Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, but don't let its size fool you. This tiny national park is home to one of the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand, the Abel Tasman Track, which goes along the coastline of the northern tip of the South Island.
To complete the entire 60 km length of the Abel Tasman Track would take you from 3 to 5 days, but for those of you who are short on time, you can pick sections of the Abel Tasman Track and do them as day trips.
For this hiking guide, I will show you how to hike the Abel Tasman Track for a day, which section is the prettiest, and how to get to and from the Abel Tasman National Park. Without further ado, here is all the information you need for a one-day hike in the Abel Tasman National Park.
- Abel Tasman Track Day Hike Map
- One Day Abel Tasman Itinerary
- More Motueka Activities
- Where to Stay in Motueka?
- New Zealand Travel Video
- When to Hike the Abel Tasman Track?
- How to Get to the Abel Tasman National Park?
- How Long Does It Take to Do the Abel Tasman Track?
- How Much Does It Cost To Do the Abel Tasman Track?
- Is Abel Tasman Track Safe?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for New Zealand?
- What to Pack for the Abel Tasman Track?
- Further Reading for Backpacking in New Zealand
Abel Tasman Track Day Hike Map
| 🌤️ Best time: | November-March |
| 🚘 Get around: | Hiking and Water Taxi |
| 🕓 Time to spend: | 1 day |
| 💰 Cost: | 167 NZD |
One Day Abel Tasman Itinerary
Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park
At 9 sharp, you will be picked up by AquaTaxi at your accommodation in Motueka where they will then take you on a speedboat to Marahau, and off you go to the Abel Tasman National Park.
As the speedboat rushes through Tasman Bay, you may be lucky enough to be greeted by a group of playful dolphins that often come and swim with the speedboat, welcoming travelers to their beautiful home of Abel Tasman National Park. What a way to start a day!
It should take about an hour before you are dropped off at the trailhead, which is Torrent Bay, where you disembark and begin your Abel Tasman hike. Since there is no pier or any facility for that matter, you will have to get off the boat in shallow water, so prepare to take your shoes off and walk in this freezing cold water to the beach.
- Happy Apple Backpackers (Budget)
- White Elephant Accomodation (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Avalon Manor Motel (High-End)
- 13,000ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery (2 hours)
- Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman (7 to 8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Anchorage Walk and Sail (8 hours)
The Torrent Bay To Onetahuti Beach
Now that we have arrived at Torrent Bay, it's time to begin your journey in the Abel Tasman National Park. This section of the Abel Tasman Track is quite easy, with only a handful of small ups and downs.
Although it says that it will take us around 4 hours to walk from Torrent Bay to Onetahuti Beach, you can complete this section of the trail in 2 hours without having to rush. That said, it doesn't make this section of the Abel Tasman Track any less beautiful.
With such an easy trail to hike, you won't have to rush through it, and you can be immersed in your surroundings, unlike any other hikes in New Zealand that require you to be active all the time.
That is what the Abel Tasman Track is for, in my opinion. The trail is made for us to leisurely enjoy the beauty of New Zealand's coastline. Along the trail, you will find many stunning spots that show just how beautiful Tasman Bay is.
The color of the sea here is ridiculously blue, as you can see here. I've seen my fair share of beautiful beaches, being born in Thailand and all, but I have never seen anything quite like this. The beaches here are stunning and empty! If it were Thailand, we would be commercializing the hell out of them.
The trail will take you along the coastline through the forest, where you will be crossing several suspension bridges. Like most other hiking trails in New Zealand, you can expect the trail to be in tiptop shape, which is also the case for the Abel Tasman Track.
After hiking along the coastline for about 2 hours, you will arrive at Onetahuti Beach, where you will be picked up by the Aquataxi at 4 PM. If you walk fast, you should have a few hours to spare, during which you can then relax and enjoy the beautiful view and white sand beach of Onetahuti Beach.
Just off the coast from Onetahuti Beach, you will also be able to see Tonga Island, a small, isolated, uninhabited island standing in the middle of the blue-colored water of the Tasman Bay. The standalone island makes for quite an interesting subject for photography, don't you think?
If the sun is out, you can also relax and sunbathe or go for a swim while you wait for the AquaTaxi to come and pick you up. Be sure to cover yourself with insect repellent. The sandflies here are no joke, and the moment you stay still, they will swarm you like bees to a honey pot.
