Nelson-Marlborough

Abel Tasman

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Abel Tasman

Nearby

Nelson Golden Bay Marlborough Sounds Blenheim

Abel Tasman: Understand

I (Michelle) am from a tiny rural place between the Abel Tasman and Nelson, so I like to claim the Abel Tasman National Park as my backyard. It really is one of New Zealand’s best assets! With subtropical weather, turquoise waters, sheltered inlets and secluded beaches of golden sand; there are few places on earth that surpass the beauty of this area.

The Abel Tasman track is a popular 60 km walkway along the coast that takes you through pleasant bush and alongside the bays giving you many opportunities to have a dip. There are picturesque areas dotted along the track for you to pitch your tent – however you must pay a camping fee to DOC before you leave.

Fun fact…

The Abel Tasman is named after Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand!

Abel Tasman: Getting In & Out

By plane:

The best airport to get to the Abel Tasman is in Nelson, which is a 1-hour drive to the Southern Entrance of the Abel Tasman National Park (Marahau).

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

Split Apple Rock is between Kaiteriteri and Marahau

By car:

Getting to the Abel Tasman South Entrance: Marahau

From Nelson follow Highway 6 south to Richmond. Once through Richmond, take the exit to Motueka ( State Highway 60). Continue along SH 60 for approximately 40 kms (25 miles) to Motueka township.

From Motueka, continue along High Street (SH 60) out of town for approximately 8 kms (5 miles). Cross the Motueka River (long, narrow 2-lane bridge), veer right to continue through Riwaka and then cross the Riwaka River Bridge. Two hundred metres past Riwaka Bridge you have to make a left or right decision. Right is to Kaiteriteri, left to Golden Bay and Marahau. To get to Marahau though, immediately after you turn left (ie. 30 metres) you will see a sign to turn right.

If you are doing a tour or taking a boat, most depart from Kaiteriteri. Follow the same directions as to Marahau, but at the T-intersection (left or right decision), turn right.

Getting to the Abel Tasman Northern Entrance: Wainui or Totaranui

Getting to the Northern entrance is not as straight-forward (be prepared for gravel, windy roads)! However if you are planning to spend time in Golden Bay, it could make sense.

From Nelson follow State Highway 6 south to Richmond. Once through Richmond, take the exit to Motueka (State Highway 60). Continue along SH 60 for approximately 40 kms (25 miles) to Motueka township.

From Motueka, continue along High Street (SH 60) out of town for approximately 8 kms (5 miles). Cross the Motueka River (long, narrow 2-lane bridge), veer right to continue through Riwaka and then cross the Riwaka River Bridge. Two hundred metres past Riwaka Bridge you have to make a left or right decision. Right is to Kaiteriteri, left to Marahau and Golden Bay (Takaka). Continue on SH 60 over the Takaka Hill, dropping all the way into Takaka.

From Takaka, take a right-turn heading towards Pohara and Tata Beaches. From Tata Beach, there is just one road that continues, and that is your golden ticket to get to Wainui or Totoranui. (Note: if you are planning to hike the entire track, starting at Wainui adds 15.5km, 5 hours 15. You can also choose to start in Totoranui.)

By bus:

ScenicNZ provides a daily coach service between Nelson and the Abel Tasman (including stops in Motueka, Kaiteriteri and Marahau).

Golden Bay Coachlines is another option with similar offerings.

You can also take a look at the InterCity website – they offer buses from Nelson to the Abel Tasman (note: it is a private operator rather than InterCity themselves that service this route).

Abel Tasman by Boat

It is very common to see Abel Tasman by boat. Most of these depart from Kaiteriteri. The best thing about these boats & water taxis is they give you the flexibility to walk whatever distance you want and boat the rest.

Here are the boat and water taxi providers:

Abel Tasman by Kayak

The Abel Tasman National Park is best explored on foot or by sea kayak. Kayaking one way and walking the other is a great way to enjoy the beauty of this picturesque piece of coastline. Or incorporate the water taxis for the same one-way walking outcome.

For a unique cultural experience join a waka (Māori canoe) crew and paddle along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline with Waka Abel Tasman.

Kayaking the Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman by Foot

Quick facts:

  • One-way-track
  • 60km
  • 3-5 days
  • Southern Entrance: Marahau
  • Northern Entrance: Wainui (although most choose to finish in Totoranui)
  • Typically hiked in 3-4 days: Marahau –> Totoranui
  • Can be extended to 5 days: Marahau –> Wainui
  • It can be done in reverse too (both are great options)
  • It is one of NZ’s easier hikes, largely flat and very well maintained
  • The track is almost entirely along the coastline, which is simply stunning! Heaps of swimming opportunities along the way…
  • It takes 2.5 hours to drive between Marahau and Totoranui, and 2 hours to drive between Marahau and Wainui. This makes boat and water taxi the best option for completing your “circuit”.
  • You can stay in campgrounds or DOC huts on the track. Due to the popularity of the track, these must be booked in advance. We recommend 6-12 months in advance for the busy season (December – April).
Low tide crossing

Example itinerary:

  • Day 1: Mārahau to Anchorage (12.4km, 4 hours)
  • Day 2: Anchorage to Bark Bay (high tide route: 11.5km, 4 hours) or (low tide route: 8.4km 3 hours)
  • Day 3: Bark Bay to Awaroa (13.5km, 4.5 hours)
  • Day 4: Awaroa to Totoranui (7.1km, 2.5 hours) * note: Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed within 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide.

Extension:

  • Day 4: Awaroa to Whariwharangi Bay (16.9km, 5.5 hours)
  • Day 5: Whariwharangi Bay to Wainui (5.7km, 2 hours)
Hiking the Abel Tasman with friends

This DOC (Department of Conversation) brochure is a super handy overview of the track and what you would walk each day. There are also further useful links provided in the brochure. DOC Abel Tasman Brochure.


Abel Tasman: Eat & Drink

The Park Cafe is situated at the Southern Entrance to the park, Marahau. Good food and good portions, perfect before or after your Abel Tasman adventures.

Once you are in the park, there are no stores or eating options (except if you’re heading into Awaroa). Pack the food you’ll need for the number of days you plan to be in the park.

Abel Tasman: Sleep

This region offers many accommodation options for you to choose from. If you are planning on walking or kayaking the Abel Tasman, we recommend staying in Motueka or Marahau beforehand. Finding available accommodation in Marahau (Southern Entrance to the Abel Tasman walkway) can be difficult so we recommend booking well in advance. Accommodation on the walkway itself is limited to basic huts and camping grounds.

Awaroa Lodge is luxury accommodation in the National Park itself! Located at the northern end of the Park, nestled in native bush, two minutes from the beach. If you’re not up for basic huts and preparing dinner on a gas cooker, you could base yourself here for a few days and do day walks! Enjoy restaurant meals and quality linen (and spare a thought for the hikers in their sleeping bags!).

Where to next?

Nearby in Nelson & Marlborough:

Nelson Golden Bay Marlborough Sounds Blenheim

 

Nearby Regions:

Canterbury West Coast Otago

A ‘NZ Great Walk’ following golden beaches and lush native bush

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