Skinner Point

Overview

Perched just south of Tōtaranui on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Skinner Point is a quick, signed detour to a high lookout with big, cinematic views over Tōtaranui’s golden arc and the bays beyond. It’s the kind of payoff that makes even a short stroll feel special.

Getting There

Park at the Tōtaranui campground car park (road access via an 11 km gravel road from Wainui Bay). From the car park, head south on the Coast Track; the lookout is only a few minutes away via a clearly signed ~100 m side path. Many hikers continue over the headland to Goat Bay and return the same way for a short, satisfying outing.

• Out-and-back to the lookout only: about 45–60 minutes.
• Tōtaranui–Skinner Point–Goat Bay return: 1.5–2 hours (about 4.7 km, ~215 m gain).

If you carry on past Goat Bay, be aware a brief beach section can be cut off at very high tides. Farther south, the Awaroa Inlet has strict low‑tide windows with no high‑tide detour—check current times before committing.

What You’ll See

Expect classic Abel Tasman scenery: glittering water, scalloped coves, and that famous golden sand. Weka are frequently encountered on this part of the track—curious, bold little foragers—along with bellbirds/korimako, tūī and fantails/pīwakawaka flitting through the bush. Seal viewing is excellent up at Separation Point, but that’s beyond this stop.

Why the Sand Is So Golden

The headlands and beaches around Tōtaranui are carved from Early Cretaceous granite (the Separation Point Suite). As it weathers, it breaks into coarse, orange‑gold grains—the signature color you’ll see glowing below the lookout.

Facilities and Practicalities

There are no facilities at the lookout itself. Use the toilets and filtered water at Tōtaranui; there are also toilets at Goat Bay. It’s pack‑in/pack‑out—there are no rubbish bins. Wasps are common in summer. Dogs aren’t allowed in the national park or at the Tōtaranui campground. Tōtaranui is also a scheduled water‑taxi stop if you’re stitching together a longer day.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, aim for morning or late afternoon when the granite sand really glows. In summer (December–February), this coast bakes—start early for cooler temps and softer light.