Winter in the Abel Tasman
It’s a great time to go walking in the park, the crowds have gone and the daytime temperatures are reasonably mild.
Winter is considered by many, as the very best time of the year to visit the Abel Tasman National Park. Gone are the summer crowds, even at the most popular beaches.
You’ll get enjoy the spectacular Abel Tasman scenery in the soft winter light, great for photography enthusiasts. If you’re walking the Abel Tasman track or just staying a night in the park booking your accommodation in the huts or campsites will be a breeze. Don’t forget you will still need to plan your walks around the tides especially at Awaroa & Torrent Bay. The average daytime temperature ranges from 12 – 16°C (53 – 61°F) so you will need a few extra layers. Kayaking is still an option in the southern end of the park and water taxis continue to run 7 days a week. Did we mention the sandflies? Ah no, because they’re not active in the winter!
A few winter trip ideas
The winter days are shorter so we start a bit later and come back a little earlier. We’ve handpicked a few trips that you can easily do in winter. Check the low season water taxi timetable below.
Water Taxi – One Way Fare
Water Taxi | Half Day
Heart of the Park
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Pitt Head Walk
Walking & Hiking | Half Day
Slice of Paradise
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Beaches & Bays
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Abel Tasman Classic
Walking & Hiking | Full Day
Abel Tasman Platter
Guided Kayak | Full Day
Freedom Anchorage
Freedom Kayak | Full Day
Freedom Islands
Freedom Kayak | Full DayWINTER / LOW SEASON WATER TAXI TIMETABLE
(1st May to 30th Sep)
Check the water taxi map here for locations and prices >>
Note: It’s best to book in advance as services will only run if people have pre-booked.
North bound time table
| Departure | |||
| Kaiteriteri / Marahau | 9:30 | 12:00 | 13:30 |
| Anchorage | 10:00 | 12:45 | 14:00 |
| Torrent Bay ** | |||
| Bark Bay | 10:15 | 14:15 | |
| Onetahuti | 10:25 | 14:20 | |
| Awaroa | 10:40 | 14:30 | |
| Totaranui (Arrival) | 11:00 | 14:45 |
**(Drop offs only until noon , no pick ups)
South bound time table
| Departure | |||
| Totaranui | 11:00 | 14:45 | |
| Awaroa | 10:40 | 14:30 | |
| Onetahuti | 11:15 | 15:00 | |
| Bark Bay | 11:30 | 15:15 | |
| Torrent Bay ** | |||
| Anchorage | 11:45 | 13:00 | 15:30 |
| Kaiteriteri / Marahau (Arrival) | 12:00 | 13:30 | 16:00 |
**(Drop offs only until noon, no pick ups)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can! There are much less people on the Abel Tasman Coast track in winter so it’s easy to book huts and campsites. The walk takes 3 to 5 days depending on your pace. You will need warm clothes for the early morning and night time temperatures but the scenery is just as stunning as in summer!
Yes, water taxis continue to run 7 days a week in the winter. It is best to book your trip as water taxis will only run if people have pre-booked.
Abel Tasman winter conditions are often ideal for kayaking as the wind and ocean currents are usually calmer than they are at other times of the year. You can rent a double kayak or book a trip from Marahau Sea Kayaks to spend the day paddling in the southern part of the Abel Tasman.
Daytime temperatures are usually mild with temperatures ranging between 12 – 16°C (53 – 61°F). Clear skies can mean early morning frosts and frozen grass! You will need a good sleeping bag and warm clothes if you are staying overnight in winter.
