Best Time to Visit
December to March (summer, 20-25°C, longest daylight). Walkable year-round but winter (June-Aug) is cooler (10-15°C) and quieter
Language
English, Te Reo Maori
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
NZST (UTC+12), NZDT (UTC+13) in summer
Airport
Nelson Airport (NSN), 70km southeast; also accessible from Motueka (20km)
Population
No permanent residents (national park); Marahau gateway village ~200 people
Climate
Maritime, sunniest region of the South Island, avg 22°C summer, 12°C winter
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — check tide tables for estuary crossings
One of New Zealand's 10 Great Walks — a 60km coastal trail from Marahau to Wainui Bay through golden beaches, lush native bush, and suspension bridges over tidal estuaries. Full walk takes 3-5 days. Hut passes: NZD 42/night (book on DOC website months ahead for summer). Day walks from Marahau are free. Water taxi access lets you walk any section.
Paddle through turquoise bays, past Split Apple Rock, and alongside fur seal colonies. Half-day guided trips from NZD 130/person, full-day from NZD 220 (includes lunch), and multi-day camping trips from NZD 500. Abel Tasman Kayaks and Kaiteriteri Kayaks are top operators. No experience needed. Best on calm mornings — afternoon sea breezes can build.
A pristine golden sand beach backed by native bush, accessible by water taxi or a 1.5-hour walk from Torrent Bay. The Falls River swing bridge on the track nearby is a highlight. Swimming is excellent in the sheltered lagoon at low tide. One of the quieter beaches in the park — most day-trippers don't make it this far. Free with water taxi drop-off.
A protected marine area around Tonga Island, home to a resident colony of 50+ New Zealand fur seals. Kayak past the island to see seals basking on rocks and swimming around your boat. Snorkeling possible in summer (bring your own gear or rent in Marahau). Blue penguins sometimes spotted. No landing on Tonga Island — it's a DOC reserve.
Water taxi services from Marahau and Kaiteriteri let you design your own day — get dropped at a remote beach, walk a section, then get picked up at the next bay. From NZD 45/person one-way. Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi and Marahau Water Taxis are the main operators. The flexibility makes the park accessible even for non-hikers. Book 24 hours ahead in summer.
A giant granite boulder split perfectly in two, sitting in the shallows of Kaiteriteri Beach. A geological icon of the region. Best seen by kayak (paddle right up to it) or from the beach at low tide. Located between Kaiteriteri and Marahau. Free to view. Most kayak tours pass it within the first 30 minutes of paddling from Kaiteriteri.
Arrive at Nelson Airport (NSN) and drive 70km northwest through the Motueka Valley to Marahau, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. The drive through hop fields and orchards sets the tone for this sun-drenched corner of the South Island.
Pickup rental car at Nelson Airport(30 minutes)
Pre-book through Apex or Omega Rentals (from NZD 55/day). The drive to Marahau takes 1 hour 15 minutes via SH60 through Motueka
Check-in at Abel Tasman Lodge(30 minutes)
Lodge rooms from NZD 180/night, or try Ocean View Chalets in Marahau from NZD 150. Book ahead December-February
Late lunch at Hooked on Marahau(1 hour)
Fresh blue cod and chips (NZD 22) at this casual cafe right at the trailhead. The green-lipped mussels are excellent too
Walk to Tinline Bay from Marahau(1.5 hours)
An easy 2km stroll along the start of the Coast Track to a sheltered bay with golden sand. Your first taste of the park's turquoise water. Free access. Return the same way before sunset
A full-day guided kayak from Kaiteriteri past the iconic Split Apple Rock and along the coast to Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Paddling through these turquoise bays with fur seals is the quintessential Abel Tasman experience.
Full-day guided sea kayak with Abel Tasman Kayaks(7 hours)
Departs Kaiteriteri at 8:30AM (NZD 220/person includes lunch, gear, and guide). Paddle past Split Apple Rock within the first 30 minutes — a giant granite boulder split perfectly in two. No experience needed. Calm morning conditions are typical
Tonga Island fur seal colony(45 minutes)
Paddle close to Tonga Island to watch 50+ New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks and playing in the water around your kayak. Part of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve — no landing permitted
Beach lunch at Bark Bay(1 hour)
Guides prepare lunch on a golden sand beach backed by native bush. Swim in the sheltered lagoon — the water is surprisingly warm in summer
Dinner at The Park Cafe, Marahau(1.5 hours)
Upscale-casual dining with local wines. Pan-seared salmon (NZD 34), venison medallions, and Nelson craft beer on tap. Book for sunset
Walk one of New Zealand's 10 Great Walks. Take the water taxi to Anchorage and walk south along pristine beaches, suspension bridges, and through native bush.
Water taxi to Anchorage from Marahau(25 minutes)
Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi departs 9AM (NZD 45/person one-way). Book 24 hours ahead in summer. The boat ride through the coastal bays is scenic
Walk Anchorage to Torrent Bay(2.5 hours)
A beautiful 6km section through native beech and kanuka forest with lookout points over the coastline. Well-maintained track with boardwalks
Swim at Torrent Bay(45 minutes)
A large tidal estuary with warm, shallow water perfect for swimming at mid-to-high tide. Check tide tables — the estuary crossing is only passable within 2 hours of low tide
Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau(3 hours)
12km of stunning coastal track passing Apple Tree Bay and Tinline Bay. Total walk for the day: 18km, moderate difficulty
Fish and chips at Fat Tui Burger(45 minutes)
Casual burger joint in Marahau. The blue cod burger (NZD 18) is a local favorite. Cold Speight's Gold Medal Ale to recover
Use the water taxi to access Bark Bay, one of the park's most beautiful and quieter beaches, then walk to the Falls River swing bridge before returning by water taxi.
