Staying Safe and Healthy on the Trail

Who administers First Aid?

In case of injury, someone will need to take responsibility for First Aid. Bring a small First Aid kit.

In every group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person should be competent & certified in First Aid. If you are hiking alone — you must administer your own First Aid.

Fortunately, help is never far away on the Abel Tasman Track. A water taxi can be flagged if need arises.

Will it rain?

You are hiking the semi-tropical Pacific Ocean. Plan on wind and heavy rain.

If tenting, be sure yours is waterproof. Test it in advance.

But you may well stay dry. Mountains protect this coastline from wet southerly & westerly winds. The micro-climate is surprisingly mild.

Annual rainfall is about 1.8m, most falling in winter. Summer months are dry & warm. January average maximum temperature is 25C.

For up-to-date information:

• 12 day Abel Tasman forecast 
• 2 day Abel Tasman forecast

Estuary crossings?

Of four tidal estuaries on the Track, two have no bypass:

1. Awaroa Estuary (cross 2 hours before & after low tide)
2. Richardson Stream, north end of Onetahuti beach (cross 3 hours before & after low tide)

There is a chance of delay at any of the crossings. Plan your departure time each morning based on the tides. The estuary crossings are one of the principle highlights of the Abel Tasman.

Tide tables are posted in huts, at Totaranui and at trailheads. Departure times are a popular topic everywhere on the Track. No need to check tide charts in advance of the trip.