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 $20pp 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
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
Superb walk and kayak through the beautiful Abel Tasman! Louisa was a fantastic guide and made sure that everyone was having a great time. Thank you for the yummy recommendation for burgers after! We’ll be dreaming about those brownies for years to come!! thank you all for a fantastic trip!
RachelS4504
We did this day in early October and had a fabulous time. The whole process was smooth and hassle free, the gear was good and the packed lunch (with coffee!) was delicious.Our guide (Awatea) did a great job of briefing us, getting us going out on the water, and sharing information about the area. The seals were an unexpected bonus.We were then shuttled to the start of our walk on... read moreWe did this day in early October and had a fabulous time. The whole process was smooth and hassle free, the gear was good and the packed lunch (with coffee!) was delicious.Our guide (Awatea) did a great job of briefing us, getting us going out on the water, and sharing information about the area. The seals were an unexpected bonus.We were then shuttled to the start of our walk on a super speedy boat where we strolled the 6+km north to our pick-up point.After that it was a quick trip back to base, with a few more pick-ups, along the way.Thoroughly recommend this option if you only have one day.We were trio of 50+ women and had a blast.Thanks guys :) read less
NParley
Can absolutely recommend this company. They organised a tramping trip combined with a kayak trip. Did all the bookings, answered endless emails and were so helpful. All the staff were incredibly friendly. The marine tour itself was a highlight. Our guide was brilliant and it was no problem that I'd never kayaked before. The equipment was great and all in all just a fabulous... read moreCan absolutely recommend this company. They organised a tramping trip combined with a kayak trip. Did all the bookings, answered endless emails and were so helpful. All the staff were incredibly friendly. The marine tour itself was a highlight. Our guide was brilliant and it was no problem that I'd never kayaked before. The equipment was great and all in all just a fabulous experience. Thanks guys! read less
Anne H
The day kayak/walk was the highlight of our trip, we loved it (even the teenagers!). Darryl our guide was fantastic - he was so informative, knowledgeable and had lots of yarns to tell along the way. With no prior kayak experience, the paddle in the morning was a perfect amount of time on the water. The walk to Anchorage and then the Pitt Head loop... read moreThe day kayak/walk was the highlight of our trip, we loved it (even the teenagers!). Darryl our guide was fantastic - he was so informative, knowledgeable and had lots of yarns to tell along the way. With no prior kayak experience, the paddle in the morning was a perfect amount of time on the water. The walk to Anchorage and then the Pitt Head loop was absolutely stunning. All the staff were really friendly and helpful, right from pick up to drop off in Motueka. Safety was clearly a priority for everyone and we were definitely in safe hands, which was very reassuring. This was our first trip to Abel Tasman and gave us a wonderful taste of what's on offer, we will without a doubt be back. Thanks Darryl and ATK. read less
SunHol1
Our guide was excellent, we had a fantastic time kayaking in the Tasman Sea. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking great. Love the rock formations and the history of the area. Very interesting. We opted out of kayaking over to seal island as it was windy and rough. After kayaking we had coffee on the beach and hiked over to another beach to sail back... read moreOur guide was excellent, we had a fantastic time kayaking in the Tasman Sea. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking great. Love the rock formations and the history of the area. Very interesting. We opted out of kayaking over to seal island as it was windy and rough. After kayaking we had coffee on the beach and hiked over to another beach to sail back to where we started. All in all a great day. Because of Covid 19 we were one of the last groups so it was the guide and me and my husband. I'd recommend this highly. read less
Kristin B
