Willow St, Takaka dorm rooms • Wifi • BBQ • Bikes • Information email: [email protected] and bookings • Great base for day trips phone: 03 525 7222 21 Moss Road, RD2 Marahau, Motueka Ridge or 0800 664 826 [email protected] Ph 03 527 8435 www.abeltasmanbackpackers.co.nz

Abel Tasman. Photo: Gareth Eyres, Exposure Gourmet Less Haste, More Taste Guided Fully inclusive. Day & multi- day options. Small Groups. Walks Wholesome local produce. Safe, www.southernwilderness.com informative guiding service. Southern WilderneSS nZ ltd email: [email protected] PO Box 1821, Nelson 7010 phone: (03) 545 7544

100% locally owned family business Abel TAsmAn Enhance your Abel Tasman Golden Future We offer a friendly helpful Conservation water taxi service into the seA shuTTle experience! Kaiteriteri Beach Come and ‘open your eyes’ with tours National Park, with a range email: Abel Tasman Centre, of guided/unguided walks, [email protected] us, personalised guided land Waterfront, Marahau and sea adventure. kayaking activities, or just phone: $5pp Birdsong Donation email: relax on a beach. 64 3 527 8688 or 0800 732 748 [email protected] www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz www.abeltasmangoldenfuture.co.nz phone: 0800 223 538 or 03 528 0946

GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS

YHA MOTUEKA YHA oers great pre and post walk options with aordable, comfortable accommodation ideally suited to Great Walkers. YHA Motueka - On the park’s doorstep. 20 mins from Marahau. YHA Golden Bay - Ideal launching pad for the walk or for relaxing at the end. 30 mins from Wainui car park. Transport to both ends YHA Nelson - Gets five stars for www.trekexpress.co.nz groups and families. Easy day of Abel Tasman Book online or contact walk access. 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 YHA.co.nz/great-walks or 0800 278 299 storage and bag storage. or freephone 0800 128 735

Family owned since 1997, at Marahau Water Taxis we offer a friendly, personal service aimed at making sure you get the most out of your time in the National Park. You’ll find us at The Abel Tasman Centre where we also offer Compliment your multiday walk accommodation, kayak trips, great food and a with a private yacht for up to 10 whole lot more. We really do have it covered! people. Anchor and enjoy chilled wine, dinner and a comfortable bed. Fully inclusive or self-cater. We’ve Flexible itinerary with local, Got Your knowledgeable skipper. Day sailing options available Abel Tasman

Catamaran Sailing CharterS Experience Covered! email: [email protected] phone: 0800 80 80 18 03 5476666 or 0800 GO SAILING www.abeltasmancentre.co.nz www.sailingcharters.co.nz

Tui Balms altogether natural range Enjoy your great walk and keep biting insects at bay with Tui Bug Balm! www.tuibalms.co.nz

Tui Balms email: [email protected] 223 McShane Rd, Wainui Bay, RD1, Takaka phone: 03 525 9654

Come and experience the only Aqua Packers A range of guided/unguided trips, from floating backpackers in New single/multi-day, incorporating activities Zealand. Enjoy the provided BBQ AquAPAckers such as walking and water taxis. dinner, and breakfast on board our Anchorage Bay, Abel Tasman NP www.msk.co.nz specially converted catamaran email: [email protected] in Anchorage Bay Abel Tasman phone: 0800 430 744 or 027 430 7400 Marahau Sea KayaKS email: [email protected] National Park. www.aquapackers.co.nz Franklin St, Marahau, Motueka 7196 phone: 0800 529 257