38-651: The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60 kilometres (37 mi) long walking track within the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand. It extends from Mārahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with many side tracks. It is one of two main tracks through the park, the other being the Abel Tasman Inland Track , which stretches for 38 km between Tinline Bay and Torrent Bay off the main coastal track. The coastal track
76-542: A pā was established at Auckland Point by Pohea , who travelled there around 1450 from the Whanganui area. From the mid-1500s Muaūpoko (formerly known as Ngāi Tara ) occupied the area until the early 1600s, when they were ousted by Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri . Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri were present when Abel Tasman reached Golden Bay / Mohua in 1642. The park was founded in 1942, largely through the efforts of ornithologist and author Pérrine Moncrieff to have land reserved for
114-544: A free virtual visitor centre for downloading to smartphones or tablets. The application provides information about the Park's history, its flora and fauna, points of interest, weather, walking tracks, and tides. This virtual visitor centre is free of charge and can be found through the App Store or Google Play Store. [REDACTED] Abel Tasman National Park travel guide from Wikivoyage Tonga Island Tonga Island
152-532: A large area of it has undergone extensive environmental modification in its history. Early European settlers burned or cleared much of the forest, only to find that the soil was unsuitable for farming. This practise not only destroyed much of the shrubland and forests, but also introduced invasive plants found throughout the modern-day park. However, as time progresses, the original ecosystems and forests are slowly returning. The park contains varied habitats, including coastal forests, sub-alpine bogs, and sand dunes. As
190-410: A number of accommodation options. The track first passes close to the lodge, with a side track leading to the lodge, before skirting another valley and ending on the sandy beaches of the inlet near Awaroa Hut. The shortcut to the hut and DOC campsite involves crossing a lagoon which at high tide is about wwaist deep, at low tide it can be ankle deep, or you can walk around it in about 10 min. The long way
228-568: A popular tramping track that follows the coastline and is one of the Department of Conservation's Great Walks ; the Abel Tasman Inland Track is less frequented. Other walks in the park, such as the Wainui Falls Track are considered 'short walks'. Kayaking , camping and sightseeing are other activities. Access to the park is usually via the small settlement of Mārahau or Kaiteriteri (by water taxi). The nearest large town
266-558: A protected coastline, many people combine walking and sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. To walk the entire track takes from 3 to 5 days. Single-day walks are popular, as many points are accessible by boat from beaches along the track. The only road access other than the start and end points, is at Tōtaranui . Commercial water taxi and boat operators operate on a published schedule, and provide pick-up and drop-off services between Mārahau and Tōtaranui. One of
304-402: A result of this diversity, many different species can be found. The islands of the park, in particular Tonga Island , Motuareronui / Adele Island and Fisherman Island which are the largest, have been disturbed less and have no introduced mammalian predators. As a result the islands have species not found elsewhere in the park and there are more restrictions to visitor access. Though much of
342-461: A result of this, the park is one of the most modified landscapes of any of New Zealand's national parks, with management of the park largely focusing on regeneration and restoration of the traditional ecosystem. The park was first established in 1942 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman 's 1642 visit in New Zealand, when he became the first European to sight the islands. It has since been progressively expanded from its original borders,
380-639: Is Motueka , 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the south. Dogs (excepting guide dogs ) are not allowed in the park. The Department of Conservation administers the National Park. The Scenic Reserve is administered by the Tasman District Council Chief Executive and Department of Conservation’s Nelson / Marlborough Conservator. Activities in adjoining coastal waters are Tasman District Council's responsibility. These areas operate under separate regulations. Management of
418-524: Is 1 hr 30 min but avoids getting wet. This section of the track is 16.9 kilometres (10.5 mi) long, but can be broken up into 7.1 km to the Tōtaranui camping ground, and 9.8 km from there to Whariwharangi Bay Hut. Campsites are also located along the way at Waiharakeke Bay, Anapai Bay, and Mutton Cove. Awaroa Inlet can be crossed from anywhere between Sawpit Point and the sandy shore in front of Awaroa Hut. A large orange triangle marker indicates
SECTION 10
#1732794351352456-639: Is a small (0.15 km ) island in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere , off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It lies within the Abel Tasman National Park , about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) off Onetahuti Beach. The island has a flourishing fur seal colony, and is surrounded by the Tonga Island Marine Reserve , which was inaugurated in 1993. The island is accessible by water taxi or kayak and visible from
494-536: Is generally considered the starting point of the Abel Tasman Coast Track and is the only settlement along the track. Mārahau provides a DOC information centre, small shops, and holiday accommodation. The first 12.4 km section to Anchorage Bay takes in the estuary of the Mārahau River before passing several small bays and offering views out to Fisherman Island and Adele Island. Along the way,
