This picturesque track is covered in native bush and surrounded by golden sandy beaches and clear blue/green water. It is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and the 52km long track can be walked in three to five days, sea kayaking is also popular.

Park can be accessed on foot either from Marahau or Wainui Bay or by water taxi.

Tips:

• Booking for huts and campsites before hiking is essential

• When planning the trip keep in mind that there are two tidal crossings that MUST be crossed only at low tide – Onetahuti estuary can only be crossed within 3 hours at low tide. Awaroa must be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide. We stayed at Bark Bay for the night and managed to cross both tides in one day. Tide-timetables: HERE

• Advisable to pack: insect repellent (there are plenty of sand flies – annoying tiny biting insect)

Seals can be spotted at Pinnacle and Tonga Islands and Separation Point – resting on rocks. Little blue penguins can be seen at sea.

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