Abel Tasman Coast Track
Golden beaches and turquoise bays
Overview
Golden sand beaches, granite headlands and crystal-clear estuaries along the sunniest corner of New Zealand.
Itinerary
Marahau to Anchorage
Appletree Bay and first estuary crossing
Anchorage to Bark Bay
Bark Bay lagoon and estuary
Bark Bay to Awaroa
Tonga Island seal colony viewpoint
Awaroa to Whariwharangi
Whariwharangi historic homestead
Whariwharangi to Wainui
Final beach views north to Farewell Spit
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
4h
Marahau to Anchorage
MarahauAnchorage Hut
Distance
13 km
Elevation gain
300m
Est. time
4h
The classic opener crosses tidal estuaries and passes golden Appletree Bay.
Appletree Bay and first estuary crossing
- 2
Day 2
3h 30m
Anchorage to Bark Bay
AnchorageBark Bay Hut
Distance
11 km
Elevation gain
200m
Est. time
3h 30m
Stunning coastal walking past Torrent Bay and the lagoon at Bark Bay.
Bark Bay lagoon and estuary
- 3
Day 3
4h 30m
Bark Bay to Awaroa
Bark BayAwaroa Hut
Distance
14 km
Elevation gain
280m
Est. time
4h 30m
Cross the Tonga Island Marine Reserve lookout for seal colony views.
Tonga Island seal colony viewpoint
- 4
Day 4
5h
Awaroa to Whariwharangi
AwaroaWhariwharangi Hut
Distance
17 km
Elevation gain
400m
Est. time
5h
The track's highest crossing leads to a remote and peaceful bay.
Whariwharangi historic homestead
- 5
Day 5
1h 30m
Whariwharangi to Wainui
WhariwharangiWainui Bay
Distance
5 km
Elevation gain
50m
Est. time
1h 30m
A short final section through kanuka scrub to the road end.
Final beach views north to Farewell Spit
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 26
Anchorage Hut
BunksFlush toilets - Night 2HutSleeps 24
Bark Bay Hut
BunksFlush toilets - Night 3HutSleeps 25
Awaroa Hut
BunksFlush toilets - Night 4HutSleeps 26
Whariwharangi Hut
BunksFlush toilets
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
Trips are private by default. Share when you're ready.
Walk data from DOC — used with permission.