Totaranui Beach (Tōtaranui)

Located at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, Totaranui Beach seems to appear out of nowhere, its recess of rich golden sand set among sea (or more correctly, ocean) blues and dense native foliage. Indeed, the name Totaranui translates as “many trees”.

An ideal destination for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, this one kilometre stretch of paradise boasts a series of footpaths that wind their way through the best of the indigenous flora, and is often used as the start or end point for the multi-day Abel Tasman Track since it is the only part of the hike accessible by road. This road comprises a 14-kilometre gravel path that twists and turns through the landscape, although Totaranui is also the last beach served by the region’s water taxis should you prefer to arrive or depart on the water.

At the far end to the north of Totaranui visitors to the beach will discover an attractive tidal inlet that’s safe for children to play among the shallows.

While the only permanent residents of Totaranui Beach are staff from the Department of Conservation who manage it, it is extremely popular with holidaymakers from December to February, with the campsite on the opposite side of the gravel road providing pitches for up to 1000 campers.