Waiharakeke Bay

Overview

Set back in the bush above a gorgeous sweep of sand, Waiharakeke Bay Campsite is a small Department of Conservation spot on the northern Abel Tasman Coast Track. It’s a Great Walk campsite with a mellow, away-from-the-crowds feel—reviewers rate the beach below as a real beauty and often find it quieter than nearby Awaroa and Totaranui.

Getting There

• Walk the Totaranui ↔ Whariwharangi section of the Coast Track (the full leg is about 9.8 km, ~3 hr 15 min). There is no vehicle access to the campsite itself.
• Private boat or kayak landings are possible. Commercial water taxis are only permitted to travel as far as Totaranui, so they cannot drop you at Waiharakeke or the bays north of Totaranui.
• Closest road ends: Totaranui (to the south) and Wainui (to the north). DOC car parks are at Marahau, Totaranui, and Wainui. No freedom camping in the park.

Facilities

• Around 10 tent sites.
• Toilets (noted as flush in a visitor review) and a water supply; treat or boil water before drinking.
• Fires permitted only in designated sites.
• No powered sites, no dump station, no Wi‑Fi, and no dogs. No hammocks, and unauthorized drones are not allowed.

Bookings, Fees, and Stay Limits

Booking is required year‑round. Fees per person per night (NZD):

• Oct 1–Apr 30: NZ adult $21; International adult $31; NZ child $10; International child $15; infants (0–4) free.
• May 1–Sep 30: Adults $21; Children $10; infants free.

Stay limits: up to 2 nights per hut/campsite from Oct 1–Apr 30, and up to 5 nights from May 1–Sep 30. The DOC Campsite Pass is not valid here.

Track Notes, Tides, and Conditions

The Coast Track is well marked, though short sections can be steep, rough, or muddy. Plan for tides:

• Approaching from the south, Awaroa Inlet can be crossed only in daylight from 1 h 30 m before to 2 h after low tide (allow ~25 minutes). There is no alternate track around the inlet.
• A short section at Goat Bay may be cut off at very high tides—wait for the tide to fall if needed.

DOC publishes low‑tide timetables to help plan your day. Wasps and sandflies are present—carry repellent. Fill hut/campsite visitors’ books when you pass through or stay.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals/kekeno along this northern stretch of the coast. The alternating sandy coves and rocky headlands here are classic Abel Tasman territory, with clear water and frequent marine life sightings.

Safety

This coastline has tsunami risk: if you feel a long or strong earthquake, or notice unusual sea behavior, move to high ground immediately. A 1080 predator‑control operation was completed on September 12, 2025; toxic bait or carcasses may still be present—do not hunt or forage for food for up to eight months after that date and obey on‑site signage.

Best Time to Visit

Peak season runs Oct–Apr and bookings are essential. Even then, Waiharakeke typically feels calmer than the big-name bays. Whatever the season, build your day around the Awaroa Inlet low‑tide window if you’re coming from the south, and remember that no water taxis service bays north of Totaranui.