Abel Tasman Coast Track: Bark Bay to Awaroa

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This is a pleasant and easy hike from the Bark Bay campsite to Onetahuti Bay, one of the beautiful beaches along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and onto Awaroa Bay. This route follows the low-tide track across Bark Bay estuary which can only be crossed on 2 hours on either side of low-tide. The high-tide track is only a 10 minute diversion along a well marked trail.

After crossing the open plane of the Bark Bay estuary, the track climbs somewhat steeply back into the bush before leveling out for another beautiful hike along the forest with occasional views opening out onto the water. Onetahuti is a broad and beautiful golden sand beach that makes a perfect rest spot. There are also campsite facilities (reservations required).

Water taxis can be taken to Onetahuti as well, with various pick up points along the rest of the track. This is a popular option for a day hike as it is a an easy drop off/pick up point for the water taxis.

After hiking along the beautiful sand of Onetahuti bay, you enter a boardwalk taking you over some of the tidal marshes and back into the bush. The track climbs gently again and then levels out as you continue to hike along the forest.

After a while, you reach a fork where you can descend towards the Awaroa Lodge (not to be confused with the DOC Awaroa Hut that can be booked for hiking the Great Walk). After hiking descending towards some marshier area and emerging at the Awaroa Lodge, where it is a short 5 minute hike to the beach and the water-taxi pickup site.