Abel Tasman National Park: water taxis, kayaking and the coast track

Abel Tasman National Park is the postcard version of New Zealand’s coast: granite headlands, golden beaches, clear green water and forest right down to the sand. It sits at the top of the South Island between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay, and there are no roads along the coast itself. You get around on foot, by kayak or by boat.

That is what confuses first-timers, and it is also the fun part. This guide explains how water taxis, kayaks and the Coast Track fit together, so you can plan anything from a half day to five days. Facts come from DOC and the operators’ own sites. Prices are in NZD, as at November 2026.

Quick answer

• Half or full day: water taxi from Mārahau or Kaiteriteri to a beach such as Anchorage or Bark Bay, then walk back or get picked up later.
• Want to paddle: a guided kayak trip. DOC recommends guided trips for anyone new to kayaking.
• Two to five days: walk all or part of the 60 km Coast Track, staying in DOC huts or campsites that must be booked all year.
• The one rule you cannot ignore: you can only cross Awaroa Inlet from 1 hour 30 minutes before to 2 hours after low tide, in daylight.

How the park works

There are four main entrances (DOC):

Most people start at the southern end. Mārahau is about an hour’s drive from Nelson (routing estimate without stops). DOC has car parks at Mārahau, Tōtaranui and Wainui, and parking is at your own risk. Water taxi and kayak companies have their own client car parks.

There is strictly no freedom camping at the road ends (DOC). If you are in a campervan, see our freedom camping guide for where you can stay. Base yourself in Nelson, Motueka or the Mārahau and Kaiteriteri area. Our Nelson guide covers the town.

Water taxis

Water taxis are the secret to Abel Tasman. They run all year between Mārahau or Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui, and must be booked in advance (DOC). They are not allowed to go north of Tōtaranui.

Scheduled pick-up points are Apple Tree Bay, Anchorage, Medlands Bay, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Onetahuti, Awaroa and Tōtaranui.

How a typical day works:

1. Book a one-way water taxi to a beach, for example Anchorage or Bark Bay.
2. Get dropped off at your beach.
3. Walk back towards Mārahau, or walk to another beach and catch a later boat home.

Operators include Abel Tasman AquaTaxi, which has merged with Marahau Water Taxis and is based near the track entrance at Mārahau, and Wilsons Abel Tasman, which runs cruises from Kaiteriteri. AquaTaxi’s fares depend on your route and are shown when you choose your beaches; each full fare includes one bag up to 20 kg. Wilsons’ cruise and walk day trips, as at November 2026, include Anchorage Beach Explorer from $104 and the Bark Bay Waterfall Trail from $120.

Insider tip: water taxis run to a timetable and will not wait long. Note your pick-up time and beach, add a buffer for photos and swims, and leave time to get to the right end of the beach.

Kayaking

Paddling the coast lets you reach coves you cannot walk to, and you may see fur seals on the rocks. DOC’s advice is blunt:

• New to kayaking? Take a guided trip.
• Renting independently? You need at least two people and previous sea kayaking experience.
• Kayaking is more weather dependent than walking. Late spring and summer bring strong westerly winds. If it is too rough, wait for conditions to improve.
• Do not kayak north of Onetahuti Bay. DOC does not recommend it because the coast is remote and exposed.

DOC’s rough paddling times for experienced kayakers in calm conditions, without stops: Mārahau to Anchorage 4 hours, Anchorage to Bark Bay 2 hours, Bark Bay to Onetahuti 1 hour 30 minutes.

Example trips, as at November 2026:

If you are planning an overnight kayak trip, DOC suggests talking to your kayak operator before you book huts or campsites, and booking campsites within your ability so a headwind does not leave you stranded.

Day walks

You do not need to walk the whole Coast Track. Times are from DOC.

• Mārahau to Anchorage: 12.4 km, about 4 hours. Through open country and beech forest to Anchorage Bay. Take a water taxi one way and walk the other.
• Anchorage to Bark Bay: 11.5 km and 4 hours on the high tide track, or 8.4 km and 3 hours if you cross the Torrent Bay estuary within 2 hours of low tide. Crosses the 47 m Falls River suspension bridge.
• Cascade Falls side trip: 1 hour 30 minutes return to a waterfall in the bush, steep in parts.
• Cleopatra’s Pool: a natural rock pool with a mossy waterslide, near Torrent Bay.
• Pukatea Walk: under 30 minutes from Tōtaranui through nīkau palms and pukatea forest.
• Wainui Falls: a short walk at the northern end to the largest and most accessible falls in Golden Bay. DOC warns of fast streams, an unbridged crossing that can flood, and unfenced drops.

The Coast Track

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks: 60 km, 3 to 5 days, usually walked one way with a water taxi the other way. It is well marked but can be steep, rough and muddy in places. Compare it with the others in our Great Walks guide.

Sections (DOC):

Tides: Awaroa Inlet can only be crossed from 1 hour 30 minutes before to 2 hours after low tide, in daylight. Torrent Bay and Bark Bay estuaries have all-tide tracks around them. Check DOC’s tide tables before you book your huts, not after.

Huts and campsites: there are 4 huts and 18 campsites, which must be booked all year. From 1 October to 30 April huts cost $84 per night for international adults and $55 for New Zealand adults, and campsites $31 and $21 (DOC). You can book each hut or campsite for a maximum of two nights in that period. Mosquito Bay campsite is boat access only, so do not book it on a walking trip.

Safety

• Water: hut and campsite water is untreated. Boil it before drinking.
• Tsunami: if you feel a long or strong earthquake, or see the sea suddenly rise or fall, go to higher ground immediately (DOC).
• Insects: carry repellent for sandflies and medication if you react to wasp stings.
• Drones: not allowed without a permit.
• Weather: check the NIWA forecast. The climate is mild, but westerlies can make the sea rough, especially for kayakers.

Where to stay

Mārahau and Kaiteriteri put you closest to the boats, Motueka is the nearest larger town, and Nelson has the most choice but means a drive of about an hour each way. You will want a car to get to the park unless your operator includes a shuttle, and DOC notes many water taxi and kayak companies run shuttle buses for their clients. Our car rental guide covers hiring one.