Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.6%
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13.00:00
Slow
9.30:00
Moderate
7.30
Fast
An extension of the more popular Mārahau to Tōtaranui section, this is the full Abel Tasman Coastal Track Great Walk - a stunning 60 kms of golden sand beaches and estuaries, and bush covered headlands between Mārahau and Wainui Bay (in Golden Bay).
Very well marked on a well-formed (some say too well formed) track, this is an opportunity for beginner/intermediate runners to experience a big day out. There are high tide options at both Torrent Bay and Bark Bay (which the gpx file for this run follows). There is no high tide option for crossing Awaroa Estuary - DoC advise it can be crossed 1.5 hours before to 2 hours after low tide. With care it is possible to cross it a bit beyond 2 hours after low tide.
Given the distance by road between the start and end of this run, it is best done as a car swap with people doing in the opposite direction, or have someone drop you at Mārahau and drive over Tākaka Hill and to Wainui Bay to pick you up - repay them with a meal and drink at Roots Bar in Tākaka!
Golden sand beaches, historic homesteads at Tōtaranui and Whariwharangi Hut, Remnants of granite quarry at Tonga Quarry Campsite.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Large carpark with heaps of space, although can get busy in summer. Generally safe, but lock car and remove valuables/keep out of sight,
0 km
0 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
No navigation issues.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
Water available at all huts along track and at Tōtaranui. However, water is filtered at Tōtaranui only and treatment of water t other locations is advised by DoC.
No seasonality issues - winter is a great time for the faster runner (or with a headlamp in case of an early start or late finish).
Wasps in Summer.
Awaroa Estuary is tidal and needs to be crossed approx. 1.5 hours before to 2 hours after low tide.
Toto's Cafe & Pizzeria
Totaranui Hill Road
https://www.facebook.com/totoscafepizzeria/
If finishing at Wainui Bay end, a great way to celebrate the day - awesome pizza's and a stunning view over Wainui Bay. Check opening hours first.
Roots Bar
Takaka
https://www.rootsbar.co.nz/
Great food, craft beer and live music
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Full Abel Tasman
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So nice to do out of season, avoiding crowds and heat. Just a stunning run and only approx 1800m of vert.
September 25, 2023
Great day run. best part of the national park is up the top end after totaranui.
September 20, 2023
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.