Refreshing swimming holes can be found in Falls River. Photo: Abel Tasman Canyons

Hidden spots in the Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman Coast Track, Great Walks

View more by author

Marios Gavalas

Marios is an adventure guide and author of 18 walking and tramping books.

By Marios Gavalas

The hard-to-find places no-one else knows about.

Abel Tasman National Park is our smallest national park, but it is host to the most popular Great Walk: more than 43,000 people walked the Abel Tasman Coast Track in 2017/18. But with a few tricks and a little knowledge, there is no need to feel swept up in a tourist maelstrom. There are plenty of hidden spots.

Inland Track
Around 45 minutes in from Marahau, rather than take the Coast Track, try taking the signposted Inland Track towards Castle Rock Hut. At Holyoake Clearing, head right. This drops to the back of the Torrent Bay Estuary near Cleopatra’s Pool.

Find a cave
Around the coastline there are many caves. Try searching the cliff face on the descent to The Anchorage from Torrent Bay, or following up Tonga Stream. Explore the northern end of Tonga Quarry, too.

Swimming holes
The rivers in the park are a treat. Take your pick and venture as far as you dare. Torrent River and Falls River are the best-known. Falls River Track, departing the Coast Track near Torrent Bay village, is a gem (3hr return), arriving at some beautiful swimming holes.

Historical interest
The tracks from Awaroa Hut to the Steam Engine and Old School House show a different side of Abel Tasman – away from the razzmatazz of the coast and back to the hardy days of the pioneers.

Find a deserted beach
North of Totaranui is much less visited due to the logistics of getting out at Wainui. But Mutton Cove and Anapai are some of the best beaches in the park and they’re almost empty of people.

About the author

Marios Gavalas

Marios Gavalas works as an adventure guide, showing off Aotearoa’s wild places to international visitors. He is the author of 18 walking and tramping guide books and has been a Wilderness contributor for over 10 years. He is happy on his mountain bike or skis and can often be found in his garden communing with gnomes.