My ultimate tips and packing list for the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand's smallest National Park.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one ofs New Zealand's "Great Walks". It can be walked in any direction and can be planned as a multi-day, day or half-day hike, depending on your mood. I have decided for a three-day alternative. In this article you can find out exactly what my route looked like.
Day 1: Totaranui - Bark Bay (22km)
At 9 o'clock in the morning I went with the water taxi to the north of the national park to Totaranui. I decided to walk from north to south to take the water taxi on the first day and not have to get into the taxi on the last day after the long walk but instead arrive straight at the car again.
On the way to Totaranui the taxi stopped several times. The first stop was the famous Split Apple Rock and the next one were different places to watch seals.
Shortly before 11am I arrived in Totaranui and made my way to Bark Bay, where I will spend my first night. The hike was quite exhausting, especially because it was my first one with a heavy backpack and I didn't know exactly what to expect and if I could really keep it for that long. After all, the first day was the longest with almost 7.5 hours of walking. And it went pretty uphill, which is why I arrived in Bark Bay with sore legs and immediately pitched my tent so that I could rest and go to sleep right after dinner.
It is important to inform yourself about the low-tide times of the route beforehand, as a part can only be crossed during this time.
Day 2: Bark Bay - Anchorage (8km)
After breakfast I started to walk to Anchorage at about 10 o'clock. The distance on this day was fortunately not quite as long as the day before and there was enough time to relax at the Anchorage beach. The walk lead along golden beaches with crystal clear water and through dense jungle. In Torrent Bay you have to wait for low tide again, if you don't want to walk a detour of more than one hour.
Day 3: Anchorage - Marabu (13 km)
The last day was a bit longer and the walk was harder than any of the days before. And I asked myself why on earth I'm doing this to myself. Slowly I can't carry the backpack anyomore, which weighs more than ten kilograms and my feet hurt more with every step... But at one point, I eventually finished the hike!
Packing List:
Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag
Two pairs of short shorts
A long sports leggings
Sleeping clothes
Two pairs of shoes
Rain jacket
Hygiene articles & sun cream
2-litre water bottle
Torch
Carrots, bananas, apples, almonds
Pre-cooked rice & noodles for dinner
Tomato sauce in a glass for the noodles
Pre-cooked vegetables & canned tomatoes for the rice
Salad, onions, grated carrots for wraps
Wraps
Pre-cooked porridge
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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write them in the comment section below. ⇣
xx
Nina