Wainui Beach
Abel Tasman Drive
Adjacent to the Abel Tasman National Park, Wainui Bay is quite literally the pot of gold at the end of the Abel Tasman rainbow.
The golden beach is surrounded by sheltered coves and islands and is officially the final stop on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Whilst many hikers finish their journey at Totaranui, those who are less fussed about water transport options may continue to explore the northern end of the national park, descending from Wharawharangi Bay to Wainui.
An alternate option to the headland route between Wainui and Wharawharangi is to follow the coast around Taupo Point at low tide. The walk to Taupo Point takes roughly 1 hour each way, but is a special place well worth exploring, given its historical links to early European settlers and importance to local iwi. Taupo Point was the pa site of the Tumatakokiri tribe whose warriors were thought to have killed four of Abel Tasman’s men in 1642, and some traces of this pa still remain.
Photo credit: Golden Bay Kayaks
Contact details
Address: Abel Tasman Drive