About Mārahau - Golden Sands Holiday Homes

Where Adventure Begins

Mārahau, also known as Abel Tasman Village, is an idyllic seaside settlement marking the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. Just a 15-minute drive from Kaiteriteri and 20 minutes from Motueka, this charming village is where New Zealand's most beloved coastal adventure begins.

The name Mārahau holds several Māori meanings including 'windy garden', 'fertile land', 'place of strong women' and 'place of magic'. Long before European settlement, Māori grew kūmara (sweet potato) abundantly in the fertile Mārahau Valley—a testament to the area's temperate climate.

Today, Mārahau remains a small community of just a few hundred residents, blessed with golden sand beaches, one of New Zealand's largest tidal ranges, and direct access to the world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track—one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

60km

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Why Visit Mārahau?

Your basecamp for Abel Tasman adventures with authentic village charm

Great Walk Start

The Abel Tasman Coast Track begins right here—step onto New Zealand's most popular Great Walk directly from the village.

World-Class Kayaking

New Zealand's premier sea kayaking destination. Multiple operators offer guided tours, freedom rentals, and multi-day adventures.

Spectacular Tides

One of NZ's largest tidal ranges creates an ever-changing foreshore—perfect for shellfish gathering, tidal pool exploration, and photography.

Authentic Village Vibe

Unlike commercialised tourist spots, Mārahau retains its authentic, laid-back charm with a genuine community of locals and artisans.

Adventures Await

From gentle beach walks to multi-day expeditions

Walking & Tramping

• Abel Tasman Coast Track (3-5 days)
• Day walks to Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay
• Water taxi + walk combinations
• Tinline Nature Walk

Sea Kayaking

• Guided half-day and full-day tours
• Freedom kayak rentals (1-5 days)
• Tonga Island Marine Reserve visits
• Split Apple Rock exploration

More Adventures

• Water taxi cruises along the coast
• Horse riding on the beach
• Canyoning adventures
• Low-tide shellfish gathering

Village Dining

From legendary burgers to waterfront sunsets

Hooked on Mārahau

Award-winning waterfront café, beer garden and restaurant. Famous for its happy hour (4-6pm) where locals and visitors share stories of the day's adventures over stunning Tasman Bay sunsets.

Waterfront Dining • Local Produce

The Park Café

Located right at the start of the Coastal Track—the perfect spot for a coffee before your walk or a cold drink on return. Known for legendary Thursday open mic nights with local characters.

Trailhead Location • Live Music

The Fat Tui

Locals travel from across the region for these gourmet burgers—widely considered the best in the known universe. A must-stop for burger enthusiasts visiting the Abel Tasman.

Gourmet Burgers • Local Legend

Best Time to Visit

A year-round destination with something special in every season

Summer

Dec – Feb

Peak season with warm swimming, busy trails. Book ahead for kayaks and accommodation.

Autumn

Mar – May

Locals' favourite—warm days, fewer crowds, stunning golden light. Still great for kayaking.

Winter

Jun – Aug

Mild and often calm with crystal-clear days. Perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting.

Spring

Sep – Nov

Wildflowers, birdsong, and warming waters. Trails quiet before summer rush begins.

Unlike alpine tracks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track can be walked year-round thanks to its low elevation and mild coastal climate.

Getting to Mārahau

Easy access from major centers

By Air

Nelson Airport

30-minute flight from Wellington

55-minute flight from Christchurch

Then 1-hour drive to Mārahau

By Car

From Motueka

20-25 minutes

From Kaiteriteri

15-20 minutes

From Nelson

60 minutes

Location

Top of the South Island

Nelson Tasman Region

Southern gateway to Abel Tasman

Bus services from Nelson/Motueka

Discover Mārahau