Mārahau
Mārahau, Abel Tasman National Park
At the southern edge of Abel Tasman National Park, Mārahau is where days on the coast begin — with golden beaches, calm waters and adventures waiting just beyond the shoreline.
Morning mist hangs over the bay as Mārahau slowly comes to life. Kayakers glide across the water, walkers set out on the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the first water taxis head into the national park. Others are perfectly happy staying put, coffee in hand, soaking up the quiet of the waterfront.
As one of the main gateways to Abel Tasman National Park, Mārahau makes exploring easy. Join a guided kayak trip, catch a water taxi deeper into the park or set off on foot along one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
There’s plenty of reason to linger, too. Golden sand, a tidal estuary and clear blue-green water are all close at hand, along with places to eat, stay and unwind. From lodges and motels to camping by the coast, Mārahau is an easy base for slowing down and enjoying this special corner of Nelson Tasman.
The name suggesting it was once the site of growing crops, and it still carries an aura of natural abundance today. Mārahau restaurants and cafés are highly regarded for their excellent food, connection with the land and sea, and the warm welcome they give visitors. Here, you can sing karaoke at the cafe, savour local beer at the waterfront beer garden, and dive into some of the best burgers in New Zealand being served from a caravan.
Activities on the water are popular here, and with one of the largest tidal ranges in New Zealand, it’s perfect for horse riding, investigating tidal pools, and photography at low tide. Mārahau’s natural beauty features in many treasured photo albums, and it really does take your breath away.
Mārahau is a small coastal village at the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park, around an hour’s drive from Nelson. It’s one of the main starting points for exploring the park by foot, kayak or water taxi.
Walking and kayaking are the big drawcards, but there’s no need to fill every hour. Explore the Abel Tasman Coast Track, join a sea kayaking or canyoning trip, catch a water taxi into the national park, relax on the beach or dine at Hooked (closes during winter), a laid-back beachfront spot serving fresh local seafood with beautiful views across the coast.
Yes. Water taxis depart from Mārahau and provide access to beaches, walking tracks and other locations throughout Abel Tasman National Park. They’re handy for creating a day trip that combines walking with time on the water.
Yes. Mārahau has a range of places to stay, including lodges, motels, holiday accommodation and camping. Staying locally puts you close to the national park and makes an early start particularly easy.
Mārahau can be enjoyed year-round. Summer brings warm days and plenty of activity on the water, while the quieter months offer a more peaceful experience. Conditions can change quickly on the coast, so check the weather and track or water conditions before heading out.
Definitely. You don’t need to tackle a Great Walk to enjoy Mārahau. Come for a beach day, paddle along the coast, take a water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park, enjoy a meal by the water or simply spend a little time taking in the scenery.
The Abel Tasman Centre on the Mārahau waterfront is the hub of the village and a handy place to get your plans sorted. It’s the booking and check-in point for Mārahau Water Taxis and Mārahau Sea Kayaks, as well as the Mārahau Beach Camp and other local activities and accommodation. You’ll also find a well-stocked general store with locally made gifts and souvenirs, while waterfront café and beer garden Hooked is right next door.
Find things to do and places to stay in Mārahau.
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