Abel Tasman Coastal Track and Beaches

Abel Tasman is one of the most popular National Parks in New Zealand. Peak season from mid-December to March (Easter). Often several hundred day-trippers visit the park for a hike between Awaroa and Marahau. The crowds thin out after Awaroa. Best months for a visit with pleasant weather and fewer hikers are November, March, and April. Continue reading to get all the needed information for each season.

For the Coast Track of 3-5 days booking for the 4 huts and 19 campsites is essential for the entire year. For summer, advanced booking is recommended. Availability and booking

Split Apple Rock

Tide times must get as much consideration as the weather forecast for the coastal track and also for day hikes:

• Crossing the stream at Onetahuti beach is only possible around low tide.
• Awaroa inlet can be crossed only within 1 ½ hour before and 2 h after low tide. 
• You can walk along the beach at Torrent Bay at low tide. At high tide, it’s a long way around along Cleopatra's pool which takes an additional hour.

Cleopatras Pool

Tide times

A pick up at Torrent Bay is not any longer offered. Limited drop off between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. exceptions for overnight guests and residents. The next opportunity is Anchorage and Bark Bay.

Water Taxis at Kaiteriteri

Tip: Even for a day trip book your water taxi in advance during the peak season in summer.
 

It’s one of the sunniest spots in NZ with over 2.200 hours of sunshine annually.

• Spring (Sept.-Nov.): Nature awakes, and the temps are perfect for hiking with temps below 20°Cs on average. Nights are pretty chilly. It’s the shoulder season and less crowded.
• Summer (Dec.-Feb.): It’s the best time of the year for hiking and swimming with less precipitation. From mid-December on the park gets utterly crowded with visitors from around the world, as well as from AUS and NZ in their school holidays. Day temps are above 20°C and nights are pleasant. January is the warmest month.
• Autumn (March-May): Still pleasant temps and crowds thin out. Not a high amount of precipitation on average 8 days a month. Temps are perfect for hiking. March and April are still very sunny. Nights temps in May are often below 10°C.
• Winter (June-Aug.): Day temps are around 14°C while there are one digit temps in the night. Camping is pretty cold. The coldest month is July with a night temp on average around 6°C. Most rainfall occurs in June. It’s the perfect time for photographers without crowds on the beaches and the turquoise crystal clear sea looks breathtaking at this time of the year. Viewer people visit the park. 
   

There are plenty of accommodations in Motueka but not many in Kaiteriteri. To get one of the early morning water taxis we recommend staying within walking distance to the beach and the shuttle service. Torlesse Motels are just a 10 minutes walk where the boats depart. The staff is lovely, and the view from here is spectacular. Book a studio and prepare your picnic for hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park. 

• Get up early and watch the breathtaking sunrise.
  
  
   
• Don't miss the famous Wharariki Beach which is most picturesque at sunset north of Abel Tasman. You may know it from the Windows 10 Wallpaper.