Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Golden sands and coastal magic. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track (60km / 37 miles) is New Zealand's most popular Great Walk. Located at the northern tip of the South Island, it winds along a coastline of stunning golden-sand beaches, turquoise bays, and lush native forest. This is the gentlest of the Great Walks, featuring mild temperatures and relatively flat terrain. It is unique for its flexibility, with hikers often combining walking with sea kayaking or using water taxis to skip sections or transport their luggage.

One of the most frequented day hikes from El Chaltén, the route to Laguna Torre leads to a glacial lake at the base of the Torre massif. The 18 km out-and-back trail follows the Fitz Roy River valley, moving through sub-antarctic forests of ñire and lenga. The terrain is primarily well-maintained gravel paths and packed dirt, with a short initial ascent followed by mostly level walking through the glacial valley. The destination offers direct views of Cerro Torre (3,128m) and the Adela range, with icebergs frequently calving from the Torre Glacier into the lake.