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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -40.80316, 173.00211. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 4.2 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr return via same track
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
For a great day walk option, follow the Coast Track north to Anapai Bay from Tōtaranui.
This DOC directory entry covers Tōtaranui to Anapai Bay in Tasman, within Abel Tasman National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 4.2 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr return via same track
- DOC grade: Intermediate
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The way to Anapai is simply the first section of the Coast Track heading north towards Separation Point/Te Matau.
It is an easy one-hour walk from the Tōtaranui camp office to Anapai Bay. Return via the same track.
Anapai is one of the National Park’s loveliest bays. Its beach is divided into two by rock outcrops, with a considerable contrast of shapes between the harder rock at the northern end of the beach, and the softer, more deeply weathered granite to the south.
On the track there are sharp contrasts in vegetation between dry ridgecrest kānuka and the lush valley forest seen on the gentle descent into Anapai Bay.
Getting there
Nelson to Tōtaranui is about two and a half hours. Take SH6 south out of Nelson and turn onto SH60 (the Coastal Highway) once past Richmond. Follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka.
From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Tōtaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road.
Know before you go
Wasps
Wasps are a possible hazard and are more common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Rubbish
Day visitors must take out their own rubbish.
Giardia
Giardia has been found in some park waters. It can be removed from drinking water by boiling, filtering or chemical treatment. All tap water at Tōtaranui is filtered.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