Abel Tasman National Park Back to Motueka
At about 4 PM, the AquaTaxi boat will come and pick you up at Onetahuti Beach and take you to Marahau. Along the way, they might stop at a few beautiful sights, like this rock, to check out some stunning wildlife before they continue back to Marahau.
Once you arrive at Marahau, they will then transfer you back to your accommodation in Motueka, and that is it for the one-day hike in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Congratulations! You have finally completed your first Great Walk, well, a portion of it at least, and you can come back next time to do the entire thing when you have the time.
More Motueka Activities
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- 13,000ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery (2 hours)
- Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman (7 to 8 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Anchorage Walk and Sail (8 hours)
Where to Stay in Motueka?
When to Hike the Abel Tasman Track?
The best time to hike the Abel Tasman Track is in the summer months, beginning from November to March, when the weather is warmer. This allows you to enjoy the outdoors more, which is essential for a country as beautiful as New Zealand.
It will also get quite touristy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, I would recommend you visit the shoulder season instead, which is from September to November and March to May.
You will see considerably fewer travelers during this time, while most accommodations will offer discounted prices, making your trip way more cost-effective than if you visit during the summer.
How to Get to the Abel Tasman National Park?
The closest town to the Abel Tasman National Park, where you will be based, is Motueka. In order to get there, you will have to make your way to either Christchurch or Auckland, two of the main travel hubs of New Zealand, where most international flights fly in and out of the country.
From the US, there are no direct flights to Auckland or Christchurch, so you will have to rely on transit flights from airlines like Qantas, which often transit in Fiji and take about 19 hours.
From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Lufthansa, Qatar, Emirates, or Singaporean Airlines, where you will then have to transit through their headquarters to get to Auckland or Christchurch. The flight will take over 24 hours, so gear up and prepare for a long ride.
From Asia, there are several airlines offering various routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hong Kong that will fly you directly to Auckland and Christchurch. Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines are great options for traveling this route, with the fastest flight time being 9 hours.
To find a cheap flight to New Zealand, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
Getting from Auckland to Motueka
By Air and Bus: Motueka has an airport, but it is only used for private aircraft. The closest commercial airport is Nelson, so you will have to fly there first.
Air New Zealand often flies from Auckland to Nelson 4 times a day. The journey should take around 1.5 hours and cost about 65 USD. You can book your flight here.
Once you arrive in Nelson, you will have to take a bus from Nelson to Motueka. This route is operated by the Golden Bay Coachline and they have 2-3 buses leaving from Nelson Intercity Bus Stop at 7:30 AM, 9 AM, and 4:15 PM.
The bus journey from Nelson to Motueka will take around 45 minutes and cost 15 NZD per person. You can check the bus schedule here or you can book the bus here.
Getting from Christchurch to Motueka
By Air and Bus: The same goes for Christchurch. You will have to fly to Nelson first and catch the bus using the instructions above. Air New Zealand flies this route 7 times a day, takes about 1 hour, and costs 46 USD. You can book your flight here.
By Bus: You can also take the Intercity bus to Nelson, but you will have to transit in Blenheim, and the journey can take up to 8 hours and cost 112 NZD. Personally, I would just fly to Nelson as it is way faster and costs less.
If you are planning to travel longer in New Zealand via buses, I recommend getting the Flexipass where you can buy hours and travel any route in the country, depending on the bus duration. It is a great way to hop around the country without having to pay a ton of money.
For more information about Flexipass, please visit the official Intercity Flexipass page here.
Getting from Motueka to Abel Tasman National Park
By AquaTaxi: Since we will be doing parts of the Abel Tasman Track, we will need a way to get dropped off and picked up at each end of the section. Thankfully, AquaTaxi provides a service to do just that and more.
AquaTaxi offers several hiking packages that you can choose from. The focus is on allowing time-constrained travelers like us to hike various sections of the Abel Tasman Track without having to worry about logistics.
The one I did, and I highly recommend that you do, is the Seals and Sand package. They will drop you off at Torrent Bay, and you can walk along the coastline for about 4 hours. Afterward, they will pick you up at Onetahuti Beach.
What was great about taking the AquaTaxi for me was all the dolphins that came and played with us while we were on the boat. They will also stop at a few beautiful spots, like this rock formation, for you to take some photos.
