Abel Tasman Track is a Great Walk and the best day hike or multi-day trek in New Zealand.

The smallest national park in New Zealand, Abel Tasman, is a paradise for all travelers who love hiking, kayaking, biking, canyoning or lazing on the beach. Read our guide on how to hike one of the best Great Walks, Abel Tasman Coast Track. Includes tips on best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, what to pack, how to book a hut and water taxi, and how to visit on a one-day trip.

Abel Tasman National Park is a gem on the north of New Zealand's South Island, and despite its small size, it is one of the most visited places in the country.

As we spent four days hiking in the park, we can absolutely understand why is Abel Tasman National Park a must-visit stop on every foreign visitor travel itinerary and why it is an adored holiday destination for locals.

With numerous sandy beaches, deep blue sea, cute inlets and gullies, great viewpoints and typical forest for New Zealand, this national park is a place you can't miss.

There are several reasons why to visit Abel Tasman as there is an uncountable number of activities and things to do in Abel Tasman National Park such as hiking, kayaking, sailing, biking, canyoning or camping.

For us, the main reason why to travel to this national park was hiking Abel Tasman Coast Track, which belongs among New Zealand's most spectaculars hikes, who are in summary called Great Walks.

Abel Tasman National Park is a natural gem on the north of New Zealand's South Island you can’t miss.

It was the first Great Walk we were about to do, so we were super excited to see an outstanding beauty, and boy we were not disappointed.

As hiking Abel Tasman Coast Track requires a bit of planning, we've created this useful hiking guide where you can find information on how difficult the trek is, how to get to Marahau, where to stay along the hike, what to pack, how to make a reservation.

We also share our hiking itinerary you are free to follow. Happy hiking!

THINGS TO DO IN ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Abel Tasman National Park is a favorite place not only for foreigners but for locals as well, who often arrive during summer months to enjoy coastal walks, sandy beaches, and sunshine.

There are plenty of things to do in Abel Tasman National Park, and hiking does not need to be the only way how to spend the time here.

HIKING IN ABEL TASMAN

Hiking is the most popular activity in Abel Tasman National Park, and it was also the reason why we arrived at Marahau in the first place.

The national park is home to one of New Zealand's Great Walks, and we could not resist once we saw pictures of the post-card like landscape.

Although we can only recommend you to do the full 60 kilometers long Abel Tasman Coast Track, when short on time, you can trek only parts of it, the only thing you need to do is always arrange boat transport unless you want to return the same way.

KAYAKING IN ABEL TASMAN

One of the best ways how to explore the coastline of the national park is on a kayak.

Kayaking gives you an opportunity to see the coast up close altogether with wildlife - you can see many species of birds but also dolphins.

When we were returning from the end of the hike on a boat to Marahau, we spotted Maui dolphins. You can kayak in the park as long as you want.

Generally, you can follow a similar route as hikers only via the sea which takes three to four days.

Kayakers usually start at Totaranui and kayak back to Marahau when doing the multi-day activity.

You can also rent a kayak for two days, one day or even for an afternoon.

You can arrange everything on own in Marahau, or it is possible to book a popular 1-Day Kayak & Walk Abel Tasman Tour in advance.

You can do many activities in the Abel Tasman National Park like hiking, kayaking or skydiving.

Boat Tours

Another way how to enjoy the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park is on a boat. You can take a boat tour from Kaiteriteri and explore the coastline, see a seal colony, or relax on the beaches.

Skydiving

More and more popular activity in Abel Tasman National Park is skydiving.

If you are looking for an adrenaline adventure and want to get the perfect views of the stunning landscape from above, this is an activity you should not miss.

You can book your adventure here or if you want to see the park from the bird's eyes view, but skydiving is not your thing there is a possibility to enjoy a scenic flight.

Biking

Classical biking and mountain biking in New Zealand is not usually allowed on most of the hiking tracks, especially during high season, yet there are still a few trails where you can take your bike with you.

Always ask in the information center what trail is open for biking, in Abel Tasman National Park it is usually Rameka Track or Gibbs Hill Track.

Canyoning

Canyoning is such a fun activity we would have recommended to anyone.

We tried canyoning in Costa Rica, and sliding down and rappeling down the waterfalls was an incredible experience. We did not have enough time to do canyoning in New Zealand but would love to try it one day.

You can reserve your canyoning adventure here.

WHERE TO STAY BEFORE HIKING ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK

Before you will start hiking Abel Tasman Coast Track, you can either sleep in Nelson where it is possible to do the shopping and then set off early in the morning (when traveling by public transport the first bus usually leaves Nelson at 7:30 AM) or stay overnight right in Marahau

There are not that many accommodation options in Marahau as in Nelson, but you can arrive later, enjoy relaxed afternoon in the village and start the hike early in the morning.

Where to stay in Nelson | Budget: Bridge Backpackers | Mid-range: The Hotel Nelson | Luxury: Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Where to stay in Marahau | Budget: Adventure Inn Marahau | Mid-range: Abel Tasman Haven | Luxury: Kimi Ora Eco Resort

Our Tip: When traveling by campervan, you can sleep in a camp in Marahau, but you need to call them or make a reservation directly.

Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the most stunning treks in New Zealand.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK

Hiking Abel Tasman Coast Track is pretty straightforward, but there are several essential things you should know to enjoy one of the best hikes in New Zealand.

Although the weather is usually pleasant, it can be quite windy on the coast, and water in the sea is not very warm. We swam in the sea every day near the campground, but we never lasted long as we were soon cold.

Another thing which can unpleasantly surprise you is sand flies, an annoying insect which bites. Do not forget to pack bug repellent.

It is necessary to book your accommodation in the park in advance.

Before you start hiking, it is necessary to check high and low tide schedule, because some parts of the trek (for example Torrent Bay Estuary and Awaroa Inlet) are possible to cross only during low tide - check the current schedule in any business in Marahau (for example in the campsite or any other hotel).

Hiking in Abel Tasman is one of the best things to do in New Zealand.

The park is crowded in the summer between December and February. If you want to get more quiet experience and cheaper rates, consider visiting Abel Tasman National Park outside this period.

Unless you want to walk 60 kilometers one way and then return the same route to Marahau, you need to book your boat transport.

It is possible to start the hike in Marahau and walk as far as you want and reserve your boat back to Marahau either from Mutton Cove, Whariwharangi Bay or Wainui Bay (or basically from anywhere along the trail as far as it has boat access), or you can take a boat on your first day to your starting point and walk back to Marahau.

We reserved the water taxi in Marahau one day before our trip in one of the offices in the village - it was even possible to park our car there for free for four days.

ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK

After three months of working on a vineyard in Martinborough, Abel Tasman was one of our first stops on our New Zealand travel itinerary, and we decided to take it slowly and enjoy splendid beaches.

That's why we did the hike in four days (three nights), although normally we would have done it in three days.

This is the exact itinerary we followed.

Abel Tasman is a must-visit place in New Zealand.

DAY 0: NELSON TO MARAHAU

We woke up early in the morning in Nelson, shortly walked around the city center, did the last-minute shopping for the hike, jumped on the car and off we went.

In about two hours we arrived in Marahau, where we checked-in in the campervan campground, went to Aquataxi to arrange a water taxi.

Marahau is the starting point to Abel Tasman National Park.

Then we noticed it was low tide, and we could see many Kiwis walking on the sandy sea bed looking for something.

We went closer only to find out they were collecting scallops, so we decided to do the same, and later we cooked an absolutely delicious pasta with scallops, olive oil, and lemon.

After such a great dinner, we went to bed and looked forward to the hike.

DAY 1: MARAHAU - TORRENT BAY

In the morning we left the car in Aquataxi parking lot, checked the tidal schedule once again to make sure we will cross all tricky parts safely, and we started the four-day long Abel Tasman Coast Track.

In the beginning, we had to cross the estuary over the Marahau causeway, we walked around several small beaches, but after some time the path turned inland.

We passed around Simonet Creek and walked in the forest for a while, but after some time we emerged on a beach, where we had lunch and were checked by park rangers who wanted to see our campsite reservation.

From this point, the trail was winding in and out, and we got splendid views of several little gullies such as Apple Tree Bay, Stillwell Bay or Cyathea Cove.

We camped the first night at Torrent Bay.

Then we reached the point behind Anchorage Bay where we could decide if we want to go via low tide path or a high tide path.

We opted for the letter, despite the fact it was a bit longer and more uphill because we wanted to see Cleopatras Pools we would have otherwise missed.

Not long after we reached our first campground in Torrent Bay, where we pitched the tent and went to the beach, later had a cold shower, cooked dinner and went to bed early.

DAY 2: TORRENT BAY - ONETAHUTI BEACH

The second day started with an uphill climb, and the trail took us more inland, but before we disappeared in the forest, we got great views of Torrent Bay and later of Frenchman Bay.

Then the trail led us inland, and we had to cross an impressive 47 meters long suspension bridge. Thanks to the fact we were now higher above the coast, we had amazing views of the sea and small islands around such as Pinnacle Island.

The second day we hiked from the Torrent Bay to Onetahuti Beach.

Around noon we reached Bark Bay Hut where we had lunch and were bitten by so many sandflies that we had to run out of this place.

It was low tide so we could barefoot cross Bark Bay to Onetahuti Beach where we spent the second night.

DAY 3: ONETAHUTI BEACH - TOTARANUI

We got up early in the morning to watch the sunrise on the beach, but it was cloudy, so we went back to the tent and slept for another two hours.

Later, we went again to the beach and were swimming and sunbathing, as we had to wait for low tide to safely cross Awaroa Bay.

At 1 PM we were finally ready to go.

Crossing Awaroa Bay was one of our favorite parts of Abel Tasman Coast Track as it was fun to walk on the partially wet sea bed, not mentioning it was super photogenic. Awaroa Bay is huge, so you need to follow orange poles not to lose your way and not to go too deep to the sea.

