Tōtaranui beach, Abel Tasman national park

Totaranui Beach, Abel Tasman National Park

Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)

Totaranui Beach, Abel Tasman National Park 

One of the last spots on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track that you can access by water taxi and by car, this place is a real wonderland 🌴

What a beautiful place to park up, set up camp and explore all the hidden gems by foot or kayak 🛶  Trust us, you’ll think you’re in Fiji!

Hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, sunbathing - there’s so much to do from here. Short walks include the Puketea walk, and longer ones such as the Headlands Track give incredible views over Tōtaranui. You could also walk to Goat Bay along the coast track or to Awaroa Lodge for a delicious lunch or drink before walking or catching the boat back. If you love mountain biking, you can also ride the 10km Gibbs Hill Track from May to October to Wainui.

Tōtaranui campsite is a popular one with families because you can drive straight into the national park along the gravel road. This is around a 2.5 hour drive from Nelson via Takaka.

Or you can be more adventurous and catch a water taxi in from Marahau. Hit up @abeltasmanaquataxi and @abeltasmanseashuttle for water taxi options. Or, go by foot and hike in! An absolute summer must do!

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
  • There is an onsite shop and designated fire areas to light a fire (bring your own wood)
  • Tōtaranui 'Ngarata' Homestead is as education centre that can also be booked for private accommodation too! 
  • Look out for wekas and sandflies - they like to hang out all year round waiting for you! 😜
  • Tōtaranui is a large campground for up to 850 people and it does get busy in school holidays. Spots are across the road from the Tōtaranui beach and estuary. If you are walking, you can also camp beach side of the camp track. 

Have fun!

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