The Seals and Sand package costs around 85 NZD. They will pick you up at the hostel at 9 AM in the morning and at 4 PM at Onetahuti Beach, where they will then drop you back at the hostel.
Basically, they will handle all the logistics for you. All you have to do is prepare enough food and water and hike the trail. If you want to do other sections of the Abel Tasman Track, you can check out more on the AquaTaxi Website.
By Tours: There are also other organized tours you can take to explore Abel Tasman National Park. You can kayak along the coastline or skydive over Abel Tasman National Park. To browse for day trips and tours, you can click the link below:
Book Day Trips to the Abel Tasman National Park
How Long Does It Take to Do the Abel Tasman Track?
If you are planning to do the entire 60 km length of the Abel Tasman Track, it will take you from 3-5 days to complete it, depending on how many nights you want to spend by the beach.
For this itinerary, though, we will be focusing on keeping the Abel Tasman Track duration to a minimum by picking out the best section you can do in one day. So, if you plan to follow this itinerary, it will only take about 4-5 hours to hike and around 1-2 hours extra on a boat.
How Much Does It Cost To Do the Abel Tasman Track?
Since we will be spending only 2 nights in Motueka and spending the day hiking the Abel Tasman Track, we can calculate how much it will cost to do the hike in one day as follows:
Accommodation: For 2 nights in Motueka, you will be spending around 40 USD on accommodation.
Food: An average meal in Motueka costs around 10 USD, and you will save a lot by preparing your own breakfast and lunch for the hike. Therefore, you will be spending around 20 USD on food.
Transportation: You will be spending around 62 USD for the AquaTaxi to drop you off and pick you up at the start and end of the section of the Abel Tasman Track we are planning to do, respectively, and that is it for transportation.
Activities: Since you will be hiking, you will not be paying any fees for activities.
Total Budget for One Day Hiking the Abel Tasman Track: 167 NZD (122 USD).
Is Abel Tasman Track Safe?
The Abel Tasman Track is rather tame when compared to other Great Walks in New Zealand. The trail is well-marked and follows the coastline, eliminating the need to hike up and down steep paths. This makes it feel more like a leisurely stroll than a challenging hike. Additionally, the track is family-friendly, so you can bring your kids without any issues.
That said, one thing to watch out for when you hike the Abel Tasman Track is the rising tides that may block some sections of the Abel Tasman Track. For the hike I recommended here, you won't have to worry about the tide, but just in case, you should check the tide table online here before you book anything.
Which tourist SIM card is best for New Zealand?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in The Abel Tasman, New Zealand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in The Abel Tasman, New Zealand:
Don't expect much from New Zealand's WIFI. They are terribly outdated, with some cafes offering free 25 MB and 15-minute time-limited WIFI to their customers. Yes, really!
For a more reliable internet connection, I would recommend you get yourself a local SIM card where you will be able to find a 4G connection in all the major cities around the country now.
Spark is a recommended carrier with the most coverage across the country. You can purchase their prepaid sim card "Data Lover" package at the airport in Auckland, which comes in 2 price points: 20 NZD for 1 GB (+1 GB for social) and 40 NZD for 4.5 GB (+1 GB for social), both valid for one month.
With Spark, you can top up your data via stores around the country or simply do it online with your credit card. It is very easy and convenient.
For more information about SIM cards in New Zealand, visit: New Zealand's Prepaid Data SIM Card
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for the Abel Tasman Track?
Since you will be exposed to all kinds of elements while hiking around volcanic terrain up there, you will have to come prepared for anything. Here are a few things you should prepare before you hike the Tongariro Crossing:
- Water Bottles: You will need around 2-3 liters for the hike, and there are no service points along the trail, so be sure to have that prepared the day before. I always carry my 2-liter hydration pack, which I recommend so you can stay hydrated without stopping.
- Sturdy Shoes: It is always a good idea to hike in sturdy shoes, even if the trail is as easy as this one. You will also have to get off the boat and walk in the water for a bit when you get on and off the AquaTaxi's boat, so a good trainer shoe where you can take it on and off quickly is recommended. Timberland Shoe is my go-to hiking boots in most situations.
