Abel Tasman Coast Track

Information

Distance

60.0 km

Duration

3–5 days

Max elevation

350 m

Country

New Zealand (NZ)

Difficulty

Easy — the easiest Great Walk in New Zealand, with a clear trail and complete signage throughout the route

Best Season

October–April; passable year-round thanks to the mild coastal climate

Permits & Fees

Huts and campsites must be booked through the DOC (Department of Conservation) website before departure; in peak season (October–April) the price is about NZ$75 per night per person for international visitors

Description

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is New Zealand's most popular Great Walk, stretching 60 km (37 miles) along the coastline of Abel Tasman National Park from Mārahau in the south to Wainui in the north at the top of the South Island. One of nine official DOC Great Walks, the track is celebrated for its rare combination of golden sand beaches, lush coastal forest, and clear sheltered bays. Unlike most major New Zealand routes, it requires no technical skills and can be completed by almost any fit walker in three to five days. The park receives around 200,000 visitors annually, making it New Zealand's most-visited national park. A unique feature is the ability to mix walking with sea kayaking and water taxi hops between sections.

Trail Highlights

Golden sand beaches with clear greenish water, dense tropical forest atop the coastal ridges, the tidal crossing at Awaroa (which must be crossed at low tide), opportunities for sea kayaking between walking days, and dolphins and seals frequently seen in the bays