When we reached Awaroa Hut, we found out our food was rotten and we didn't have much food left for the next day. Anyway.

Then the path led us around Waiharakeke Bay and later around Goat Bay, where we took a rest before the last climb to Skinner Lookout before we descended to Totaranui Beach, where we spent the last night.

Totaranui Beach is the most popular place in Abel Tasman National Park.

DAY 4: TOTARANUI BEACH - MARAHAU

The last day of Abel Tasman Coast Track we decided to make a one-day trip from Totaranui via Whariwharanhi Hut, Separation Point and Gibbs Hill back to Totaranui.

We decided to leave unattended bags in the camp, so this hike was much easier as we had only water and a jacket in a daypack. In the beginning, the trail led us up, and after some time we reached a point from where we got a great view of Wainui Inlet and later Mutton Cove.

DIFFICULTY OF ABEL TASMAN TRACK

Abel Tasman Coast Trek is specific because as the name suggests, it walks mostly along the coast, so the hike is mostly flat except for several uphill sections, and we also think, that it’s together with Routeburn Track one of the easiest one Great Walks.

The full trek is 60 kilometers long, but it is only up to you how far you want to get. We walked approximately 50 kilometers to Totaranui, and from here took a water taxi back to Marahau.

Another great thing about Abel Tasman Coast Trek is that you can split it in as many days you want.

It is possible to finish the hike in three days (two nights), but you can walk slowly, relax on the beaches and enjoy splendid views, so it can take you five or six days to get to the end of the trek which makes it a great activity also for elderly or families with kids.

Abel Tasman Track is a moderately difficult hike.

The only thing which can make your hike a bit difficult is that you need to carry clothes, food, gas, stove, sleeping bag, and in case you are sleeping in a campground also tent and sleeping mat on your back.

Pack light so you won't make your hike more challenging than it should be.

If you want to make a loop and explore also the less-known part of Abel Tasman National Park, from Marahau you can do the classic Abel Tasman Coast Track to Wainui Bay, and in Wainui Bay connect to Abel Tasman Inland Track, a 41 kilometers long extension going through the unspoiled forest, back to Marahau.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

HUTS AND CAMPSITES

Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, and it means one thing - when doing a multi-day trek, you need to book your accommodation well in advance, because the hike is super-popular, especially during the main season between November and April.

You have two options on how to spend the night in the park - you can reserve a hut or a campsite.

Huts are more expensive (NZD 75 per person in the season from October to the end of April, the price is valid for international visitors, it is cheaper when you are New Zealand citizen).

There are only four huts on 60 kilometers, they are all well-located, and you don't need to carry anything but clothes, food and a sleeping bag as the bunk bed comes with a mattress.

You can stay in a tent or DOC hut overnight.

Huts have also drinking water and flush toilets. Apart from the high price, another disadvantage is that the capacity fills up quickly, and you have less privacy than in the campgrounds because you sleep with other hikers in one large dormitory.

It is much easier to book a site in campgrounds along the trail.

There are eighteen of them, on the other hand not all of the campsites are well-located, so the most popular ones are usually gone first, so when you decide on hiking Abel Tasman Coast Track later, you need to plan your days according to available campgrounds.

From October to the end of April the campground costs NZD 30 per person for an international visitor, and apart from the classic equipment you need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat.

Campgrounds are basic, there is a water tap but the water is not drinkable - use SteriPen - you can find here picnic tables and dry toilet.

ABEL TASMAN TRACK PACKING TIPS

Abel Tasman National Park is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, and the weather is quite stable throughout the year.

You can expect mild temperatures between 17 – 21°C in spring and autumn with occasional showers, the hottest months are from December to February when you can expect temperatures between 20 – 25°C, and the coldest, but most stable weather is from June to August.

If you plan on doing a multi-day Abel Tasman Coast Track, thanks to the welcoming weather you can pack lightly, but here are several essentials you should not forget.

Here are packing essentials for sleeping in a hut or a tent. When you sleep in a hut, you do not need a tent, mosquito net, and sleeping mat.

We've also created an in-depth Ultimate New Zealand Packing List where you can find more information and useful tips.

Pack light and smart, as the weather is mostly warm in Abel Tasman National Park.

HOW TO GET TO ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Abel Tasman National Park is well-accessible if you have your transport.

As we lived in New Zealand for a year, we had our car, but there are many rental companies, as traveling by car is by far the most popular and most convenient way how to get around New Zealand. No matter where are you coming from, you need to get on road 60 which leads to Marahau, a starting point for visiting the national park.

But if you do not travel by car, no worries, there are still a couple of options on how to get to Abel Tasman National Park.

The best way how to travel around in New Zeland is by rental car.

As the city of Nelson is the closest larger city to Marahau, and it is the place where you can do the last-minute shopping before the hike, the best way how to get to the park is to take a shuttle bus from Nelson which goes via Motueka and Kaiteriteri to Marahau.

There are several companies running shuttles on this route for about NZD 21, and the drive takes approximately two hours.

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.

Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

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Abel Tasman Coast Track: The Only Hiking Guide You Need