For those who haven’t visited northen part of the Abel Tasman National Park, one of nicest and closest walks to Beau Vista Pohara is from Wainui Bay car park to Whariwharangi Hut and Beach.
Wainui Bay is just 16km / 20 mins drive East from Beau Vista Pohara, and the coastal drive alone is worth the effort. It passes The Pohara Band Rotunda, Port Tarakohe and the Boat Club, the Abel Tasman Lookout, Ligar Bay, Tata Beach and descends to the breathtakingly gorgeous Wainui Bay. If you’re exceptionally lucky you might even spot some orca hunting for sting rays.
The walk is along a well maintained 4WD gravel track through native forest with magnificent views of the sea below. It’s a long uphill and downhill track to the hut and beach, but when you arrive the clear sea and golden sands are just begging for a cool dip.
Walk length: 5.7km, 1 hr 45 mins one way. 3.5 hrs return plus stops.
Difficulty: Moderate (max elevation 200 m).
Track condition: Mostly a wide uphill gravel 4WD path. Obstacles include some steeper sections and uneven ground making this unsuitable for wheelchairs. Otherwise it is an enjoyable half-day walk for most. There’s not a lot of shade at the start of the walk, so on hots days bring water and a sunhat.
Look for: Beautiful coastine views, lots of native bush and birdlife, and a welcoming bench stop at the top overlooking Wainui Bay and beyond to the West.
Directions: From Pohara follow Abel Tasman Drive east towards Wainui Bay and turn left onto McShane Road signposted to The Start of the Abel Tasman Track. Park in the car park at the very end of the road and walk from there.
Parking: Good parking by the entrance. There is also a DOC toilet at the carpark.
Scroll down for photos of this beautiful walk.
