Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
The Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson
This iconic track is bustling in summer with 200,000 visitors making the most of this beautiful location each year. So we cannot rate this track enough as a winter trip when you get the incredible beauty of this national park and you get it nearly all to yourself!
60km one way
3-5 days hiking
New Zealand Great Walk
Whether you're heading out for a scenic multi-day, a chill overnighter or an adventurous trail run, look no further than the beloved local favourite! The plethora of swim spots, well-maintained tracks and top notch huts are highlights, but the ability to catch a water taxi to/from any major bay is a WINNER. Hit up @abeltasmanaquataxi and @abeltasmanseashuttle for transport options.
If you’re a local that has been-there-done-that a bunch, could you spice things up with a multi-activity extravaganza? Hiking, running, paddling, fishing, snorkelling, canyoning.. and cap it off with a mountain bike ride at Kaiteriteri MTB Park.
Things to note...
- Book a winter trip to avoid the summer masses. Huts & campsites require bookings year-round and prices change depending on the season. Check out the DOC website for more details
- Must-do side trip to Cleopatras Pool - have a spin down the natural water slide
- Stop at the Awaroa Lodge in summer for a bloody good pizza!
- The Awaroa Inlet requires a crossing at low tide. Check the tide timetables on the DOC website before you go
- No water taxi from Whariwharangi Bay! Circle back to Totaranui via Gibbs Hill Track
- Look out for wekas and sandflies - they like to hang out all year round waiting for you! 😜
Getting There:
Head north on State Highway 60 towards Motueka, then turn off towards Kaiteriteri. Park up at Abel Tasman DOC carpark (2 Harvey Road, Mārahau 7197), and finish your day with an epic pizza from @parkcafemarahau