FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)No dogs or domestic pets allowed. Is there a less touristy alternative? Over 30,000 people /year stay overnight on the Abel Tasman. If this statistic turns you off, consider instead the much quieter Queen Charlotte Track:
The Queen Charlotte Track is not one of the Great Walks, but should be. Note that the last section of the Abel Tasman (Totaranui <> Wainui) is much less crowded than the rest as many hikers exit at Totaranui. The Abel Tasman is open year round. Surprisingly, this is quite a dry part of New Zealand enjoying a lot of sunshine. Summer is lovely but crowded. Perhaps best would be the Kiwi Autumn (February, March, April, May). Should I tramp in the opposite direction? You can, but we do not recommend it. The Track will seem more crowded with most walkers moving in the opposite direction It can be a good idea for a day hike, however. How many days are needed to hike Abel Tasman? If you want to do the whole Track, we would recommend the standard 4 nights, 5 days; only 51km. Why so slow? This adventure is as much holiday as hike. One of our contributors called it hiking Gilligan's Island. You will want to stop and check out every beach, cove and lookout. If you do not have 5 days, tramp just part of the Track. There are dozens of possibilities. Check our recommended routes. Yes, if you have only 1 day, our recommendation is:
This is the section furthest from Nelson — but it is the least crowded & arguably most scenic. The water taxi trip is lovely too, of course. The biggest advantage in day hiking is that no reservation is necessary. Simply turn up in Nelson & decide then and there what day hike you would like to do. (Ask if the section you choose is tide dependent.) It is easy to organize the night before you want to go; there are many water taxi companies to choose from. Actually, you cannot make a wrong decision day hiking this Track. Any section will be enjoyable. What guidebooks do you recommend?
Our Abel Tasman Track recommendations:
No guide book is essential, in fact, but it makes your adventure more interesting. Where else can I get up-to-date information?
There are thousands of Abel Tasman websites — it can be difficult to find what you want in the clutter. We’ve linked to the best sites throughout & highlighted essential links.
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