What to take

Introduction

It's essential to have suitable equipment, clothing and food for a safe and enjoyable experience on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track don't have gas cooking facilities and lighting. Remember to take a portable stove and fuel, and candles with you.

It's not possible to dry clothes in the huts. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts aren't suitable.

Personal equipment

  • Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
  • Waterproof/plastic pack liner
  • Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
  • First aid kit including blister treatment materials
  • Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
  • Safety equipment relevant to the track and time of year, for example, map, compass
  • Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
  • Rubbish bag
  • Booking confirmation and ID
  • Earplugs for communal bunkrooms

Cooking and food equipment

  • Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
  • Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel
  • Gas cooker and fuel, for example, gas canister
  • Matches or lighter in waterproof container

Toiletries

  • Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
  • Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option

If camping

  • Tent
  • Sleeping mat
  • Ground sheet

Clothing

  • For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night. 
  • Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear – should be comfortable and well broken in
  • Socks – wool or polypropylene
  • Shorts – quick dry material
  • Shirt – wool or polypropylene
  • Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
  • Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
  • Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
  • Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey

Optional

  • Gaiters
  • Lightweight shoes for inside the huts

Food

You cannot buy food on the track.

Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:

  • Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads
  • Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
  • Dinner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.

You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.

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