Tōtaranui to Waiharakeke Bay

From Tōtaranui the Coast Track wanders south through tall, airy forests of kānuka. 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.

The 10-minute walk along Goat Bay beach can be a little tiresome when the tide is in and the sand is soft, but there is more than adequate reward in the panorama of rātā forest, sea-smoothed granite rock and noisy waves.

If it takes you about 20 minutes to get to Goat Bay, it will take you another 30, at most, to Waiharakeke.

Instead of forested hills, this pleasant beach runs back into a large swamp which is slowly reverting to kahikatea and pukatea forest. A century ago, Waiharakeke boasted a sawmill and a logging railway; now it is one of the coast’s quiet places.

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.

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.