Day 1: Abel Tasman in a Day
Water Taxi to Bark Bay
Catch an Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi from Marahau at 8am (NZ$52 one-way to Bark Bay). The boat hugs the coastline past golden beaches, granite headlands, and native bush plunging into turquoise water. Disembark at Bark Bay and begin walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track south — the most beautiful section of one of New Zealand's Great Walks. The track winds through coastal forest with constant ocean glimpses.
Bark Bay to Torrent Bay Walk
Walk from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay (7km, 2.5 hours) through dense coastal podocarp forest. The track crosses the Bark Bay estuary at low tide via a tidal causeway — check tide times or you will need to wade. Pass through groves of beech and mānuka with the sound of tūī and bellbirds overhead. Arrive at Torrent Bay — a stunning inlet with golden sand and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming.
Walk Out to Marahau
Continue from Torrent Bay to Marahau (4km, 1.5 hours) — the final stretch of the track. Or arrange a water taxi pickup from Torrent Bay if legs are tired. Back in Marahau, grab dinner at Hooked on Marahau (fish and chips NZ$16, seafood chowder NZ$18) or Park Cafe for wood-fired pizza and craft beer (NZ$22–28). Relax on the beach as the sun sets over Tasman Bay.
