Abel Tasman Coast Track

The gentlest introduction to multi-day walking here: 60 km of coast in the north-west of the South Island, typically walked in three to five days between bays and estuaries. Water taxis run year-round between Marahau or Kaiteriteri and Totaranui, so you can walk a single section or mix in kayaking along the southern coast, where it is safer than the exposed shore north of Onetahuti Bay. Tides set the timetable. Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed from 1 hour 30 minutes before to 2 hours after low tide, in daylight, with no alternative route. Huts and campsites must be booked year-round, which also makes it a realistic winter trip.