- Layers: Although Abel Tasman National Park is the sunniest place in New Zealand with temperatures hovering around 23°C in the summer, the wind can be quite strong along the coastline, so a windbreaker or raincoat is always good to have. Here are the jackets I recommend you get for the trip: fleece jacket and the beautiful orange Columbia outer-shell jacket.
- Lunch and snacks: You cannot buy any food anywhere on the trail, so be sure to prepare your breakfast and lunch the day before. Additionally, make sure to buy a lot of energy bars just in case you get hungry along the way.
- Insect Repellent: Sandflies are no joke here at Abel Tasman National Park, and the moment you stop to relax, they will swarm you like bees to a honey pot, and you will itch for weeks. Don't risk it; cover yourself with insect repellent when you are hiking.
- A Daypack: You will need a daypack to carry all your gear and those 2 - 3 liter water bottles, which are heavy as hell. During the hike, I use Herschel Supply's Little America Backpack to carry everything with me. It has great back support, good capacity, and is stylish as hell.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Backpacking in New Zealand
I've spent 5 weeks backpacking in New Zealand, and I have written a ton more about my journey traveling throughout New Zealand from the North Island to the South Island that might help you in your trip planning.
Here's a selection of articles about New Zealand:
- Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for New Zealand? Check out One Month Itinerary for New Zealand.
- Don't have one month in New Zealand? How about spending 2 weeks visiting all the highlights of New Zealand on the South Island? Check out our 2-Week Itinerary for the South Island, New Zealand.
- Want to visit New Zealand but not sure what to pack? Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for New Zealand.
- Planning a trip to New Zealand? Here are the 12 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand.
- New Zealand has a special place in my heart. It is one of the most memorable trips I have ever done, and here are 10 things I love about New Zealand.
- If you are planning to travel from North to South in New Zealand, Rotorua is a great place to start your journey from Auckland. Here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.
- Did you know that you can climb Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings in real life? Check out: The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Tongariro Crossing.
- Planning to travel across Cook Strait from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island? Here's How to Get From Wellington to Picton.
- Nelson is one of the most laid-back and sunny cities in New Zealand, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the abundant sunshine. Here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Nelson.
- Want to do a road trip along the Great Coast Road in New Zealand? Better start in Westport. Here are the 5 Best Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand.
- Want to go hiking on a glacier in the Glacier Country of New Zealand? Here is the Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Franz Josef.
- Wanaka is a must-visit lakeside town, full of incredible nature and wonderful mountains waiting for you to explore. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Wanaka.
- Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, and whatever extreme activities human bodies can endure, they probably have them in Queenstown. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.
- Queenstown is also one of the best places in the world to go skydiving. Here’s my experience skydiving with NZONE in Queenstown.
- The Milford Sound is one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, and it would be a shame to miss it when you are in New Zealand. If you want to visit the Milford Sound, check out: A Day Trip from Te Anau to the Milford Sound.
- One of the best Great Walks in New Zealand is the Routeburn Track, and if you have to pick one Great Walk to do, make it this one. Here’s The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Routeburn Track.
- Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are some of the most photogenic places to visit in New Zealand, and it is best done together. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
- Dunedin has so much to offer for nature lovers. From the sight of the world's largest birds to the beautiful cliffs of Tunnel Beach, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Dunedin.
- Not convinced by my words about New Zealand? Come follow me, and I'll show you New Zealand in 70 photos.
- You can see all my New Zealand travel guides and related articles on my New Zealand Travel Guide page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
2 Comments
I would really love to hear more specifics from your trip such as how much planning you did vs. free adventuring. As well as what your budget and expenses turned out to be for 5 weeks. I will be in New Zealand to tour in a couple months and the experience you appear to have had as I see it in your photos looks very similar to what I want to do.
I'm so enjoying your travels in NZ Pete. I first went there 10 years ago to visit my aunt and cousins who I went to school with in England. They settled first in Christchurch and now one cousin lives in Oxford NZ, another on the Banks Peninsula nr ChCh and my third cousin lives at Nelson. We stayed with them all and also toured the south island in a motorhome. And now we are going again mid October 2015. We are going for 6 weeks this time and travelling round in a motorhome for 19 days to see places we never had time to before. I've never forgotten our first holiday out there, lovely to see my family and always dreamt of going again. And now we are, I'm so excited. The only downer is the long plane journey from London, England where we live.