Abel Tasman Awaroa to Mārahau

An alternative, albeit shorter option southwards along the Abel Tasman if the tidal crossing at Awaroa Inlet or water taxi times are not in your favour to be able to complete the Full Abel Tasman or the Totaranui to Mārahau options.

This route can be done in both directions and has little difference in vert between the two. - Awaroa to Mārahau: water taxi to Awaroa then running back to Mārahau - Mārahau to Awaroa: catching the water taxi from Awaroa to Mārahau. This route officially ends at 229 Sandy Bay Road, which is where the water taxi service provides free off-street parking.

As with any great walk, this track will be very busy, expect a lot of day walkers. Ensure you call out to them before passing as some often cannot hear you to make space for you to pass. After being dropped off by the water taxi at North Awaroa, follow the boardwalk inland towards the Awaroa lodge. Navigation for this is relatively simple if following the signage, however there are a lot of side tracks and viewpoints.

After crossing the Tonga saddle you will have views into Tonga Bay. After Climbing out of Tonga Bay you will reach Bark Bay, pop off the track to visit the hut to 'bag it' before continuing onwards towards Torrent Bay. Once on the decent to Torrent Bay, follow the signage towards the DOC campsite where toilets and water are provided. Continue onwards along the high tide mark before turning inland towards Cleopatras Pool, a nice swim spot 2/3 of the way.

Turn back and continue southwards, crossing the Torrent River that will require you to get your feet wet. From here, continue onwards following the signage towards Anchorage Hut. Once down on Anchorage Beach run alongside the waves to reach the hut. Here is a good spot to also fill up water and use the facilities. Double back along the beach 100m or so and follow the sign that says Mārahau. It is a steepish climb out of Anchorage however views here are excellent. Continue southwards again along the track following the signage to Mārahau. It is another 8-10km from here back to the car at Mārahau. You will know you are close when you drop down along the boardwalks at Sandy Bay.

Once running through the wooden pillars at the end of the Great Walk, continue along Sandy Bay road on the gravel pathways towards the car!