532-450: Is the shortest, consisting of a 5.7 km climb out of Whariwharangi Bay and over a saddle to Wainui Bay. Once at the estuary's edge, the track follows the shoreline to a car park. Wainui Inlet itself is not part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track anymore, but can be crossed within two hours either side of low tide. Mountain biking is not permitted on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, however, from 1 May to 30 September, mountain bikers can ride on
570-607: Is well sheltered, and with mild weather in all seasons, it is accessible and open throughout the year. As one of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walks , the coastal track is well formed and easy to follow. It is the most popular tramping track in New Zealand, with most of the approximately 200,000 visitors to Abel Tasman National Park walking at least part of the track. It can be walked independently or with commercial operators with guiding, camping, lodge stay and boat stay options. Following
608-479: The Abel Tasman Coast Track, other than the start and end points of the track. The flat land behind the golden sand beach accommodates a camping ground, car park, camp office with public toilets, telephone and drinking water supply, as well as campsites for walkers of the track. Due to Tōtaranui being the northernmost water taxi stop, the track north of Tōtaranui is less frequented than the sections south of it, but no less scenic. After climbing over another low saddle,
646-505: The Cleopatra's Pool, a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide. At Torrent Bay, the track crosses the first of three estuaries. The Torrent Bay estuary can either be crossed within 2 hours either side of low tide, or rounded by an alternative high tide track through the bush around the bay, lengthening the distance by 3 km. The 8.4 km section between Anchorage Bay and Bark Bay leads largely inland through coastal forest, but
684-471: The Gibbs Hill track from Tōtaranui to Wainui Bay, with the last 1 km of that track sharing the coastal track. Download coordinates as: 40°55′44″S 173°02′55″E / 40.9288°S 173.0486°E / -40.9288; 173.0486 ( Abel Tasman Coast Track - nominal location ) Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman National Park is a national park at
722-505: The adjacent coast. Between Mean High Water and Mean Low Water Springs, the beaches are gazetted as a Scenic Reserve, covering 7.74 km (2.99 sq mi) in total. The Tonga Island Marine Reserve adjoins part of the park. The Abel Tasman Monument , though not located in the park, commemorates the first contact between Europeans and Māori and is located near the northern end of the park. Abel Tasman National Park stands out from most other National parks of New Zealand , given that
760-473: The area to plan their trips. For walking the entire Abel Tasman Coast Track, the track can be divided into five sections by the locations where huts are provided: Anchorage Bay, Bark Bay, Awaroa Inlet and Whariwharangi Bay. Between Mārahau and Tōtaranui, several more access points by water taxi, such as at Torrent Bay and Onetahuti Bay, make it possible to walk only parts of each section at a time for walks from less than an hour to half-day and day walks. Mārahau
798-422: The bays of Tinline Bay, Coquille Bay, Apple Tree Bay, Akersten Bay, and Watering Cove provide limited campsites and sandy beaches. After Watering Cove, the track turns inland for about one kilometer before it reaches Anchorage Bay. The hut and campsite at Anchorage is the largest along the track and like the other locations with huts provides filtered drinking water. A popular short side track from Anchorage leads to
SECTION 20
#1732794351352836-454: The cliffs and a seal colony at this northernmost point of the track. Walking via Separation Point adds one hour to the walking time. Both the main track and the track via Separation Point continue to climb inland over the forested hills to the north-facing Whariwharangi Bay, where a restored farm homestead has been repurposed as the DOC hut, and additional campsites are provided. The last section
874-455: The coast and runs along the wide sandy beach of Onetahuti Bay, with views out to Tonga Island . A bridge and boardwalk cross Richardson Stream and the surrounding wetland, before the track gently climbs over Tonga Saddle to Awaroa Bay. Awaroa Bay extends for over 2 km into Awaroa Inlet, which has a large tidal range and can only be crossed between about 1.5 hours before low tide and 2 hours after low tide. A lodge, hut, and campsite provide
912-472: The most popular months. A small number of commercial properties occupy parcels of private land within the boundaries of the National Park and provide lodge-style accommodation. Some backpacker accommodation is provided by boats moored off the coast. With one of the largest tidal ranges in New Zealand, the coastal track includes some tidal crossings that can only be negotiated at low tide. Independent walkers and sea kayakers need to have information on tides in
950-518: The most popular sections for walkers with limited time is from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay (or vice versa), a distance of 7.8 kilometres, which incorporates some steep paths, beautiful views over the two bays and a crossing of the Falls River by a 47 m swing bridge . To stay overnight in the National Park, visitors must use officially designated accommodation. Independent travellers use DOC campsites and huts that must be reserved in advance during
988-495: The most recent of which involved the addition of 7 hectares (17 acres) in Awaroa Inlet after a successful crowdfunding campaign . The coastal area was inhabited for hundreds of years by Māori prior to the arrival of Europeans, with sites throughout the area occupied both seasonally and permanently. In addition to harvesting food from the local forests, estuaries and waters, locals grew kūmara . Historical records indicate
