One of the key attractions for us in planning a visit to the Abel Tasman National Park during our trip to New Zealand was to have the opportunity to get out running the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track offers stunning views over golden sandy bays, all the while surrounded by New Zealand native coastal bush
The main part of the Coastal Track is 60km long, following the coastline of the national park closely, giving you the opportunity to take in the stunning views over golden sandy bays, all the while surrounded by New Zealand native coastal bush. Because it is one of New Zealand’s nine ‘great walks’ (but also great for running) it is very well marked and signposted – plus, if you follow the coastline, there are not many opportunities to get lost along the way.
Running the Abel Tasman
We chose to run the first part of the track, from Marahau towards Anchorage, out and back. This route starts out by crossing, on a wooden causeway, a sandy estuary, before passing through gorgeous beech forests to reach the coast, where it largely hugs the coast, giving glimpses of sparkling blue water and golden sandy beaches along the way.
Words can only describe so much the natural beauty of the place – so check out our video to get a feel for what it’s like to head out for a run along the trails there.
Abel Tasman Coastal Classic
I can see why the long-standing local race, the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, a 36km one-way trail run, is so popular! If we had the opportunity to visit again, whether to run the race itself, or to explore more of the track (perhaps by running it as a long 60km ultra day-out?) then I would jump at the chance: it is quite simply one of the most beautiful and easy-to-run-on trails that I’ve been fortunate enough to set foot on.
Check out New Zealand’s Department of Conservation website for loads of information on visiting the Abel Tasman National Park, including guides for walking (or running!) the Abel Tasman Coastal Track: DOC ~ Abel Tasman
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