It’s no secret that Abel Tasman is a piece of paradise. You can’t get much better than panoramic golden beaches with balmy, crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush native bush and birds.
Wish you were there? Us too, so why not take some time to wander through Abel Tasman and explore one of Aotearoa’s best landscapes? Grab your boots and your tramping buddy, and try out the best day tramps the Abel Tasman has to offer.
Mārahau To Appletree Bay
This easy peasy walk takes you from Mārahau around the stunning coastline to Appletree Bay in about an hour and a half. Start off in Mārahau by crossing over the estuary, then head into the native bush for a 5km tramp. Take your togs, towel and some lunch (keep an eye out for sneaky weka), and indulge in a day in paradise.
Wainui Falls Track
Image credit: Wainui Falls Swing Bridge | www.nelsontasman.nz
On the Golden Bay side of the national park, Wainui Falls is a short-walk ‘must-do’ if you’re visiting the area. The easy, well-maintained track heads through lush nikau and ferns as it follows the Wainui River upstream.
Snap some selfies on the suspension bridge, which crosses the river tumbling down the gorge below, then admire the spectacular 20m waterfall that cascades into a deep, refreshing pool. The numerous rock pools along the way will entice you for a dip, so this walk is best done in the warmer months.
Cleopatra’s Pool
Image credit: Cleopatra's pool | www.nelsontasman.nz
If you find yourself needing a break from sunbathing on the beach at Anchorage, take a one-hour bush walk to Cleopatra’s Pool. You’ll be treated to a charming rock pool with a natural, moss-lined water-slide—perfect for cooling off after your walk.
Bark Bay To Anchorage
Take advantage of a water taxi and get yourself into the heart of the park. After being dropped off at the gorgeous cove of Medlands Beach, follow the track as it meanders through lush coastal forest and across the Falls River suspension bridge, the longest in the park.
Once at Rākauroa/Torrent Bay, sun yourself on the beach or continue to Anchorage Beach, where you can hang out until your afternoon water taxi arrives.
Anchorage To Mārahau
We all love an excuse to take a boat trip, so why not take advantage of the Abel Tasman water taxi and start your tramp in Anchorage? Catch a boat from Kaiteriteri Beach to Anchorage, where you’ll start the four-hour tramp around the coastal track back to Mārahau.
The track goes through both bush and beach, and you’re sure to be treated to plenty of scenic views along the way. Take a look at some travel packages that’ll make sure you get from Mārahau to Kaiteriteri when you’ve finished your day in the sun.
Tōtaranui To Anapai Bay
Image credit: Anapai Bay Rock Stacks | Epic Trails
Camping at Tōtaranui? A short one-hour tramp will take you from the Tōtaranui campsite to the lovely Anapai Bay, where you’ll be treated to even more golden sand and sparkling blue ocean. You’ll surely get plenty of pics while in the Abel Tasman, but make sure to bring your camera on this trip because Anapai Bay is particularly Insta-worthy.
Tōtaranui To Separation Point
Image credit: Separation Point Trail | Ray An AllTrails
Keen for something a bit more substantial? The Tōtaranui to Separation Point trip will take you the whole day (about three hours each way), so make sure you know what you’re doing and are well-equipped for the day ahead.
You know what to expect by now—bush, beach, sea—but you’ll excuse us for going on about it when it’s so damn stunning. For an extra special treat, you might get to spot some local wildlife, as Separation Point is also home to a fur seal colony.
The track treks around the coastline, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take a break and admire the breathtaking vistas—after all, that’s what you’re here for.
Taupo Point Track
Image credit: Wainui Bay Taupo Point Walk | Flynn Stevens AllTrails
This short coastal track traces the gorgeous northeastern edge of Wainui Bay, to Taupo Point, a special place once home to one of the most significant pa (fortified village) in Mohua/Golden Bay. It was off the coast here that the first encounter between Tumatakokiri Māori and Dutch explorer (and the national park's namesake), Abel Tasman, occurred in 1642.
On the track, you’ll enjoy golden sands and crystal-clear swimming beaches, backed by steep hills clad in jungle-like bush. The walk is best done at low tide and requires a bit of nimbleness as it climbs over the coastal rocks, though there is an alternative high tide track.
Harwoods Hole Track
Image credit: Harwoods Hole | www.nelsontasman.nz
An easy out-and-back stroll through ethereal beech forest and curiously shaped marble boulders, this walk heads to the Harwoods Hole, New Zealand’s deepest sinkhole (176 m straight down).
The gentle downhill gradient on the way gives a subtle hint that you’re following the ancient creekbed that led to the formation of this sinkhole. When you arrive at the hole, the curved lip means you can’t see far into it, but your proximity to the edge and the imposing marble amphitheatre that surrounds it can inspire feelings of awe and unease.
Take the quick side-trip to Gorge Creek Lookout, and marvel at the craggy marble bluffs that fall dramatically to Takaka Valley below.
Tinline Bay Nature Walk
Starting from Marahau, this short loop track is an excellent family-friendly option and a great taster of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
One of the best short walks in the Abel Tasman, follow the easy track from Marahau and branch off onto the nature walk at Tinline Bay campsite. Admire the interesting mix of remnant native trees, rimu, kahikatea, climbing rata and beech. On the return leg, take your time wandering along the tidal sands of Porters Beach.
Looking for more epic hikes? Check out:
- The Complete Guide To The Tongariro Crossing And Northern Circuit
- How To Tackle The 10 Great Walks Of New Zealand
- Everything You Need To Know Before Hiking Mount Taranaki
Main image credit: Walking at Te Puketea in Abel Tasman National Park | www.nelsontasman.nz
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