Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 1.5km or 7.1km

Signposted time: 20 minutes or 2 hours 20 minutes

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? Yes at paid campsite

4wd required? No

Parking:

You can either access this hut from Awaroa Bay carpark, from Tōtaranui on foot or via water taxi, or from Marahau via water taxi.

The Track:

 The easiest way to walk is directly from the Awaroa Bay carpark - this is only possible 2 hours either side of low tide. Simply get onto the estuary from the carpark, and walk directly across to the hut.

The 2nd easiest is catching a water taxi from either Tōtaranui or Marahau. You will get dropped off at the mouth of the inlet rather than directly next to the hut, but it's only around a 1.5km walk from here also. Again the walk needs to be timed for low tide.

Your final option is simply to walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track from Tōtaranui. While this is an easy walk on a wide track where you can easily hold a childs hand while walking the whole way, it is also a lot more undulating than you expect. It is not simply a flat walk along the beach as most people assume. You are in the bush most of the time with only a short section of beach walking.

The last section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track to the hut if you're coming from Tōtaranui involves a tidal crossing of the Awaroa inlet. This last 1km will need to be crossed 2 hours either side of low tide.

Whichever way you come from, there will likely be little creeks to cross. Because the water is not freezing, no huge rocks in the creeks, and more tidal than anything, it's fine to take your shoes off for these sections to keep dry feet.

However bear in mind that there are very sharp shells so you may prefer to take beach sandals with you to wear at least for the tidal crossings.

Hut:

 The hut is extremely modern. Very big and spacious, and needs booking all year around.

Recommendations:

This one is best visited outside of winter so you can enjoy swimming in the beach. Why not try walking the whole Abel Tasman Coast Track as it is a great beginner hiking trail with short walking days.

However if you're not ready for the whole walk, this hut is the easiest to access on its own with the Awaroa Bay carpark access.