Abel Tasman Coastal Trail (New Zealand)

The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk is a 3-day walk in the Abel Tasman National Park. It is 60 km long and although it is possible to do it in 3 days, it is recommended to do it in 3.

It is considered one of the best multi-day hikes in the world. It is located in the top left corner of New Zealand's South Island, about an hour from the city of Nelson.

The path curves along the coast from the golden sandy coves to the forests that lie beyond the coast.

Part of the trail at Awaro Inlet is entirely dependent on the tidal crossing, so be sure to check the tide times before you start walking this part of the trail. It is possible to cross one and a half hours before low tide and two hours after.

The walk can be done in either direction: from Marahau or from Wainui Bay.

You may be interested in: The world's best coastal treks".

Practical guide for hikers

The following explains the route starting from Totaranui, which is situated about 15.5 km on the Wanui Bay side, in the direction of Marahau.

Accommodation options are plentiful, with 4 cabins and 18 campsites along the route. It is only possible to sleep 2 nights at a time in each of the accommodations.

The first day consists of a walk of approximately 5.5 hours and a length of 14.2 km. The trail is hot, dusty and with very little to rest from the sun. In order to follow the route it is important to follow the orange flags that are placed along the route. These signs are used because the path appears and disappears. It is possible to come across a tidal crossing at the Awaroa inlet where it will be necessary to enter the water. The first stage ends at Onetahuti camp.

The second day starts with a walk through the Tonga Quarry, then Bark Bay and then a second tidal crossing at Torrent Bay Village. From Bark to Torrent Bay it is necessary to cross two swing bridges, but they are easy to cross. After the second tide crossing, a third one will be needed to get to Anchorage where the camp is located for the second night. It takes 30 minutes to cross the wet, silty sand to reach the camp. This second stage is 14.8 km long and takes approximately 5 hours to complete. However, for the more adventurous there is the option of climbing to Pitt Head, a lookout point that offers unparalleled views.

The third day can be done on foot or by kayak. If you choose the latter option, a 30-minute walk takes you to Watering Cove where the kayak tour begins. It's a great way to explore Adele Island and swim with the sea lions.

The weather is good all along the route and the views are unbeatable. Every 30 minutes there is a viewpoint to observe the whole area. There is also the option of taking some side paths to get a different perspective of the area.

As the route is situated next to the water's edge, it is possible to take a dip at the end of each route to cool off. The camping areas are the best places to do this. In addition, the variety of paths is spectacular and very changeable. You start in a very dry, almost desert-like area and end up in an area full of humidity and green zones.

The road is generally quite repetitive, steep and uphill most of the time.

Advice for hikers

It is important to carry mosquito repellent. As it is a very humid area, there is an infinity of insects that make bites, some of them quite painful.

Jellyfish may be present in some bathing areas. Before going into the water you should make sure that there are no jellyfish or that there are not many and avoid any risk of being stung. If you want to swim, it is advisable to do so in the areas where the huts are located so that if you are stung someone can help you.

There is no rubbish along the way, so please carry as much rubbish as possible. One way to avoid large amounts of waste is to carry provisions that do not have a lot of packaging.

If you want to do the walk in the summer months, it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. It is a very popular walk, so between October and April the huts are usually fully booked.

Another reservation that must be made in advance is that of the water taxi. Advance notice is required to be able to get on one of them, so it is necessary to make a reservation for the idea and the return trip. It is important to know where you are going to start and where you are going to finish the route, as it is not a circular track.

There are not many areas where you can stay in huts, so it is necessary to make use of tents. It is important to carry all the materials you will need for sleeping and trekking.

As far as clothing is concerned, as there are many insects, it is advisable to wear thin clothes to be able to withstand the heat, but if possible long sleeves to avoid bites. As far as shoes are concerned, as it is a very humid area with a lot of bathing areas, it is advisable to wear waterproof shoes.