Explore independently the track between Marahau to Anchorage before heading home on a water taxi.
Highlights: Marahau causeway and estuary, views of Adele & Fishermans Islands, side trips to accessible beaches, Yellow Point, views over Anchorage from the saddle, The pou of Turangāpeke, option of a side trip to Te Puakatea Bay.
Discover clear streams, native bush and incredible views over the Astrolabe and Anchorage area as you spend a day walking.
Explore the many beaches in the southern Abel Tasman, take time for a bite to eat, rest or swim as you wander the southern section of the Abel Tasman Coastal track. This picturesque section of track offers multiple opportunities to stop and take in the awe inspiring scenery of the forest fringed coastline.
Before heading down to Anchorage take the time to take in the breathtaking view of the Anchorage. At the beach view the pou of Turangāpeke of Ngāti Rārua, his children were the original land owners of the Whakarewa lands in Motueka.
If time allows explore beautiful Pitt Head loop track, and wonder at the expansive views from Te Pukatea Bay right up to Tonga Island. Walk back to Anchorage and catch the late afternoon water taxi back to Marhau.
- We provide a map and a briefing outlining track highlights.
The Abel Tasman is part of New Zealand’s great walk network and this premier track is designed for all levels of fitness. An outline of the journey is below in the itinerary section. DoC’s full track brochure can be downloaded here.
A guided walk option is available, please contact us to discuss.
Price
$54pp
Duration
1 Day
- Adult: $54
- Child (up to 14): $27
- Child (4 & under): $0
- Check-in: 8.30am
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Any age, under 18’s need to be accompanied by at least 1 adult
- Food: Lunch can be provided for $25pp or bring your own
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Departure Times
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Itinerary
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Day One
8.15amCheck in.8.30amWalk from Marahau to Anchorage.
4 hrs, 12.4km
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4.00pmWater taxi from Anchorage to Marahau.4.30pmArrive back in Marahau.
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What to bring
Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, walking shoes, cameras and any medication.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
FAQS
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Environment Access Fee
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
A portion of your ticket price goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the National Park. Fees are adjusted according to your trip, you can see your contribution when you purchase a ticket.
Find out more on how we are looking after this special place including our commitment to the Mārahau Pledge.
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Do I need hiking boots?
For walking the track, firm footwear is required, but boots are not essential, walking sandals or sports shoes are fine.
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More FAQ’s
A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.
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What our customers say
Sea kayaking for the first time, I opted for a short introductory half day. It was beautiful, fun and rewarding. The guides were excellent, group "sailing" was an unexpected fun activity that saved energy and lunch on the beach after was tasty, filling and relaxing. Water taxi back including being towed (while still in the boat) by a tractor.
Jo-Anne K
We booked in to do the half day seal sanctuary kayaking in early October 2019, and I’m very glad we did. We had such an amazing day with Abel Tasman kayaks - our guide Nicole was amazing, providing us with really clear and easy instructions, keeping us safe on the water, and sharing her knowledge about the area including its history and wildlife (as well as food and walk recommendations... read moreWe booked in to do the half day seal sanctuary kayaking in early October 2019, and I’m very glad we did. We had such an amazing day with Abel Tasman kayaks - our guide Nicole was amazing, providing us with really clear and easy instructions, keeping us safe on the water, and sharing her knowledge about the area including its history and wildlife (as well as food and walk recommendations for after the tour)! We got to see lots of seals on Tonga island, and Nicole also showed us some other special spots and photo opportunities, followed by a delicious lunch on the beach. The water taxi was great and efficient, and all of the staff were very welcoming, lovely and easy to talk to. I would 100% recommend this tour to family and friends, and would do it again if it was lucky enough to go back to the area! Thanks guys :) read less
Lisa R
I booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough... read moreI booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough breaks for arms ;-) Coffee-Cake and Lunch time were very tasty too! A great day! read less
KimK
Well organised and friendly company with good equipment and attention to safety. We really enjoyed the water taxi ride up to a beach along the Abel Tasman track for lunch , followed by a unhurried kayak over to Adele island to visit the seal colony and then a kayak back to base.
Des T
We did a combo kayak and sailing trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks and Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. We LOVED the kayak portion of our trip! Our guide was super knowledgeable, and since our group moved quickly, we were able to see seals, stop on Adele Island and listen to the birds, and explore different portions of Abel Tasman via kayak. We had the best time — a great activity for... read moreWe did a combo kayak and sailing trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks and Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. We LOVED the kayak portion of our trip! Our guide was super knowledgeable, and since our group moved quickly, we were able to see seals, stop on Adele Island and listen to the birds, and explore different portions of Abel Tasman via kayak. We had the best time — a great activity for spring in Abel Tasman! read less
S7322DWandreac
Such an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness... read moreSuch an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness and not experienced kayakers but we managed the kayaking just fine. Highly recommend doing the kayak/walk split as it was a great way to break it up and it was beautiful out on the water. Also very impressed with our pickup crews boating skills - it was a VERY choppy day on pick up, but they operated like a well oiled machine to get us and our gear safely on the boat. Abel Tasman Kayaks were great and really helpful and I would certainly recommend using them. Overall a great experience, good camping facilities (some with flushing toilets!) and incredible views. Make sure to check the tidal crossings and watch out for Wekas!! read less
Amelia R