Overnight in Abel Tasman Park

Plan ahead if you want to stay in the park overnight, at either a Department of Conservation (DOC) campground or hut, like those at Anchorage, a four-hour, 12.4-km (7-mile) walk from the start of the track at Marahau. These huts and campsites are on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which is a part of the national Great Walks system. Tickets (NZ$32 per night for huts and NZ$14 per night for campsites) must be bought beforehand, either at the Nelson or Motueka i-SITE Visitor Centres, DOC visitor centers throughout the country, or on the DOC website: booking.doc.govt.nz. Huts are basic, with cooking, shower, and toilet facilities; filtered water; and sleeping bunks. There are four huts and 18 campsites (some accessible by sea, for kayakers) plus Totaranui Campground. You will need to bring all your food (water taxis can be arranged to deliver fresh supplies, at a cost). You will also be expected to pack out all your rubbish. There are more salubrious park accommodations, lodges at Awaroa and Torrent bays, should comfort be your thing. Tip: From Torrent Bay, near Anchorage, there’s a lovely short walk from the bridge over the Torrent River inland a short distance to Cleopatra’s Pool. This rugged rock pool sits in between huge granite boulders and is surrounded by bush. But it’s a frosty swim, even in summer.