If you’re trying to put together your Abel Tasman hiking itinerary but you’re not sure which of the 18 campsites to stay at – here’s your answer. We’ve found the best campsites in the Abel Tasman.
When I was trying to choose our campsites before our trip, I found both pictures and information online very limited. With 18 different options to choose from I spent quite some time trying to decide which to choose. Each campsite costs the same, $16 per person, per night, so which ones to choose?
Why choose camping?
Ultimately the answer is simple. It’s cheaper, quieter and allows you to unzip your tent to views better than any hotel can offer.
What better way to explore the most beautiful national park in the country than ticking off the golden sand beaches one bay at a time, sleeping under the stars, and falling asleep listening to the sounds of the waves just metres away from your tent.
You can opt to just visit for just a day and explore the surrounding bays by boat, kayak or enjoy a day hike. What we’d recommend is to see the national park in all its glory and really explore its natural beauty by completing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
I’m not really into camping, I’ve had bad experiences in the UK and I would always choose an alternative option if there is one. However, I was so pleased that we decided to camp because the beaches with huts were full of people and offset from the beach.
If we really can’t persuade you, you can stay in huts or even more luxury accommodation along the track. You just won’t have the warm glow of the sunrise on your tent to wake you up.
Camping also gives you way more freedom to personalise your trip. With more campsites than huts on the route, it means you can determine how long you want to hike for each day rather than follow the DOC suggested route.
So, which one is the best?
All the campsites have running water and toilet facilities, and are well maintained. Some have more facilities than others, but if you’re asking us which is the best, we’d tell you to stay at Anapai Bay.
Our Top 3 Campsites in the Abel Tasman:
1. Te Pukatea Bay Campsite
Most people follow DOC’s suggested itinerary for completing the Great Walk if they have the time. This means almost everyone stays at the next bay along to this one at Anchorage – and admittedly we made this mistake too!
Anchorage is really busy with several boat trips arriving with day-trippers, a huge campsite and a hut for those staying overnight. It is the main hub of activity and the gateway for many enjoying the Abel Tasman.
In contrast, for those who haven’t been to the park before, just a short walk or kayak before the busiest spot, is arguably the parks most stunning beach – and it is so quiet!
When we visited the park we stopped here to have lunch, the campsite was deserted and had great views of the beach and the water.
At its maximum capacity the campsite has just 7 sites. This means you can prepare yourself for a secluded evening with nature. Anchorage is just next door if you require any further facilities the next morning.
2. Onetahuti Bay Campsite
The further along the walk you get, arguably the more impressive the beaches become.
Onetahuti Bay is probably the most beautiful beach in the middle of the track, and this makes it a great stop for your second night.
When you’re planning your trip it’s great to stay at the best campsites in the Abel Tasman, but only if they work for your walking itinerary each day.
Onetahuti campsite is a little bigger than the other two campsites we recommend. This means it also has both a flushing toilet and a kitchen shelter should you require it. This campsite has 20 available sites, so is still much smaller than many.
It also is a stunning spot for watching the sunset. Plus, with it being so quiet it means you’re likely to get a prime spot! Watch right from your tent on the edge of the water. We woke here to high tide and the sounds of the ocean literally a stone’s throw away!
3. Anapai Bay – the best campsite in the Abel Tasman!
Our winner!
Anapai Bay was easily our favourite spot of any campsite or beach that we came across during our 4 days in the Abel Tasman. Although every beach is very picturesque, this one is simply unmissable.
The campsite only has 6 sites, meaning almost every site has prime views of the sunrise just like we did. When we stayed there was just one other tent pitched on the other side of the site. We really felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves!
This is our top pick because its so secluded, quiet and the perfect spot in the park to enjoy the sunrise.
Beware of the Wekas!
So there you have it. Our run down of the best campsites to stay at and in the perfect order for your Abel Tasman hike.
There is just one important element of all the campsites that we have to mention, and that’s the weka birds.
You will find these pesky food stealing creatures at every single campsite on the Abel Tasman. Believe me they are not afraid of humans and are willing to do whatever they can to get their beaks into your well-deserved snacks!
At Anchorage campsite we saw two poor people have their dehydrated food packs stolen from their picnic table. Even worse the weka bird at Anapai Bay campsite stole my dairy milk caramel bar. I was devastated! Our feathered friend at Anapai Bay was the most ruthless of them all!
Be prepared, do not leave your food unattended or you might just be going without any dinner!
I Fashion Styles
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
HI Hairstyles
We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with useful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive task and our entire group can be thankful to you.