Want a bite of natural paradise in the Abel Tasman National Park? Walk a small section of the park with the aid of easily accessible (scurrying water taxis). Medlands Beach is a great choice to dip your toes to explore one of New Zealand’s great walks.
Relax and cruise in your water taxi into the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful national parks.
Picture-perfect Medlands beach leads to a coastal track brushed with scented Manuka bushes and native ferns. Enjoy the outstanding views as they swing into sight. Your destination is a forest pool with its intriguing rock slide, Cleopatra’s Pool. The day finishes with the promise of a golden sandy beach as you wait for a water taxi pickup.
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Carry water, do not drink unfiltered river water.
- Suspension bridges over lush hillsides and bubbling streams
- Vistas of dense forest with its green layers a photo moment
- Sparkling clear blue ocean interspersed with gold sandy beaches
- Forest pools and streams to dip your toes in
Cruise into the heart of the National Park to walk the most varied section of the Abel Tasman National Park Great Walk.
The boat ride is usually an hour with the scenic journey setting you into the natural rhythms of Abel Tasman. Remember to apply sandfly (insect repellent) lotion before starting the walk. Medlands Beach has a composting toilet and that is it.
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Join a water taxi in Kaiteriteri and ask if the water taxi does a short detour to the iconic SPLIT APPLE ROCK (Ngaio Bay) for a quick gawk and photo moment from the water.
Medlands Beach to Cleopatra Pool walk starts at the Maori Carving silhouetted on the hill. You are heading to Sandfly Bay. It sounds ominous however you will glimpse the bay as you continue onwards towards the suspension bridge over the Falls River. There are Halfway Pools along this track for a quick soak of the feet and then Torrent Bay comes into view after approximately 1 hour walking.
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Abel Tasman National Park has wide well maintained trails and is very well signposted. Torrent Bay has composting toilets, a beautiful beach and picnic spots under mature trees. There are no shops in the National Park.
Look for the signs for the high tide route and follow the coastal track over bridges (three) and watch out for the side track to Cleopatra’s pool.
CLEOPATRA POOL
- Natural rock slide into a fresh clear river water
- Watch for eels and weka who inhabit the area
- You will hear the triumph thrill of visitors as they hurdle down the rock slide into the invigorating water
Return to main track on the same side route and follow signs to Anchorage Bay.
- Cleopatra Pool to Anchorage Bay: 2.8 km
Long stretch of gold tinted sand, shallow clear blue water and shady bush.
You can arrange to be collected by water taxi from Anchorage Bay or continue further Apple Tree Bay approximately another 1 – 1.5 km. There is the temptation to simply relax on the beautiful Anchorage Bay beach, Abel Tasman National Park and relish the surroundings.
For tips on recommended clothing and supplies check South Island ultimate day walks, what to wear, supplies and fitness required. Remember to check the local weather report before departing.
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