Marahau to Anchorage Hut
12.4km, 4hr
The walk begins with a boardwalk across the estuary and then weaves in and out of gullies above numerous bays and coves. It’s easy-going with the chance to drop into many golden sand beaches on the way. The track turns inland at Akersten Bay and climbs over the headland to reach 34-bunk Anchorage Hut. There are eight campsites on this section.
Anchorage Hut to Bark Bay Hut
11.4km, 4hr
The track continues around the coast to Torrent Bay Village and campsite and then onto Bark Bay Hut. There’s a high and airy swingbridge crossing Falls River. Unusual cascades and swimming holes can be found up Tregida Creek on the Falls River Track. Bark Bay is an intimate microcosm of the seascape of Abel Tasman National Park – a perfect beach, sandspit, luxuriant forest, great hut, boat access and stunning views. The hut sleeps 34 and there are two campsites en route.
Bark Bay Hut to Awaroa Hut
13.5km, 4.5hr
Continue to Tonga Quarry, where huge storms in 2018 permanently closed the campsite. But it’s still a memorable spot, with its umbrella of mānuka and kānuka forest, soft sands and ocean views. It’s then onto Onetahuti Beach from where a footbridge and a small climb lead to 26-bunk Awaroa Hut. There are two campsites accessible from the track on this section plus the boat-accessible Mosquito Bay Campsite..
Awaroa Hut to Whariwharangi Hut
16.9km, 5-6hr
Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed 90-minutes before and 2hr after low tide. It takes 30-40 minutes to cross the sands and mudflats, so judge it well. Next is Totaranui (reached in 2hr) where many choose to finish (or start) the walk. However, the track continues on to Separation Point, passing several idyllic beaches. This northern section is every bit as beautiful as the southern stretches, but more isolated and with fewer people. Whariwharangi Hut (20 bunks) is 1.5km from Separation Point. There are four campsites on this section.
From here, walk to Wainui Inlet (5.7km, 2hr) or back to Totaranui (9km, 3hr) where a water taxi can be taken back to Marahau.
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