Abel Tasman Coast Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 51-kilometer hiking trail in the north of New Zealand's South Island . It leads from Marahau in the south to Wainui Bay in the north of the Abel Tasman National Park and is one of the New Zealand Great Walks . In its course, the track mostly leads close to the coastline, but at different heights above sea level. Numerous branches lead from the path into the interior of the national park.
The Coast Track is one of the two main routes in the national park, the Abel Tasman Inland Track , which runs parallel inland , extends for around 38 kilometers between Tinline Bay and Torrent Bay.
The Coast Track is very well paved and accessible all year round thanks to the mild climate. It's one of the Department of Conservation's Great Walks and the best-attended with over 200,000 visitors a year.
You can do the walk as an individual traveler regardless of prior registration, but tours are also offered by various professional providers. With water taxis, a ship traffic operated according to a fixed timetable or with jet boats, you can be dropped off at the various landing points along the coastline, in order to return after a hike on part of the waterway. Another option is to go kayaking along the coast; this is supported by several tent sites.
Especially in Marahau there are numerous offers for overnight stays, camping and kayak rentals.
To walk the entire length of 51 kilometers, you should plan between three and five days. Due to the interesting nature along the route, regular stops are essential. One-day hikes are also very popular.
In order to stay overnight in the national park, visitors must be able to prove that they have booked an overnight stay. Individual travelers who want to use the DOC campsites or huts must reserve their overnight accommodation in advance, especially during the main travel season.
The path crosses tributaries to the Tasman Sea or directly sea bays in several places . Depending on the ebb and flow of the tide, these may be temporarily accessible, or longer bypass routes have to be covered.
Web links
- Abel Tasman Coast Track . Department of Conservation ,accessed December 28, 2015.
