Abel Tasman Coastal Track Day Walk

Walk the remote northern section of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track from Totaranui back to Golden Bay Hideaway at Wainui. You'll experience the wild beauty, golden sand beaches and clear waters - without the crowds you might encounter further south. It is a beautiful walk!

How to Get There

1. Bus to Totaranui

   Catch the bus from Wainui to Totaranui (1/2 hour) and walk the Abel Tasman National Park Coastal Track back to Wainui. The bus leaves Takaka and will collect you in Wainui before continuing to Totaranui. You must book online with Golden Bay Coachlines or by phone (03) 525 8352 and pay with credit card.

2. Drop off at Totaranui

   Golden Bay Hideaway staff are available to drive your vehicle to Totaranui, drop you at the track's start and then drive your vehicle back to Golden Bay Hideaway ($50).

From Totaranui to Whariwharangi

• Time: 3 hr 15 min

• Distance: 9.8 km

The track heads around Totaranui estuary, climbs over a low saddle and winds down through lush forest to Anapai Bay. From here to Mutton Cove, travel alternates between sandy beaches and rocky headlands of regenerating kanuka forest.

Leave the coast at Mutton Cove and climb to another saddle. From here the track descends to Whariwharangi Bay. The hut - a restored farm homestead - and campsite are just behind the beach. Add 1 hour to go via Separation Point - from Mutton Cove, a track leads to a breeding ground for fur seals.

From Whariwharangi to Wainui

• Time: 1 hr 30 mins

• Distance: 5.5km

From Whariwharangi Hut follow a small stream then climbs out of the bay to a saddle overlooking Wainui inlet. The track winds down to the shore around gorse-covered ridges recovering from a 1976 fire, then follows the estuary edge for 500 metres to the carpark.

Further information:

Department of Conservation: Abel Tasman Coast Track

Department of Conservation: Abel Tasman Coast Track Trip Information Sheet

Taupo Point Half Day Walk

Start from Wainui car park at the end of McShane Rd.

The car park gateaway portrays two taniwha/water monsters of the Wainui and Parapara inlets near Collingwood who devoured travellers.

A 1-2 hour walk (tide dependent) along the coastline from Wainui Bay is Taupo point. Taupo Point was the pa site (fortified village) of the Tumatakokiri tribe whose warriors were thought to have killed four of Abel Tasman’s men in 1642. The pits, hollows and terraces of the Maori pa still remain. In 1978 the surrounding hills were ravaged by fire, but Taupo Point was spared. Consequently there is an interesting and diverse flora clinging to this fertile limestone outcrop.

Summer evening picnics at Taupo Point are very special. The beach glows under the fading evening light and the kanuka trees turn a rich, bronze colour which contrasts with the emerald colour of the sea.

Best at low tide, although there is a high tide track. Allow 1 hour each way. Requires a bit of rock/hopping and agility.