Bark Bay

• Abel Tasman National Park
• Beaches & Bays

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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