Last Updated: 24th Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Abel Tasman Marahau to Totaranui

Marahau, Tasman

Submitted by Anika Kuczynski

Last Updated: 24th Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 44 ?

Gnarl Factor: 14 ?

42.0km

1050m

1050m

130m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

5%
5%
90%

Gravel Road

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +5.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

8:00

Slow

6:30

Moderate

4:30

Fast

There is good variety in terms of terrain (undulating hills, beaches, firm track with some roots and rocks). However, because it is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, expect to meet trampers (backpackers) and people out on day hikes. Be sure to plan for: 1) transportation to the start (Marahau) and from the end (Totaranui) and be mindful that it takes ~ 2 h to drive back from Totaranui because of windy, hilly roads, 2) the Awaroa Inlet crossing at low tide (check timetable), and 3) weather. Note that sometimes it may be possible and more efficient to take a water taxi to Totaranui and run from there to Marahau, but you need to check the timing of the tide or you won't be able to cross the Awaroa Inlet.

Navigation is easy because there is lots of signage, but it is advisable to print or screenshot the map, so that you know the names of places you will pass and what your options are (e.g., there are several different routes you can take near Torrent Bay).

Lots of native bush, stream crossings via bridges, beautiful rock formations and cliffs, stunning coastal views, beaches, short sections of track on the beach, several undulating hills, one large low tide crossing at Awaroa Bay See the DOC website for more descriptions of the Abel Tasman coastal track.

Huge carpark next to track start

0 km

1 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

There are many different tracks between Observation Beach and The Anchorage. Look for signs to Torrent Bay. Don't go down to Observation Beach (unless you want to add an out-and-back stop).

Unknown.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.

There is access to filtered water at the DOC huts. We filled up at Bark Bay and Awaroa Huts.

Check the tide timetable and plan accordingly! Storms have taken out bridges before and rivers can flood, so check the DOC website for track closures.

Time your crossing of the Awaroa Inlet well, so that you can do this comfortably.

The Smoking Barrel
Motueka
https://thesmokingbarrel.nz/
We went here for brunch the day after our run and everyone loved it. They serve savoury favourites (e.g., burgers and eggs benedict) and the sweet waffles were also a hit. The atmosphere and decor were also really nice.

Trail Legend

Raisa Joensuu

Raisa Joensuu

has completed Abel Tasman Marahau to Totaranui once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

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Trail Reviews

Amazing experience..trail,views, and the boat ride home also fun

Adam Clifford

January 8

Fab run, marvellous track, water and great vistas, it's got the lot.

DAVID RIDDELL

October 26, 2022

5 stars since the beauty is of the chocolate box variety! :-) Note that taking low tide short cuts would cut say 30-60min off this "high tide" route (with of course the exception of Awaroa itself)

Mike McManaway

June 16, 2021

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