Water taxi to Bark Bay(35 minutes)
Marahau Water Taxis depart 9AM (NZD 55/person one-way to Bark Bay). Most day-trippers don't make it this far — golden sand largely to yourself
Bark Bay beach morning(2 hours)
Swim in the sheltered lagoon at low tide, explore the beach, and walk the short track to the lookout point. The water clarity is extraordinary
Walk to Falls River swing bridge(1.5 hours)
A 3km section of the Coast Track through lush bush to the dramatic swing bridge over the Falls River gorge. Return the same way
Water taxi pickup from Bark Bay(35 minutes)
Pre-arranged pickup at 2:30PM back to Marahau (NZD 90 total return)
Wine tasting at Kina Cliffs Vineyard(1.5 hours)
15 minutes drive toward Motueka. Tasting flight NZD 15 for 5 wines. The Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from this region are world-class
A slower day exploring the gateway towns. Kaiteriteri has a beautiful beach, and Motueka offers craft breweries and local art galleries.
Morning at Kaiteriteri Beach(2 hours)
7km from Marahau, Kaiteriteri's golden sand beach is sheltered and calm. Kayak rentals available (NZD 30/hour) if you want to paddle to Split Apple Rock independently
Lunch at Precinct 35, Motueka(1 hour)
Hip cafe in the main street with excellent flat whites and brunch. Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon (NZD 24)
Hop Federation Brewery tasting(1.5 hours)
On Motueka's main road. Tasting flights NZD 12 for 4 beers. The Hazy IPA and Pilsner are standouts. The Nelson/Tasman region is New Zealand's hop capital
Evening beach walk at Marahau(1 hour)
Watch the sunset from the Marahau estuary where the Marahau River meets the sea. Wading birds feed in the shallows at dusk
Take the water taxi deep into the park to Awaroa, the most remote accessible bay. The return walk involves crossing the Awaroa Inlet — timed to the tide — for a genuine adventure.
Water taxi to Awaroa(50 minutes)
The longest water taxi ride into the park (NZD 72/person one-way from Marahau). Awaroa is remote — pack lunch, water, and sunscreen
Awaroa Bay beach time(2 hours)
A sweeping golden sand bay that was crowdfunded by New Zealanders in 2016 to keep it public. Swim in the clear water and explore the native bush fringe
Awaroa Inlet tidal crossing(30 minutes)
Wade across the estuary — knee-deep even at low tide. Only possible within 2 hours of low tide (check MetService). Waterproof your pack
Walk Awaroa to Tonga Quarry(2.5 hours)
8km through native bush with coastal views. Moderate difficulty through regenerating forest and several small stream crossings
Water taxi from Tonga Quarry to Marahau(30 minutes)
Pre-arranged pickup (NZD 50). Total walking: 10km plus the tidal crossing
Final morning at the park before driving back to Nelson Airport. Stop at the charming Mapua Wharf along the way.
Sunrise walk to Tinline Bay(1 hour)
One last stroll along the Coast Track entrance. Morning light on the golden sand and turquoise water is magical
Drive to Nelson via Mapua Wharf(1.5 hours)
Stop at Mapua Wharf — a converted fishing wharf with galleries and the famous Jellyfish Cafe. Smoked fish and chips on the wharf (NZD 20) with estuary views
US, UK, EU, and many other citizens need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA, NZD 17 via app or NZD 23 online) plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL, NZD 100). Apply at least 72 hours before travel. Valid for 2 years. Australian citizens are exempt.
Marahau is the southern trailhead (20km from Motueka, 70km from Nelson). No public bus — rent a car or use Abel Tasman Coachlines shuttle from Nelson (NZD 35 one-way). Kaiteriteri (7km before Marahau) has more accommodation options. Parking at Marahau is NZD 10/day. In summer, arrive before 9AM for a parking spot.
Two sections of the Coast Track (Torrent Bay and Awaroa Inlet) cross tidal estuaries that are only passable within 2 hours of low tide. If you miss the window, you'll wait hours or take a long detour. Check tide times at DOC visitor centers or online (MetService). The Awaroa crossing is knee-deep even at low tide — waterproof your pack.
You don't need to do the full 3-5 day trek. A one-day combo of water taxi + walk gives you the highlights: taxi to Bark Bay (NZD 55), walk back to Marahau along the coast (4-5 hours, 12km) through the best beaches. Or taxi to Tonga Quarry and kayak back (NZD 220 combo). Camping (NZD 18/night) beats huts (NZD 42) for budget travelers.
DOC huts (4 on the track) sell out months in advance for December-February. Booking opens in June for the following summer at bookings.doc.govt.nz. If huts are full, campsites are easier to get and half the price. Outside peak season (March-November), walk-up bookings are usually fine. Huts have mattresses, water, and toilets but no cooking facilities.
There are no rubbish bins on the track. Carry all waste out with you including food scraps. DOC huts have toilets but limited facilities — bring your own cooking gear, food, and sleeping bag. No open fires permitted (camp stoves only). Respect the wildlife — do not feed or approach fur seals (they can bite). The park is pest-free, help keep it that way.
Travel GuidesEverything you need to know about exploring New Zealand's smallest — and arguably most beautiful — national park, from water taxi logistics to the best campsites on the Coast Track.
StoriesA solo paddle through New Zealand's most stunning coastline turned into something I'll never forget — golden bays, granite formations, and a close encounter with forty curious fur seals.
TipsSandflies, tidal crossings, water taxi hacks, and the mistake of not packing reef shoes — hard-won lessons from four trips to New Zealand's golden coast.
