Whariwharangi Bay

Overview

Set at the quiet northern tip of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Whariwharangi Bay rewards the effort to get here with a mellow, end‑of‑the‑line vibe. It’s walk‑in or boat‑in only, and the bay sits beside a simple Great Walk campsite and the character‑packed Whariwharangi Hut—so you can overnight right on the edge of the coast track rather than rushing through.

What You’ll Find

• A DOC Great Walk campsite next to the bay with basic facilities: toilets, a water supply (treat/boil before drinking), and a fireplace for designated fires when conditions allow. No powered sites, no showers, and no vehicle access.
• The restored Whariwharangi Hut (originally a homestead from around 1896, restored in 1980) keeps its old‑school feel with timber panelling and a classic veranda; it has 20 bunks across several rooms.

Access and Planning

• Getting here is part of the fun: it’s a leg on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and you can also reach it on longer day or overnight missions from Wainui Bay (there’s a 23 km/14 mile option starting from the Wainui Bay car park).
• Bookings are required for both the hut and campsite. DOC Campsite Passes aren’t valid here. Peak‑season stays (Oct 1–Apr 30) are capped at two nights per booking; outside that period you can stay up to five nights.

Fees (per person, per night)

• Campsite: Oct 1–Apr 30 — NZ residents $21, international $31 (children 5–17: NZ $10 / international $15; 0–4 free). May 1–Sep 30 — Adults $21; children $10; 0–4 free.
• Hut: Oct 1–Apr 30 — NZ residents $42 (children free), international $56 (children $32). May 1–Jun 30 & Sep — Adults $32 (children free). Jul 1–Aug 31 — Adults $26 (children free).

History

The adjacent hut began life as a farmhouse built by John Handcock around 1896. Farming lingered here until 1972, when poor granite soils finally ended it. Many original touches—the built‑in staircase, timber panelling—survive, making this one of the more atmospheric overnights on the Coast Track.

Environment and Safety Notes

• Predator control using 1080 bait was completed on September 12, 2025. Heed all signage, do not hunt/forage, and keep clear of any bait or carcasses for up to eight months after that date. Dogs aren’t allowed.
• Expect mosquitoes at times—carry repellent.
• Huts on the Coast Track don’t provide gas burners—bring your own cooking gas if you plan to use the hut kitchen space.
• If your itinerary includes the Awaroa Inlet crossing elsewhere on the track, time it carefully: it’s only passable from 1 hour 30 minutes before to 2 hours after low tide.

Best Time to Visit

Peak season (Oct 1–Apr 30) brings higher demand and higher fees—book early. Off‑peak months (May–September) are quieter and cheaper, and booking flexibility improves. Fires are only permitted in the campsite fireplace and only when conditions allow, so always check current restrictions before you count on a campfire.