GETTING THERE & BACK
Your transport,
your itinerary.
Access points: Marahau / Wainui Bay.
Trek Express can arrange transport to your start and collection at your finish. Send your dates, passenger numbers and exact track ends. Ask about luggage storage, bag relocation, bikes and any extra stops when requesting your quote.
TRACK & WEATHER UPDATES
Conditions change.
Stay connected.
The useful resources from the original Track Updates page, with clearer links and the older references separated from current planning tools.
Check the latest official access and track notices before travelling.
Search the correct track and dates. The original site’s Abel Tasman link incorrectly used the Heaphy booking code; use the booking portal instead.
Check the relevant track and mountain forecast, not only the forecast for Nelson city.
The original site links to Westport tides. Use the location and guidance appropriate to your coastal route.
The original source links river-flow information for Wangapeka access. Confirm the road and pickup arrangements with Trek Express; a gauge reading is not a safe-crossing instruction.
View the current schedule and booking information at The Heaphy Bus.
View the live Trek Express departure list and confirm seats before booking.
Abel Tasman Coast Track – The route, in detail
Original route notes: some describe historic huts, access arrangements, distances and facilities. They are background reading, not a current navigation or safety guide. Check the official track information and alerts before travelling. The source includes older tide and river-crossing advice; do not use those passages to decide whether a crossing is safe.
The Abel Tasman Track
Transport Options:
Nelson to Marahau
– direct 1 hour.
Nelson to Wainui Bay
– 2.25 hours, (plus possible stop over in Takaka 2 hours depending on schedule, arrive Wainui Bay car park 1:30pm).
Marahau to Wainui
– 1.5 hours (plus possible stop over in Takaka 2 hours depending on schedule, arrive Wainui Bay car park 1:30pm)
Wainui to Marahau
– 1.5 hours.
Wainui Bay to Nelson
– 2.25 hours.. possibly via Marahau and Takaka.. Add half hour).
To combine on Existing trips to and from Abel Tasman if you want to combine on a chartered trip (contact us) or book online a scheduled trip (click on the fare per person).
If you would rather organise a chartered trip specific to your requirements, please state your preferred date, time, the pick up location and destination then e-mail your details. For a chartered trip we need the equivalent of five fares to make the trip economical. We will send a quote and availability; once booked we will advertise the trip to try make up numbers (if necessary) to help subsidize your costs, but there is no guarantee others will join your charter.
Abel Tasman National Park description:
The Abel Tasman Track is New Zealand’s most popular tramp, catering to 200,000 walkers each year, because of its moderately easy path, mild weather year-round, and the ample amount of camping provided. The track is named for the famous Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, who first came to the area in the 1600’s.
Some areas of the track can only be traversed at low-tide, so having current tidal information is essential.
Distance: 51 km
DOC provides 4 huts and 20 campsites along the track, so it is very easy to follow this track at your own pace. Below is a description of a generally followed route.
Shuttle Bus Transport Nelson to Marahau Shelter
Approximate time: 1 hr 10 mins with Trek Express (e-mail)
Marahau Shelter to Anchorage
Fairly easy walking through beech forest while winding through gullies, many parts of the track are open. Views of Torrent Bay and the coastal islands are a highlight.
Anchorage provides a DOC hut with 24 bunks and heating facilities, as well as 100 camp sites.
Anchorage to Bark Bay
This part of the track leads through some private residences, respect their privacy by sticking to the track. You climb through a pine forest, coming to the largest river in the park, Falls River, over which there is a 47 metre bridge. The track continues to climb before descending back to sea-level at Bark Bay.
The Bark Bay Hut is outfitted with 28 bunks and has heating. There are also 80 campsites provided.
Bark Bay to Awaroa
A steep climb up to a saddle takes you away from the sea, returning to shore at Tongo Quarry where you can see Tonga Island off the coast. Climb once more, this time over Tonga Saddle and then the track descends to Awaroa inlet.
Awaroa Hut has 22 bunks and heating, additionally there are 36 campsites nearby.
Awaroa to Totaranui
Distance: 5.5 km
Approximate time: 1.5 hours
Awaroa Estuary can only be crossed during low tide, and after heavy rain it can become impassable. The track crosses a low saddle and enters a forest, finally emerging at Goat Bay. From here you climb to Skinner point from which you can enjoy nice views of the area, then follow the track down to Totaranui. This is the last stop for water taxis.
The Totaranui Camping Ground has 40 sites.
Totaranui to Whariwharangi
Distance: 7.5 km
Approximate time: 3 hours
From Totaranui you climb over a saddle then down to the shore again through forest to Anapai Bay. The track takes you through sandy beachs and rocky headlands, finally bringing you to another climb over a saddle and down to Whariwharangi Hut. Note: This part of the track is largely considered to be the most spectacular part of the Abel Tasman.
Whariwharangi Hut has 20 bunks and heating facilities. There are also 40 campsites in the area.
Whariwharangi to Wainui Bay Car Park
Distance: 5.5 km
Approximate time: 1.5 hours
For this last part of the track gives nice views of the inlet from a saddle, then winds down along the estuary to the car park.
Wainui Car Park to Nelson
Approximate time: 2 hr 15 mins hours
For this last part of the track gives nice views of the inlet from a saddle, then winds down along the estuary to the car park.
BEFORE YOU GO
Plan the walk as well as the ride.
Track & weather updates
Official alerts, weather, tides and hut booking
information
EXPLORE →
What to take
Rory’s original packing notes and scanned checklists.
EXPLORE →
Booking conditions
Changes, cancellations, pickup arrangements and extras.
EXPLORE →
