Best things to do in Mārahau

Mārahau is where Abel Tasman adventures begin. Walk, kayak or cruise into the national park, then return for good local food, coastal views and a well-earned rest.

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Walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track

One of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which starts from Mārahau and takes you through lush native forests, golden sandy beaches, and wooden suspension bridges. Enjoy birdsong from ongoing restoration efforts by the local community and iwi. Best experienced on a multi-day adventure, you can stay overnight at beachfront lodges, campsites, or DOC huts. For shorter visits, there are plenty of half and full-day walk-kayak or walk-cruise options available.
 
 
 
 
 

blurry placeholderMSK Kayak Onetahuti Credit Marahau Sea Kayaks

Go on a kayaking adventure

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park, with plenty of guided, unguided, single day and multi-day options on offer. Known by locals as ‘the launching pad’ for the national park, your journey from Mārahau will take you through turquoise blue waters past granite coastline, golden sandy beaches and lush native forest. By kayak, you can boldly go where no boat or walking track can take you to explore the hidden coves nestled into the sweeping coastline and savour the panoramic vistas that surround you, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals or dolphins.

blurry placeholderAbel Tasman Canyons offers an adrenaline-packed way to explore the region’s wild playground.

Leave your comfort zone and go canyoning

Just a short way from Mārahau, nestled in the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park, is a pristine paradise that is seen by few but loved by many. An adventure with Abel Tasman Canyons will have you testing the limits of your comfort zone as you abseil down gorgeous granite canyons, zip through unspoiled rainforest and slide into some of the purest water and natural rockpools one can find. 

blurry placeholderAbel Tasman Eco Tours

Learn about the unique history of this place

The Abel Tasman National Park, Mārahau and Kaiteriteri behold a surprisingly diverse and unique history, and there’s no better way to learn about it than with Abel Tasman Eco Tours. As you embark on a whistlestop tour of Tasman Bay’s most renowned treasures, you’ll be treated to intriguing stories about the park's ecology, fun facts about its history, and an array of opportunities to stop and photograph the iconic landmarks the area is known for. From lagoons to beaches, wildlife to sealife, and history to culture, we guarantee you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the national park and the generations that lived before us.

blurry placeholderTuck into fresh, local seafood at Hooked on Mārahau, a relaxed beachfront eatery with unbeatable views of the Abel Tasman coastline.

Dine at the picturesque waterfront

Serving up fresh local fare, craft beer and wine, Hooked is a relaxed spot to swap stories after a day exploring Abel Tasman. Inside, seashells, driftwood and crayfish pots bring plenty of coastal character, while the beer garden looks out across the water at high tide and the sweeping sand flats as the tide retreats.

One catch: Hooked takes a well-earned break over winter, so check opening dates before planning your visit.

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Support sustainable businesses

Mārahau might be a small seaside village, but this small coastal village is home to a huge number of businesses doing their bit for the environment. Here, you'll find most of the tourism operators that feature in our light-footprint itinerary, from accommodation providers to waterfront restaurants, canyoning, kayaking, water taxis and more. These operators have also taken the Mārahau Pledge, a practical commitment to protect and enhance the environment that they love and work in.

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Stay in a private studio chalet

Experience New Zealand’s famed natural beauty in abundance from the private deck of your very own studio chalet. Set amongst stunning native grounds, Mārahau’s Abel Tasman Ocean View Chalets offers a peaceful and tranquil setting in which to relax. Make sure to enjoy a coffee whilst watching the sun rise or relax in bed and enjoy the dawn chorus.

Keep exploring Nelson Tasman

blurry placeholderTasman Great Taste Trail at Kaiteretere by Aimee Jules credit NelsonTasmanNZ (2)

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