Abel Tasman 3-day itinerary

Join a guided sea kayak trip from Marahau (NZ$115–165 half day, NZ$195–240 full day). Paddle along the coastline past Split Apple Rock — a massive granite boulder cracked perfectly in half by freezing water — and into sheltered bays with golden sand and bush-clad headlands. The water is impossibly clear and changes colour from emerald to turquoise depending on depth and sand below.

Your guide leads you to Adele Island or Tonga Island — both home to colonies of New Zealand fur seals. Watch them bask on rocks and play in the shallows from your kayak. Land at a secluded beach for lunch (provided by most operators). The highlight is paddling into tiny coves that are completely inaccessible by land — private golden beaches backed by native bush where you might be the only visitors.

Return to Marahau by mid-afternoon with arms pleasantly tired. Shower off the salt water and walk to Park Cafe for craft beers and wood-fired pizza (NZ$22–28) — it has a relaxed garden setting that captures the Abel Tasman vibe perfectly. Or drive 30 minutes to Motueka for more dining options. Prepare for tomorrow's walk along the Coast Track.

Take the 8am water taxi from Marahau to Onetahuti Beach (NZ$56 one-way). Disembark onto a sweeping golden beach backed by native bush — the sand here is coarser and more golden than typical New Zealand beaches due to the granite geology. Begin walking south on the Coast Track. The forest is rich with birdlife — fantails, tūī, bellbirds, and the occasional weka (flightless native bird) will cross your path.

Walk from Onetahuti to Bark Bay (5km, 1.5 hours) through coastal forest with glimpses of turquoise water below. Cross the Tonga Saddle for views across to Tonga Island and the fur seal colony. Descend to Bark Bay — another gorgeous golden crescent with a tidal lagoon and bush-clad headlands. Swim in the estuary, explore rock pools, and eat lunch on the sand. Continue to Torrent Bay (7km, 2.5 hours) or take the water taxi.

Water taxi or walk back to Marahau. After a day on golden beaches and forest trails, dinner at Hooked on Marahau (the chowder is exceptional, NZ$18) or Fat Tui burger bar (gourmet burgers NZ$18–22). If you are camping or staying at a backpackers, light a fire and stargaze — the Abel Tasman coast has remarkably low light pollution for a place so close to Nelson.

Paddle to Split Apple Rock from Kaiteriteri (NZ$95–135 half day guided, or NZ$65 self-hire). This iconic geological formation — a granite boulder split perfectly in two by ice expansion over thousands of years — sits in the shallows just offshore. Paddle around it, through it at certain tides, and stop at nearby beaches. The morning light on the rock and turquoise water is spectacular for photographs.

Spend the afternoon at Kaiteriteri Beach — a beloved New Zealand holiday spot with golden sand, safe swimming, and a gentle gradient perfect for wading. Walk the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park trails on foot (several walking options from 30 minutes to 2 hours) for elevated views across the coast. Lunch at Kai Kaiteriteri beachside cafe (fish tacos NZ$18, smoothie bowls NZ$16) or bring a picnic.

Drive to Motueka or Nelson for your last evening. Nelson has the best food scene in the region — try East Street Vegetarian Cafe, Urban Oyster Bar, or Indian Cafe. The Nelson Saturday Market (if timing works) has local produce, crafts, and buskers. Alternatively, head to the Mapua Wharf for waterfront dining at the Smokehouse (smoked fish platters NZ$24) with views across the estuary.