10 October 2026
Showers developing this morning, possibly heavy inland from afternoon, turning to rain at night. Northeasterlies developing this morning.
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1 / 11Abel Tasman National Park
Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
Starting and finishing at Tōtaranui, this loop track will take you over Gibbs Hill and around the coast from Whariwharangi.
Distance
18.3 km
Walking time
5 hr 30 min loop
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Nelson forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
11 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northerlies, dying out in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine, but becoming mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the evening. Northerlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Occasional rain clearing in the afternoon, then partly cloudy. Light winds.
14 October 2026
Occasional rain, with some heavy falls. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
From the Tōtaranui camp office, follow Avenue Road and then the Abel Tasman Coast Track past Ngarata Homestead, heading north towards Anapai. After 1.4 km, just past the concrete bridge, turn left onto the Gibbs Hill Track. The track crosses a ford before climbing steadily for 3 km, with some steep sections. At the ridge and track junction, turn right to reach the summit of Gibbs Hill. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes for the climb. From the top, follow the track downhill to a junction — keep right to descend to Whariwharangi Bay. It takes about an hour to reach the bay from the summit. Return to Tōtaranui via the Coast Track, passing Mutton Cove and Anapai Bay. Allow around 3 hours for this section. Tracks to Gibbs Hill from Tōtaranui, Pigeon Saddle, or the Coast Track near Wainui Bay are primarily fire access routes. They mostly cross open terrain or dry regenerating scrub of gorse and mānuka. The ridge offers spectacular views — on a clear day you can see from Nelson around to D’Urville Island, across to Farewell Spit, and even Mt Taranaki in winter. Golden Bay spreads out below.
Essential information for Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
Giardia has been found in some park waters. It can be removed from drinking water by boiling, filtering or chemical treatment. All tap water at Tōtaranui is filtered. Wasps are a possible hazard and are more common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings. There is no water anywhere along the ridges of Gibbs Hill. There is water in Whariwharangi and at campsites along the Coast Track.
Huts and campsites
Mutton Cove Campsite Anapai Bay Campsite Whariwharangi Bay Campsite Whariwharangi Hut
Getting there for Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
Nelson to Tōtaranui is about two and a half hours. Take SH6 south out of Nelson and turn onto SH60 (the Coastal Highway) once past Richmond. Follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka. From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Tōtaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road. Use this location in Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Gibbs Hill to Whariwharangi Bay Loop Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.