How to Plan the Perfect Abel Tasman Walking Adventure
Going for an Abel Tasman walk in the Nelson Tasman region gives you a unique and unforgettable hiking experience. Think of golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, amazing rock formations, and rich wildlife.
Instead of hiking in the middle of towering mountain ridges, you will be welcomed by a stunning coastline. Start your thrilling outdoor adventure with an efficient plan to make the most of your fantastic trip.
Exploring the Abel Tasman Track
The Abel Tasman track is a popular tramping destination in a wilderness reserve, Abel Tasman National Park, at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island.
Hiking is among the most sought-after activities in this coastal paradise. With a 60-kilometre-long track, it can surely give you a unique outdoor adventure. You can take a one-day walk on this beautiful track and hike certain portions or finish the entire trail by hiking for four days.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Abel Tasman Walk
The Abel Tasman trail is more than just a hiking destination; it is also a coastal haven that showcases a lot of stunning sights to see, fun activities to do, and rich wildlife to discover. To make the most of your walk, make sure to plan your trip thoroughly.
Here are some essential tips to help you make a detailed plan for your tramping adventure in the coastal track of Abel Tasman National Park.
Check Out the Track
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, researching your tramping destination is essential. It allows you to learn all about the track, from its distance to its elevation gain, and make the necessary preparations.
You also get to discover the hidden jewels of the coastal track, such as its rich terrestrial and marine life, lush native forest, and majestic azure waters, allowing you to maximise the fun during your trip.
Consider the Track Difficulty
Hiking trails possess different difficulty levels, which means that they also require specific skills and set particular physical demands.
A track with rocky terrains, narrow paths, and high elevation suits hikers with advanced hiking skills and extreme fitness and endurance. While a hiking route with flat terrain, no extremely steep portions, and pathways are appropriate for beginners.
While planning, make sure that you check out the difficulty level of this amazing coastal trail for better physical and mental preparation and a more exciting hiking experience.
Select a Hiking Package
New Zealand Walks offer excellent Abel Tasman walk packages. You can select multi-day classic freedom walks and guided hikes to finish the 60-kilometre trail and get a whole Abel Tasman experience.
But if time is a luxury for you, there is also a one-day guided walk package option to witness the breathtaking coasts, awesome hiking trail, and all its amazing wonders for a whole day.
You can choose a hiking tour package that suits your needs, preferences, and tastes and experience the best of both worlds in this coastal paradise.
Book a Transport
There are unique ways to access the Abel Tasman coast track. You can access the park by driving towards Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the south or Golden Bay and Totaranui in the north.
But if you want to get to the Abel Tasman National Park from Nelson by public transport, you can ride the buses from the city to Marahua. To access the hiking trail, you must ride a water taxi or a kayak to Bark Bay.
Water taxis have particular schedules and stopovers, so you have to book a ride in advance to successfully get to the Abel Tasman track and start your invigorating hike.
And if you plan to take public transport, check the bus schedule to access the park and catch your water taxi ride.
Choose Your Accommodation
If you are going for a multi-day guided or freedom walk, you must book comfortable accommodation. You should pick a place with excellent amenities, meal inclusions, proximity, and other essential factors.
Many luxury hotels and inns near the Abel Tasman National Park have exceptional features and unparalleled services. You can find comfort in their high-end rooms after a long day hiking on the trail.
There are also huts in the track if you want a classic and traditional type of lodging. You can select and book a hut that matches your preferences and needs.
But if you want more connection with nature by opting for an outdoor camp, there are also excellent campsites in the park where you can stay the night. Make sure to bring your camping gear for a cosier and safer stay.
Check for Other Track Activities
There are other thrilling outdoor adventures in the park besides the refreshing Abel Tasman walk. You can embark on scenic cruises, experience thrilling helicopter rides, ride unique water taxis, and go kayaking.
With these exciting activities, you can make your trip more memorable by going for a great walk on the popular trail and doing extra outdoor activities.
Pack the Hiking Essentials
Don’t forget to include the things you need for your most-awaited hike in your plan. For a smoother process, you can create a checklist of your hiking essentials.
You can create categories, such as gears, clothing, food, first-aid, and more, and list the related things under them for easier classification and packing.
Before packing them in your hiking bag, prepare and lay out the necessary items to check if you have everything you need or missed something.
Be Ready for a Thrilling Adventure
When your plan is set, all you need to do is prepare yourself for a thrilling hiking adventure on a popular tramping route that has been hailed as one of the Great Walks in New Zealand.
When you embark on your outdoor journey, follow your pace, have fun, and make unforgettable memories.
Experience the Abel Tasman Great Walk
Get the best of both worlds: walk along an amazing hiking trail while witnessing a panoramic coast at the Abel Tasman track.
If you want to experience the great Abel Tasman hike, New Zealand Walks got you! We offer one-day walk and multi-day hike packages in this stunning coastal paradise. For more enquiries, please call +64 3 5736655 today.
What our other guests have said
We have just completed an amazing experience with Becs and Grace as our guides on the Hollyford Track. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the plants, the history of this track, early settlers stories and facts which made the places much more meaningful. Becs' enthusiasm and motivation...
Barry and Trish, Hollyford 3 day Guided Walk, January 2021
Everything on both the Abel Tasman walk and the Queen Charlotte walk was very well organised and Anna did a superb job in booking and liaising with us. The accommodation was great in lovely lodges along the way. Beautiful scenery and I recommend that you book with New Zealand walks.
Val, Top of the South Package, January 2020
Queen Charlotte track: Very well organized. Great communication. Anna replied to our last minute questions on Sunday evening within an hour and was always very friendly and helpful. Friendly and knowledgeable team on the water taxi made the trip even more special. Very nice lodges too and the...
Supriya, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, January 2022