Abel Tasman Coastal Track

30 July 2021: Onetahuti Beach – possible stream crossing

A stream has diverted across the beach just past the Onetahuti Bay Campsite, going north from Onetahuti. At high tide the stream could be as deep as 1.5 m in the middle, and about 20 m across.

If you don't want to wade through, make sure you plan you trip within 4 hours either side of low tide. If not possible, wait and cross when the water is down to a comfortable level – allow for extra time.

Red-alert tide (very high tide) dates for 2021 Nelson/Tasman: 

See the NIWA tide timetable (PDF, 101K)

This is a long term alert, valid until at least December 2021.

This is an all year linear trail on the northern shores of the South Island, in Abel Tasman National Park. Although it can be hiked in either direction, the most popular route is south to north, starting from Mârahau. The trail leads north along the beautiful and sheltered coast for 60 km before finishing in Wainui. One of New Zealands Great Walks, this family-friendly trail leads through some of the best parts the National Park has to offer and add to that the mild weather in all seasons, superb views and campsites and huts that are placed along its path, it is no wonder that some 200,000 people walk the trail or part of it each year. For information on how we grade trails, please click here.

With many side tracks deviating from the main track, escape from the crowds is possible. Complete with a 47m swing bridge and some tidal crossings, which can only be negotiated at low tide, this trail makes for a memorable hike. Read as being medium to hike, be prepared for some steep and rough sections on the trail, which may be muddy and the total elevation gain is 6224 ft. Road access to the trail is limited to the start and finish points and the beach area of Totaranui. Dogs are not allowed on this hike and neither are camp fires or barbecues. Allow around four days to complete this amazing hike. For more info, click here.