1026-474: The national park is divided into three types of "places", where visitor access and use differs between type: In 2012 Project Janszoon, a privately funded trust, was set up to restore the park's ecosystems. The trust takes its name from Tasman's middle name Janszoon . It is aiming to complete the restoration in time for the 400th anniversary of Tasman's visit and the park's 100th anniversary in 2042. The Department of Conservation and Project Janszoon developed
1064-704: The national park. The Golden Bay Cement Company donated the land where the Abel Tasman Monument and a memorial plaque was sited. The area's primary historic interest was the visit of Tasman in 1642, D'Urville in 1827, and the New Zealand Company barques Whitby and Will Watch , and brig Arrow in 1841. The site was also of significant botanical interest. By 1946 the park had reached 15,534 hectares (38,386 acres) in area with additional land purchases. A further 844 hectares (2,085 acres) at Tōtaranui , formerly owned by William Gibbs ,
1102-500: The north end of New Zealand's South Island . It covers 237.1 km (91.5 sq mi) of land between Golden Bay / Mohua and Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere , making it the smallest of New Zealand's national parks . Despite this, the park is one of the most visited, partially due to the popularity of the Abel Tasman Coast Track which spans 60 km (37 mi) along the eastern and northern coastal areas of
1140-724: The park is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks. It consists of forested, hilly country to the north of the valleys of the Tākaka and Riwaka Rivers , and is bounded to the north by the waters of Golden Bay / Mohua and Tasman Bay . The park contains some of the islands off the coast including the Tata Islands in Golden Bay / Mohua, and Tonga Island , Motuareronui / Adele Island , and Fisherman Island in Tasman Bay. The park does not extend beyond Mean High Water Mark on
1178-412: The park. The area of the park has seen human interaction for approximately 700 years, with evidence of habitation dating back to early Māori iwi such as Waitaha and Rapuwai during the early periods of Māori habitation in New Zealand. Following the arrival of Pākehā in the 19th century, the area saw widespread deforestation, farming, and quarrying, significantly modifying the area's environment. As
Abel Tasman Coast Track - Misplaced Pages Continue
1216-400: The parkland is pasture or covered with shrubs, valley areas contain forests of rātā , mataī , miro and hinau . Over 70 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Some of the birds that can frequently be seen are petrels , shags , penguins , gulls , terns , and herons . Possums , wild pigs , deer , and goats can also be seen in the park. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is
1254-488: The point where the track continues on the other shore and is clearly visible from across the inlet, which is around 1 km wide at this point. Even at low tide, trampers can expect to get wet feet crossing the sandy expanse of the inlet and its intermittent banks covered in seashells. In the middle of the estuary, Awaroa River meanders its way out to sea. It is generally shallow and can easily be crossed, but may be impassable following very heavy rain. North of Awaroa Bay
1292-710: The purpose. Moncrieff served on the park board from 1943 to 1974. The park was opened on 18 December 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman's visit. Those in attendance at the opening ceremony at Tarakohe included Charles van der Plas , as personal representative of the Netherlands' Queen, Wilhelmina . The Queen was made Patron of the park. The idea for the park had been under consideration since June 1938. The Crown set aside 15,225 hectares (37,622 acres), comprising 8,900 hectares (21,900 acres) of proposed state forest, 5,809 hectares (14,354 acres) of Crown land and 554 hectares (1,368 acres) of other reserve land for
1330-417: The terrain of the valleys it crosses remains gentle. The 13.5 km section from Bark Bay to Awaroa Inlet takes in the coast backing the Tonga Island Marine Reserve , but continues largely through manuka forest with no sea views. Bark Bay contains another tidal estuary, however, the provided all-tide track around it only adds 15 minutes. At the halfway point, the Abel Tasman Coast Track briefly returns to
1368-478: The track crosses a low saddle to Waiharakeke Bay, briefly re-enters the forest, and then takes in Goat Bay. At both Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay the path leads along the sandy beaches. Between Goat Bay and Tōtaranui, the track climbs steeply to a lookout above Skinner Point with views north over the wide bay of Tōtaranui. At Tōtaranui an 11 km gravel road from Wainui Bay provides the only road access point to
1406-487: The track takes in the sandy beaches of Anapai Bay, with rock stack formations at its northern end, Anatakapau Bay, and Mutton Cove – the latter two separated by cliffs with a small rocky cove in between. Between Anatakapau Bay and Mutton Cove, the Abel Tasman Coast Track veers west towards Whariwharangi Bay, with a side track continuing north to take in Separation Point. A lighthouse at Separation Point overlooks
1444-473: Was acquired from J S Campbell in 1949 and added to the park. About 6,100 hectares (15,000 acres) have been added since. In 2008 an extra 7.9 km (790 ha; 3.1 sq mi), including the formerly private land known as Hadfields Clearing, were added to the park. In 2016, a further 7 hectares (17 acres) in Awaroa Inlet was purchased by New Zealanders in a crowdfunding campaign . Covering an area of 237 km (92 sq mi; 59,000 acres),
#351648