The main gateway into the Abel Tasman National Park, Mārahau has a lovely beach and a choice of places to stay. Catch a water taxi or hire a kayak.
Mārahau guards the eastern entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. From the Abel Tasman Centre in Mārahau you can book water taxis, hire kayaks, embark on a canyoning adventure or set off on the Coastal Walking Track. The sleepy settlement is the perfect place to get away from it all. Choose from a range of backpacker and self-contained accommodation, or the camping grounds which are popular over the summer holiday season.
Mārahau's sprawling beach offers safe swimming and at low tide you can even see people wiggling their toes in the sand – but really, they are just digging for shellfish and cockles.
For a memorable meal, make yourself comfortable at Hooked on Mārahau, the sunny waterfront café and beer garden, with grand views of the beach and delicious local, organic dishes. For a casual lunch or dinner, you can't miss Fat Tui Burger, serving up world famous burgers from a caravan.
If you plan to stay overnight in the park after walking some of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, you’ll need to purchase hut/campsite tickets from the Department of Conservation(opens in new window) (Tākaka or Nelson) or the Motueka i-SITE.
