Abel Tasman Coastal Track Walk

We left Waiharakeke Bay campsite around 8.30 that morning in an eager attempt to get to our next destination early. We had deliberately made our last few days on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track short ones, so we could enjoy the track and get some swimming in. We had achieved both with swims at most overnight stops and leisurely days admiring the scenery.

From Waiharakeke the track continues along the coast past Goat Bay, a beautiful spot strangely with no campsite. And within about an hour you reach the massive campsite at Totaranui. The main campsite is open to the public and spots are booked well in advance. The track passes these sites by to reach the DOC information centre and camp shop in the centre of Totaranui.

All the water taxis arrive and depart from near the information centre too and there are pay phones here if you are trying to arrange pickup from Takaka. The track walkers campsite is just past the centre and away from the public site.

We continued on our way with a brief stop for water - which was drinkable straight from tap. The track follows the main road out of town before turning right past an education centre and back into bush once more.

About an hour after we left the relative hustle and bustle of Totaranui, we reached the beautiful Anapai Bay, our last stop on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. All the sites here are pretty close to what was possibly the most beautiful beach of all that we stayed at on the track. The individual sites were well laid out, and gave you a sense of isolation. The usual facilities were available for the six sites at Anapai, running water and a picnic table.

Grade: Easy

 

Standard: Good

Sites: 6

Water: From tap

Cost: $12 booked in advance