Plan your journey along New Zealand's most beautiful coastal walk

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or several days, there are many ways to experience the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Let us take care of the details, or use our Trip Finders to design your ideal trip:

  • Day Trips — from 2–8 hours, including cruising, walking and kayaking

  • Multiday Journeys — all-inclusive journeys staying at our beachfront lodges

Getting to the Abel Tasman

Road Access

  • Mārahau (southern entrance)

  • Wainui (northern entrance)

  • Tōtaranui — accessed via an unsealed road from Tākaka. A narrow, four-wheel drive track continues to the Awaroa estuary. Access to the Coast Track from this point is only possible at low tide.

Boat access

  • Kaiteriteri — main departure point with all-tide access for larger vessels

  • Mārahau — tidal inlet suited to smaller boats

Note: Abel Tasman Foreshore Management regulations allow landings only at selected beaches. There are no commercial landings north of Tōtaranui.

Tides & planning

Abel Tasman has one of the highest tidal ranges in New Zealand.

Some sections of the Coast Track include tidal crossings that can only be completed at low tide, so it’s important to plan your timing carefully.

See Weather and Tides for more details.

Walking the coast track

The Abel Tasman Coast Track runs 51km (32mile) from Mārahau to Wainui.

  • Mārahau to Tōtaranui: 38km (24miles)

  • Maximum elevation: 150m (500ft)

The track is maintained to a high standard by the Department of Conservation. We recommend:

  • sturdy walking shoes

  • walking poles for some uphill and downhill sections

View walking times and track profiles on the Department of Conservation website.

Sea kayaking

Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the coastline.

You can:

  • hire kayaks and arrange transfers in advance, or

  • join a guided kayaking trip with everything included

Learn more: all you need to know about sea kayaking.

Accommodation

Accommodation within Abel Tasman National Park must be booked in advance. There are three main options:

Beachfront Lodge Stays

For a touch of luxury, stay at our beachfront lodges within the national park.

Enjoy:

  • private rooms
  • hot showers and meals
  • seamless transfers and support

Explore lodge stays

Department of Conservation Huts

  • Bunk rooms and shared cooking shelters
  • Filtered water available
  • Bring your own food, cooking equipment and bedding

Department of Conservation Campsites

  • Basic toilet facilities
  • Filtered water at Anchorage, Bark Bay and Awaroa

Book on the Department of Conservation website.

Make it easy

Planning a trip in the Abel Tasman National Park can involve coordinating tides, transport and accommodation.

Our team can take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience.