Explore the amazing Abel Tasman National Park, from as far south as stunning Marahau right up to Shag Harbour. Where you go is completely up to you!
Explore the enchanting granite coastline to find your favourite hideaway amongst the secret coves, deserted islands and golden beaches fringed with native forest and clear emerald waters.
Keep an eye (and an ear!) out while on shore for native New Zealand birdlife such as the Tui and the Bellbird. While on the water, be sure to be on the lookout for shy blue penguins, and cheeky fur seals.
Listed below are some of the most common trip plans. You can use these as a guide to creating your own adventure. We have started with 3 day options, but don't be limited by these ideas, 4-8 day trip plans are not uncommon!
Return journey. All kayaking. Recommended campsites: Night 1: Observation, Te Pukatea or Anchorage. Night 2: Medlands, Bark Bay or Mosquito.
3 days / 2 nights
Onetahuti – Marahau
Park start option. All kayaking. Recommended campsites: Night 1: Medlands, Bark Bay or Tonga Quarry. Night 2: Observation or Te Pukatea.
3 days / 2 nights
Marahau – Bark Bay – Marahau
Kayaking and Walking. 2 days kayaking to Bark Bay via Tonga Island. Kayak retrieval from Bark Bay. Return walk to Marahau. Recommended campsites: Night 1: Te Pukatea or Anchorage. Night 2: Medlands or Bark Bay.
3 days / 2 nights
Marahau – Awaroa / Totaranui
Kayaking and Walking. 2 days kayaking to Onetahuti. Kayak retrieval from Onetahuti. 1 day walk to Awaroa/Totaranui with water taxi pickup. *Tidal Crossings* Recommended campsites: Night 1: Te Pukatea or Anchorage. Night 2: Onetahuti or Awaroa.
Park Start option. Recommended campsites: Te Pukatea or Anchorage.
2 days / 1 night
Marahau - Anchorage - Marahau
Return journey. All kayaking. Recommended campsites: Observation, Watering Cove, Te Pukatea, or Anchorage.
2 days / 1 night
Onetahuti - Bark Bay - Marahau
All kayaking. Park Start option. Recommended campsites: Mosquito Bay, Anchorage or Te Pukatea
2 days / 1 night
Marahau - Anchorage - Marahau
Kayaking and Walking. Kayaking one day to Anchorage. Kayak retrieval from Anchorage. Walking one day to Marahau. Recommended campsites: Anchorage or Watering Cove.
Food: Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at hut sites and untreated water is available at the campsites.
Cooking equipment: If you plan to cook a hot meal ensure you bring a cooker and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain parts of the park, at certain times of the year. Utensils, cutlery, plates and cups will also come in handy. We also hire this, please check availability.
Camping equipment: During the evening it can become quite cool in the park so please make sure you pack a tent, camping mat and a warm sleeping bag. We also hire this, please check availability.
Kayaking clothes: You're bound to get wet when kayaking. Bring some quick drying clothes to paddle in. Shorts, t-shirt (long sleeves are preferable) hat, sunglasses and shoes. Don't forget your swimsuit and a towel!
Camp-site clothing: Warm camp-site clothing essential for the evenings. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, warm top (wool/fleece), trainers and socks, sleeping clothing, rainproof jacket.
Personal Items: Such as medication, toiletries, camera (with plenty of film or memory space!), personal drinking bottle, first aid kid, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Tip: The kayak storage will keep fruit and vegetables fresh for a 2-3 day period, save the dehydrated food for the last few days of your trip! Click here to see recommended food types.
2 - Please read information on this page, at the bottom of the page under "Booking Information"
3 - Click Abel Tasman Coastal Track
4 - From here you can Book online or Check availability
Campsite reservations: Safety:
We recommend camping versus hut stays for safety reasons. If the weather/sea conditions do not allow you to paddle to your reserved campsite, you can camp at an alternative DOC campsite along the coastline.
If, however, you have reserved a hut, and the sea conditions are not in your favour, you have a BIG problem! Click here to be directed to the DOC website to make your camping reservations.
Abel Tasman Coast Track Help Desk PO Box 375, Nelson greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz
Phone: +64 3 546 8210
Fax: +64 3 546 9612
3 Day Options