The Abel Tasman Coast Track is the easiest and most accessible of all the Great Walks — and one of the most beautiful. Over 60 km and 3–5 days it follows the golden beaches and turquoise bays of Abel Tasman National Park, through gentle native forest, with warm(ish) swimming and water-taxi access all along the way.
The basics
- Distance: ~60 km, 3–5 days (flexible — water taxis let you do as much or as little as you like).
- Difficulty: Easy/intermediate — mostly gentle, well-formed track. Great first Great Walk.
- Tidal crossings: A couple of sections (like Awaroa) are tide-dependent — check the tide tables or you’ll be stuck.
Booking & season
Great Walks season runs roughly late October to April. Book huts/campsites through DOC — 2026/27 bookings opened 14 May 2026, and it runs ~95% full, so book early.
The budget hack
You don’t need to do the whole thing. Take a water taxi one way (e.g. to Bark Bay or Anchorage) and walk back to Mārahau through the prettiest section — a brilliant, cheaper day out. Or walk the free section from Mārahau and turn around.
Why everyone loves it
Warm water, golden sand, easy walking and constant sea views. It’s the friendliest introduction to NZ multi-day hiking there is.
What to bring
Sun protection, togs, food, and sandfly repellent. Check DOC alerts and tide times.
Base a Campervanz van in Mārahau and do the Abel Tasman your way — full track or day trip.
