Stage 5 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track covers 5.4 km from Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui, with 272 m of ascent and 272 m of descent. The highest point is 194 m. Allow about 2 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Beachside holiday park at 809 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, with motel units, cabins and tent sites, about 6.5 km west of the Wainui car park as the crow flies (further by road). Book ahead from December to February.
Boutique lodge with a restaurant and day spa near Pohara Beach, about 6.5 km west of the Wainui car park as the crow flies (further by road).
Two eco stays (a geodesic dome and a flax pod) on a ridge in Pohara Valley, NZ$105–180 a night, about 5.5 km west of the Wainui car park as the crow flies.
Scheduled bus Nelson – Motueka – Takaka, with a Takaka – Pohara – Tata Beach – Wainui Falls run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Wainui Falls stop is about 3.5 km from the track car park, so book and confirm the pick-up point.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. Every DOC hut and campsite night on the track must be booked online in advance, all year. Check the tide table: Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed near low tide.
Emergency: call 111 and ask for the police. Carry a PLB. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.