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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need to make a reservation?

new » Yes, a new year round booking system was introduced July 1, 2005. Bookings will eventually be available 12 months in advance - however that is not yet possible. Check the DOC Abel Tasman website for details.

Huts book-up months in advance so reserve as early as you can. Reservations are currently taken starting July 1 for the following summer season.

Critical huts to reserve are:

  1. Anchorage hut
  2. Bark Bay hut
  3. Awaroa hut
  4. Whariwharangi hut

Tent sites were first-come, first-served — but starting 2005 they must be reserved as well.

new » For a reservation, you can book online:

... or in person at one of:

  • Abel Tasman Coast Track booking desk, Motueka Visitor Centre
  • Nelson Visitor Centre
  • Golden Bay Visitor Centre
  • DOC Visitor Centre, Auckland
  • ... and many other locations

There is a two-night limit at each hut and camp site.

By the way, despite the hassle, we like the reservation system first introduced in 1999.

new » Trekwatch.net Track availability.
Try this service if you cannot get the dates you want.

updated What does it cost to hike Abel Tasman?

It is no longer an inexpensive tramp.

In 2004 prices went up significantly & youth hut beds later raised again:

(1 Oct to end of April)

Summer Hut beds

  • NZ$25 (up from $14) for adults / night
  • NZ$12.50 for youth / night

Summer Tent site

  • NZ$10 (up from $7) for adults / night
  • NZ$5 (up from $3.50) for youth / night

(1 May to 30 September)

Winter Hut beds

  • NZ$10 for adults / night
  • NZ$5 for youth / night

Winter Tent site

  • NZ$7 for adults / night
  • NZ$3.50 for youth / night

Hut beds are no longer inexpensive, in our opinion. (They do not even have stoves.) The price increase, plus the increase in value of the NZ dollar against other currencies makes those beds pricey. Tent if you can.

Pay in advance, for sure, as there are penalties if you pay on-the-spot. DOC offices, Visitor Centres & some hotels can arrange this for you.

Cancellation fees apply too. Check the DOC website to get up-to-date prices.

A Great Walks hut or campsite pass for the Coast Track should be purchased before starting. Carry it with you. There are separate passes for summer & winter.

Huts are basic but comfortable. Tent sites are generally excellent though sometimes crowded with kayakers. We prefer tenting — until it rains.

Bring cash with you on the Abel Tasman as you may want to:

  • buy food & drink at Awaroa Lodge & Cafe
  • buy drinks & snacks at Totaranui
  • take a water taxi

There are few opportunities to spend money, actually.

Of course you need to budget for transport to-and-from the trailheads.

sea green bay
Chartier photo


Why?



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