Abel Tasman National Park: New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Coastal Walk

The Abel Tasman Coast Track has a reputation as New Zealand’s easiest Great Walk, which can create the wrong expectations. It’s not easy in the sense of trivial: 60 kilometres along the northwest coast of the South Island, with tidal crossings that are impassable at high tide, enough variation in terrain to test fit walkers, and a ferry-dependent logistics system that requires actual planning. What it is, is stunning: golden beaches, clear water in shades of turquoise that you normally expect from the tropics, and native forest that overhangs the track on the inland sections.

The other piece of true information: this is the most popular Great Walk in New Zealand by bookings. Summer (December through February) is crowded. March and April offer the same weather with noticeably fewer people and accommodation that is actually available.

Booking

Huts and campsites must be booked year-round through the Department of Conservation website (doc.govt.nz). The 2026/27 season booking opened May 14, 2026. International visitors pay NZD $76 per adult per night during the main season (October to April); off-season rates (May to September) drop to $32. Peak summer dates fill quickly; if you’ve missed the initial booking window, keep checking for cancellations. Monitoring services like ReserveNature alert you when spots open.

One practical note that catches people: parts of the track are tidal crossings and can only be walked at low tide. Plan each day’s route against the tide tables.

The Walk

The standard route runs 3-5 days from Marahau (southern end) to Wainui or Totaranui (north), with options to reverse or take water taxis between sections. Water taxis are integral to the Abel Tasman experience: they allow flexible combinations of walking and boating, and most visitors use them to reach specific beach sections or to shorten a day’s walk. Operators run from Marahau throughout the season.

The beaches along the track, Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga, Onetahuti, are not uniform: each has different character and different water conditions. Seal colonies on Tonga Island (a marine reserve) are visible from kayaks and sometimes from the beach.

Kayaking as an Alternative

Kayaking the coastline is a serious alternative to or combination with the track. Guided kayaking tours from Marahau cover the most spectacular beach sections, including coves inaccessible on foot. Multi-day guided trips from operators like Sea Kayak Company or Kaiteriteri Kayaks include camping on remote beaches. For experienced paddlers, independent rentals are available.

Where to Stay

Marahau is the southern hub: a small village with lodges, hostels, and campsite accommodation within walking distance of the track start. Bookings are essential in summer. Marahau Beach Camp has budget-friendly sites and basic cabins.

For those not doing the full track, Kaiteriteri, 10 kilometres south, has a campsite and beach access that works well as a day-trip base.

Getting There

Nelson (the nearest city) is 70 kilometres from Marahau, about an hour’s drive. Abel Tasman Coachlines runs a regular shuttle service from Nelson. Fly into Nelson Airport from Wellington or Auckland; Air New Zealand and Sounds Air both operate the route.