Marahau

The main gateway into the Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau has a lovely beach and a choice of places to stay. Catch a water taxi or hire a kayak.

Marahau guards the eastern entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Here you can book water taxis, hire kayaks or set off on the Coastal Track. The settlement offers a range of backpacker and self-contained accommodation; the camping grounds are very popular over the summer holiday season. Marahau's attractive beach offers safe swimming. For a memorable meal, make yourself comfortable at the local café – it has grand views of the beach and the national park. If you plan to stay overnight in the park, you’ll need to purchase hut/campsite tickets from the Department of Conservation (Takaka or Nelson) or the Motueka visitors centre.

Functional facts: Approx. population 500, limited shopping, water taxi service into park.