Wanderyn
Marahau
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · NZ

Marahau

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Marahau is about 20 minutes' drive from Motueka and an hour from Nelson, and a car is the standard way to arrive, with seasonal shuttle buses also running in summer. Marahau sits right at the southern entrance to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, so once here most onward movement is on foot, by kayak, or by water taxi along the coast rather than by road, since no road runs along the park's coastline beyond this point.
Hours: Water taxi, kayak, and guided walk departures run on a fixed daily schedule tied to tides and season, typically several sailings from mid-morning through early afternoon in summer; book ahead as availability shrinks quickly in peak months.

Marahau sits at the southern trailhead of the Abel Tasman Coast Track and functions, like Kaiteriteri nearby, primarily as an access point to Abel Tasman National Park rather than a destination in its own right. Its main advantage over Kaiteriteri is proximity to the actual start of the walking track, making it the natural choice for anyone setting off on foot rather than taking a boat straight to a mid-park beach.

The settlement itself is small, with a handful of places to eat, several kayak and water taxi operators, and basic accommodation, all oriented around getting people into the park. Most visitors spend a day or more walking a section of the coast track, kayaking among the park's seal colonies and beaches, or combining a walk one way with a water taxi back, before returning to a base elsewhere in the Nelson/Tasman region for the night.

Marahau FAQs

Should I base myself in Marahau or Kaiteriteri for Abel Tasman?

Marahau sits right at the start of the walking track and suits those planning to walk in, while Kaiteriteri has a better beach and more frequent boat departures; both work as day-trip bases.

Can I kayak in Abel Tasman from Marahau?

Yes, several kayak operators run guided and self-guided trips from Marahau, often combined with a walking or water taxi leg for a one-way trip.

Do I need to book a water taxi or kayak trip ahead?

Yes, especially in the December-February peak season, when sailings and guided trips fill up days in advance.

How long is the walk from Marahau into the park?

The full Abel Tasman Coast Track takes 3-5 days one way, but most day visitors walk a shorter section (a few hours) and return by water taxi rather than completing the whole track.

Is there accommodation in Marahau itself?

Yes, a small range of lodges, holiday parks, and B&Bs, though Motueka and Nelson have considerably more choice if you want more than a night or two right at the trailhead.

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