Tōtaranui to Awaroa Bay: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

For a more adventurous day walk, head south from Tōtaranui to Awaroa Bay, crossing the tidal Awaroa inlet. There is the option to return via water taxi.

This DOC directory entry covers Tōtaranui to Awaroa 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: 7 km (tidal) one way
• Walking time: 2 hr one way
• 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

From Tōtaranui the Coast Track heads south. It is only a few minutes to Skinner Point where there is a wonderful view of Tōtaranui Beach and the coast south to Awaroa and Awaroa Head.

It takes about 20 minutes to get to Goat Bay, and another 30 minutes to Waiharakeke Bay.

It is a further 40 minutes to Awaroa Hut, which is across the Awaroa inlet. From the hut follow the track through the village to Venture Creek. Cross here and follow the edge of the estuary to Awaroa Bay beach.

Awaroa Inlet and Venture Creek can only be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide.

Return via the same track or arrange a water taxi. If you plan to return via the same track, make sure to give yourself enough time to safely recross the creek and inlet.

If you are returning to Tōtaranui by water taxi, this departs from the southern end of Awaroa 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

Check the tides

Before you start, check when it’s low tide. Awaroa Inlet and Venture Creek can only be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide. Following heavy rain the inlet may be impassable.

View the Abel Tasman tide tables

You can also check the tides at the Tōtaranui camp office.

Water taxi booking

If you plan to return to Tōtaranui by water taxi, make your booking before you start the walk.

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.