Bark Bay to Onetahuti

This is a 6.1 km (3.79 mi) one-way section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track from Bark Bay to Onetahuti, usually about two hours on foot. It crosses Bark Bay’s estuary, climbs into mānuka and forest, passes the old Tonga Quarry, then descends to Onetahuti’s long beach. The mapped section continues across the sand to the northern wetland boardwalk and bridge; it is a point-to-point walk, not a loop. The Onetahuti campsite is farther along the coast, so allow extra time if that is your destination.

The direct estuary crossing is for the two hours either side of low tide. At other times, follow the signed all-tide track around the inlet, which takes about ten minutes longer. Check the tide before setting out and leave room in your water-taxi plan for the detour. This tide-dependent opening is the main logistics decision on an otherwise well-marked route.

The path climbs steeply from Bark Bay through mānuka, then rolls over forested ground toward Tonga Quarry. Expect some uneven, rough or muddy footing. At the quarry, squared granite blocks remain among the vegetation. Separation Granite was worked here in the early 1900s, and some stone was used for the steps of Nelson Cathedral.

Past the quarry, a short rise leads to a descent with Onetahuti’s crescent beach opening below. Pause where ponga, or tree ferns, frame the curve of the shore; Tonga Island sits offshore. The track reaches the beach and follows it to the north-side boardwalk and bridge across the wetland, keeping the Coast Track open at all tides. This distance includes the beach crossing to the northern bridge; the campsite is farther along the Coast Track, so confirm your exact water-taxi pickup point when booking.

Neither bay has drive-in access. Reach Bark Bay by a scheduled water taxi or on foot from another Coast Track access, and arrange your return from Onetahuti before leaving. Hut and campsite stays require advance booking; water at those sites is untreated and must be boiled. Dogs are not allowed on the Coast Track.