Marahau Beach

Marahau Beach is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, a golden-sand crescent lapped by turquoise waters and backed by lush native bush. This is where your coastal adventure begins, whether you're kayaking, hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere. The beach itself is a launch pad for exploration, with the iconic tide-dependent sandbars and the distant profile of the park's granite cliffs setting the scene.

Highlights & What to See

• Abel Tasman Coast Track – New Zealand's premier coastal walk, with easy day sections from Marahau to Anchorage or beyond.
• Sea Kayaking – Paddle alongside seals, penguins, and golden beaches; guided trips depart from the beach.
• Split Apple Rock – A perfectly split granite boulder just offshore, best seen at low tide.
• Marahau Estuary – Walk the boardwalk at low tide to spot birdlife and reflections of the surrounding hills.
• Wainui Falls – A short, lush walk through native forest to a 20m waterfall, a short drive from Marahau.
• Kaiteriteri Beach – A stunning golden beach with great swimming and boat cruises into the park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Marahau is best enjoyed over 2–3 days. Spend one day kayaking or on a boat cruise, another hiking a section of the Coast Track (e.g., to Anchorage and back by water taxi), and a third relaxing on the beach or exploring nearby Kaiteriteri. If you're short on time, a single day trip from Nelson or Motueka is possible, but you'll miss the magic of an overnight stay.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Abel Tasman National Park – The entire park is accessible from Marahau; consider multi-day hikes or water-taxi tours.
• Kaiteriteri – A vibrant beach town with boat tours and family-friendly activities.
• Nelson – The sunny city with galleries, markets, and craft breweries, an hour's drive away.
• Motueka – A laid-back town with orchards and cafes, perfect for stocking up before park adventures.
• Golden Bay & Farewell Spit – A wilder coast with the iconic sandspit and Te Waikoropupū Springs, accessible via Takaka Hill.

Please check official sources for current details.