Whariwharangi Bay

Whariwharangi Bay is a beach and 20-site tent campground on the northern Abel Tasman Coast Track, with a historic farmhouse hut in the grassy clearing behind the sand. Think of it as an overnight stop on foot or by boat, not a quick drive-up beach. There is no road to the bay, and scheduled water taxis stop at Tōtaranui.

From Wainui car park, allow about 2 hours for 5.7 km on the Coast Track. From Tōtaranui, the route over Gibbs Hill takes a little over three hours. Both approaches are proper walks; the coastline alternates sandy beaches with rocky headlands, and the track climbs from the bay to a saddle overlooking Wainui Inlet. Boat access is possible, but arrange it independently. Dogs aren't allowed.

The campground has 20 non-powered tent sites and requires advance booking. It has flush toilets, but the water is untreated, so boil it before drinking. You can't buy food along the Coast Track; carry your meals and snacks. Fires are limited to designated fireplaces when there is no fire ban.

The separate Whariwharangi Hut just behind the beach began as a farmhouse built by John Handcock around 1896. His family lived in the valley for 15 years; the homestead stopped being lived in after 1926, and farming continued in the northern end of the park until 1972. The park board restored the building in 1980 as a tramping hut, a reminder of the area's pastoral history.

From the beach, frame the sand with the old farmhouse just behind it. On the walk out, the saddle opens toward Wainui Inlet, giving you a higher view after time at the water's edge.