shem banbury

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and it’s definitely one of the more relaxed ones. Compared to some of the big mountain tracks, this one is pretty easy going — the distances aren’t too long, the paths are well looked after, and you’re never far from a golden beach. Because it’s coastal, there’s also much less chance of getting caught in wild alpine weather, which makes it a good option for families.

We set out in January 2022, the five of us — Mum, Dad, Asa, Eli and Milli. It was peak summer and the huts were booked solid, so we carried tents. A bit of extra weight, sure, but in the end it was a good choice. We camped each night and loved it. At the finish we jumped on a water taxi at Tōtaranui and cruised back to Kaiteriteri, a great way to wrap it all up.

One of the best things about Abel Tasman is how much there is for kids to do. Every hut or campsite seems to have a beach nearby, or a short side walk, so after a day of walking there’s still plenty of exploring, swimming, or just playing around in the sand.

Day 1: Mārahau to Anchorage

Time: 4 hr
Distance: 12.4 km

The track kicks off by crossing the Mārahau estuary on the causeway. From there you wander through open country and then into beech forest and kānuka trees. It twists in and out of small gullies before the big reveal — a view out over Anchorage Bay. The descent brings you to a big campsite and hut right on the beach. A great first stop.

Day 2: Anchorage to Awaroa (via Bark Bay)

Anchorage to Bark Bay (low tide estuary): 3 hr, 8.4 km
Anchorage to Bark Bay (high tide route): 4 hr, 11.5 km
Bark Bay to Awaroa: 4 hr 30 min, 13.5 km

This day depends on the tide. At low tide you can cross Torrent Bay estuary and save time. At high tide you swing around on the longer track, crossing the big Kākāwera suspension bridge and getting easy access to Cleopatra’s Pool — a natural rock waterslide that’s a favourite for kids.

After Bark Bay, the track climbs, then drops to Tonga Quarry and Onetahuti Beach, the longest beach section of the walk. It’s one of the highlights. From there you climb over Tonga Saddle and head down through forest to reach Awaroa. We set up camp near the inlet, keeping a close eye on our gear because the weka here have sticky beaks and love to run off with things.

Day 3: Awaroa to Tōtaranui

Time: 2 hr 20 min
Distance: 7.1 km (tidal)

The big feature today is the Awaroa Inlet crossing. It can only be done around low tide, usually knee-deep and a bit chilly. It takes about 25 minutes to get across, and there’s no alternative track, so timing is everything.

Once across, the track weaves through forest and beaches like Waiharakeke and Goat Bay, then climbs to a lookout above Skinner Point before dropping into Tōtaranui. The big campground there felt busy after the quieter bays, but it’s also where the water taxis run from. We hopped on ours back to Kaiteriteri and enjoyed seeing the whole coastline from the water.

Final thoughts

We loved the Abel Tasman. It’s a walk that never feels too tough, always has a beach around the corner, and is perfect for kids. The days aren’t too long, the campsites are fun, and the tide crossings add a little bit of adventure. For us, camping together, swimming in clear water, and catching the boat back at the end made it a family trip we’ll always remember.