Images kindly contributed by Robbie. Words by Jane Daniell
Robbie’s beautiful pictures and this story may be “just the ticket” to booking a trip to Abel Tasman National Park and enjoying one of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks.
The approximately 60-kilometre Abel Tasman Track forms part of the spectacularly beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, situated in the north of the South Island of New Zealand.
Renowned for its pristine golden sand beaches, stretches of untouched native forest and tracks that require an easy to moderate level of fitness, it is no wonder this 3-5 day walk is one of the most popular of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Below are some gorgeous images of the walk that Robbie and her partner took in April of this year.
These images are followed by a short description of each of the walk’s seven stages, which start from Marahau in the south and finish at Whariwharangi in the north.
First Leg – Maharua – Anchorage: 3-4 hours -12.4 km.
As you start your trek north, the first bay you will arrive at is Tinline Bay. It is quoted as a “lovely little bay” and provides the first camping spot on the Abel Tasman walk. It’s also the most underused because it is a mere 3 km from the start.
Then onward for around 2-3 hours to Anchorage, the most visited destination, where daily water taxis arrive from Marahau or Kaiteriteri for day trips. Anchorage also boasts a beautifully set-up DOC hut (the first on the walk) and a campsite.
*DOC campsite & hut available*
Second Leg – Anchorage – Torrent Bay: 1-1.30 hours – .9 km.
The ocean inlet in this bay is passable only at low tide unless you decide to swim. For a high-tide walk, head up to the ridge along Anchorage for the route north. When you arrive at Torrent Bay, be aware that Torrent has a settlement of permanent holiday dwellers who like their village to be respected. It is advised that walkers stick to the public walkways only.
*Torrent Bay offers a Lodge for public accommodation and a small sheltered DOC campsite *
Third Leg -Torrent Bay – Bark Bay: 2-3 hours – 7.8kms
This part of the walk heads inland for a while, offering various views down to lovely bays and native bush. You then start heading down to the Falls River, crossable by a swing bridge, onto Bark Bay.
Fun Fact: Bark Bay is home to Kaka birds that were recently bred in captivity and released into the wild.
*DOC campsite available*
Fourth Leg – Bark Bay – Onetahuti: 2 hours – 6.1km
The walk north takes you along Onetahuti Beach, a 15-minute walk to a little walkway and bridge as you head up and along a ridge towards Awaroa. Apparently, there is a little bench seat at the top for a sit-down and a chance to enjoy the elevated views of Awaroa Lodge.
As you head north, take the time to turn back and take a picture of the crescent-shaped bay fringed by dark green native bush that is Onetahuti. It is a very picturesque view, with its golden sands and white foaming blue waters, which you can peep through the Punga branches of the tree-clad walking path.
Fifth Leg – Onetahuti – Awaroa: 2.5 hours – 7.1km
Renowned for its natural beauty and walking tracks, Arawora is also world famous for the crowd-funded purchase in 2016 of a beach for sale by a private owner. This special stretch of beach was then ceded back to the National Park for permanent access and use by the public.
*The Awaroa Lodge is open from Spring to Autumn, offers coffee and meals, and just along the road, there is good pizza and local craft beers available.*
Sixth Leg – Awaroa-Totaranui: 2.30-3 hours – 7.1km
This leg offers access to Totaranui from Awaroa for 1.5-2 hours on either side of low tide. There is no other access available. As you cross the estuary, you will spot beautiful wetlands. Totaranui has a gorgeous, long, golden-sand beach, Goats Beach, that you walk along to head out of Totaranui onwards to Whariwharangi Hut. For commercial operators, this is the final leg of the Abel Tasman Coastal walk. They are not permitted to operate beyond Totaranui.
*Two privately run campsites – Totaranui & Waiharakeke are available.*
Seventh Leg – Totaranui – Whariwharangi: 3 hours 30 minutes -7.5km
This is the most remote area of the Abel Tasman walk. Fewer people visit it because commercial operators are not permitted to operate there.
For those who are free walking, you can head further north to Whariwharangi, then onwards to either Wainui or Separation Bay. (This is where the Tasman Sea and Golden Bay are separated.)
There are several ruggedly beautiful walks, and the views from cliffsides to the lighthouse and gannet and seal colonies would make the extra time and distance worth it for the more intrepid travellers amongst you.
Click here for the source for this story about Abel Tasman Coastal Walks.
Additional MTR information:
Please note that the distances quoted are approximate and can differ if an alternative route is chosen. This story does not include the 5.7 km distance between Whariwharangi and Wainui (or Separation Bay).
DOC Campsites must be booked, and a Great Walks Pass is required
Robbie recommends Wilson Tours for your Abel Tasman Coastal Walk adventure
If you would like further information on this story or any of the stories published on this website please contact janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
