Bark Bay
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Beaches & Bays
Just a short walk from Medlands Beach and bordering the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the Abel Tasman National Park is Bark Bay.
Bark Bay/Wairima is a beautiful beach along the coastal track with a tidal estuary snaking behind it and was originally a site where tree harvesting used to take place (hence the name). The beach is best known for its glorious year-round sun, tranquil beach-front campsite, large lagoon playground and more recently, for the thriving array of birdlife that call the bay home.
In 2019, 12 captive-raised kākā were released from a purpose-built aviary into the wild here, as part of an effort led by Project Janszoon, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust and Department of Conservation to reintroduce the near-extinct birds to the national park. As you awaken from your slumber or relax on the beach, you may hear or see this colourful forest-dwelling parrot as it flies through the trees above. [Note: Please do not touch or feed the kākā].
Photo credits: (1) Marahau Sea Kayaks, (2) Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi
Address
Bark Bay
Bark Bay
Abel Tasman Coast Track
7183 Abel Tasman National Park
- Phone
- +6435482304
- Visit website
- nelsonisite@nelsontasman.nz