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Abel Tasman Coast Track
Abel Tasman Coast Track
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The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60 kilometres (37 mi) long walking
track within the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. It
extends from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with many
side tracks.
It is one of two main tracks through the park, the other being the
Abel Tasman Inland Track, which stretches for 38 km between Tinline
Bay and Torrent Bay off the main coastal track. The coastal track is
well sheltered, and with mild weather in all seasons, it is
accessible and open throughout the year.
As one of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) Great
Walks, the coastal track is well formed and easy to follow. It is
the most popular tramping track in New Zealand, with most of the
approximately 200,000 visitors annually. |
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It can be walked independently or with commercial operators with
guiding, camping, lodge stay and boat stay options. Following a
protected coastline, many people combine walking and sea kayaking in
Abel Tasman National Park.
To walk the entire track takes from 3 to 5 days. Single-day walks
are popular, as many points are accessible by boat from beaches
along the track. The only road access other than the start and end
points, is at Totaranui. Commercial water taxi and boat operators
operate on a published schedule, and provide pick-up and drop-off
services between Marahau and Totaranui. One of the most popular
sections for walkers with limited time is from Bark Bay to Torrent
Bay (or vice versa), a distance of 7.8 kilometres, which
incorporates some steep paths, beautiful views over the two bays and
a crossing of the Falls River by a 47 m swing bridge.
To stay overnight in the National Park, visitors must use officially
recognised accommodations. Independent travellers use DOC campsites
and huts that must be reserved in advance during the most popular
months. A small number of commercial properties occupy parcels of
private land within the boundaries of the National Park and provide
lodge-style accommodation. Some backpacker accommodation is provided
by boats moored off the coast.
With one of the largest tidal ranges in New Zealand, the coastal
track includes some tidal crossings that can only be negotiated at
low tide. Independent walkers and sea kayakers need to have
information on tides in the area to plan their trips.
Getting
There
The Abel Tasman Coast
Track is not a circuit track. However, it can be combined with the
Abel Tasman Inland Track to form a 5-6 day circuit. By road it takes
2 hours 30 minutes to drive between Totaranui or Wainui and Marahau
(approx. 100 km). This road is narrow, winding and unsealed in
places. By boat transport it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to travel
between Totaranui and Marahau.
The track is well serviced by public transport including
buses/coaches and boat transport. The nearest Airport is
Takaka Airport
which is located around
30 km away and the airport is serve
by
Golden Bay Air.
Golden Bay Air offers
scheduled flights between
Takaka Airport
and Wellington up to 4 times a day in the summer and 1-2 times a day
(except Saturdays) in the winter.
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