Abel Tasman Walks
Abel Tasman may be New Zealand's smallest national park at 22,350ha, but the magnificent golden beaches that stretch from Marahau, near Motueka, to Wainui Bay, in Golden Bay, have made it a firm favourite. In fact, the park recently took out the number one position in Lonely Planet's list of top picks for New Zealand. So what better time to gather up your hiking gear, and head to Abel Tasman to burn off a few of those extra Christmas kilojoules!
Abel Tasman National Park offers two stunning walking tracks; the popular and beautiful Coast Track, and the Inland Track through the hilly centre of the park. Walking the full 52km Abel Tasman Coastal Track will take an average of three to five days, although there are plenty of options for shorter walks, guided walks, camping or hut accommodation. There's even something for the ‘civilised’ adventurer – think lodge accommodation, hot showers and a good wine list!
Although December to March are by far the most popular months for walking, those in the know will tell you the shoulder season months offer calm waters, settled weather patterns and more chance of getting a golden beach all to yourself! Whenever you choose to walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, you can still enjoy the golden sand beaches, sparkling turquoise bays and lush native bush throughout the year.
These picture perfect vistas are likely to be just one of the reasons that Department of Conservations (DOC) selected the Abel Tasman Coastal Track as one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The huts and tracks on the Great Walks are of a higher standard than other hiking tracks, and the Abel Tasman – like most of the Great Walks – has a booking system to manage visitor pressure. The track is well maintained and can be enjoyed by anyone of reasonable fitness.
Top Tips for Freedom Walkers on Abel Tasman Coastal Track
1) Consult the local tide timetable when planning to walk the track. There are two estuaries on the track which are only passable at low tide (walkers should be prepared to get wet!) and crossing outside of these times is dangerous. The two estuaries are:
- Onetahuti estuary – must be crossed within 3 hours either side of low tide.
- Awaroa inlet – must be crossed within 1.5hrs after low tide.
2) All huts and campsites MUST be booked in advance. Freedom walkers wanting to stay overnight in the park need to use the booking system. For peak season booking (Dec-Mar), plan at least two months in advance to increase your chances of securing a spot. Bookings can be made through DOC online, by email, phone, fax, or in person by visiting a selected DOC office, or at an i-SITE or visitors centre.
3) Consider booking in the shoulder season (either side of December and March). The weather is more settled, there are less crowds and you are more likely to secure your preferred dates.
Guided Options for Abel Tasman Coastal Track
If you prefer the reassurance of a guided package, and a knowledgeable guide, there are several local tourism businesses currently offering guided walks for visitors in the Abel Tasman:
Kahurangi Guided Walks
This company offers a range of guided trips exploring the spectacular Abel Tasman area, ranging from day walks to the full 5 day Abel Tasman Coastal Track. There are lots of opportunities for swimming, relaxing in the sun, or visiting waterfalls and historic sites.
Wilsons Abel Tasman
This family owned business has been showing visitors the best of its favourite national park for eight generations. Not surprisingly, the family has built up a collection of resources that enables visitors plenty of choices when it comes to exploring the park. Multi-day guided walks are just one of the options available. Wilsons experienced team of guides can help tailor a 2-5 day itinerary to your requirements, including kayaking and/or boat transfers. The beachfront lodge accommodation, luggage transfers and in-house chef help ensure that guests don't go short of any home comforts!
The Sea Kayak Company
This company offers guided walk/kayak combination packages. These start from $250 per person for a two day, one night Tonga Island Kayak and Hike, with dorm room accommodation package.
Other Options for Walkers
As the Abel Tasman Coast Track is not a circuit track, it can be combined with the Abel Tasman Inland Track to form a fix to six day circuit, but you will need to drive between Totaranui or Wainui and Marahau (2hr 30min). The road is narrow, winding and unsealed in places. By water taxi, it takes 1.5hrs to travel between Totaranui and Marahau.
If you have a little less time on your hands, then the walk from Marahau to Anchorage (12.4km) comes highly recommended. The walking is relatively flat and accesses several beaches. The Pitt Head loop walk at the Anchorage end offers spectacular views that are well worth the short detour.
Abel Tasman Marahau Water Taxis are based at Marahau and offer a range of water taxi/walking trips and scenic cruises.
Whether you opt for a long or short walk, or for billy tea or fine wines, one thing is certain – Abel Tasman is one of New Zealand's golden treasures and shouldn't be missed by anyone!
Useful Information
Editorial and images supplied by Nelson Tasman Tourism and Kahurangi Guided Walks
