What to do and see in Marahau, New Zealand: The Best Places and Tips

January 4, 2018 Merry Kessler

Mārahau is a very small settlement in the Tasman Region of the South Island of New Zealand, approximately 19 kilometres (12 mi) north of Motueka. Its location on Tasman Bay and at the southern entrance of Abel Tasman National Park makes it a popular holiday destination for those keen on outdoor activities. People access the Abel Tasman from Mārahau by tramping, kayaking and water taxi. In Mārahau itself, the beach offers sheltered and safe swimming, and horse trekking is popular throughout the busy summer season.
Restaurants in Marahau

1. Abel Tasman Eco Tours

Marahau 7197, New Zealand
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 240 reviews

Abel Tasman Eco Tours

Enhance your experience of natural New Zealand. The Abel Tasman's only conservation tour. Relax, be inspired and marvel at the paradise we call home. Our top notch guides will 'open your eyes' to the world around you. Choose from a fully guided boat charter and walk exploring and learning about the amazing diversity and conservation in this iconic park, or an interpid van and walk into the ancient heart of the park. Combine both tours and get a free lunch both days! $5 From each ticket goes to conservation in the park. If you want a real Abel Tasman Experience it doesn't get better than this! Tour includes morning tea and free transport from your local accomodation. Lunch is $18 extra.

Reviewed By IN_Travelers47906 - West Lafayette, Indiana

Want to really visit Abel Tasman National Park? This is the way. We did not discover this tour until 10:00 p.m. the night before, but through an online chat, they found us a spot. We were so fortunate. Stew uses a small boat that is...MoreThanks for your Awesome Review IN_Travelers, a great description of the tour and we're glad you had a great time. thanks and kind regards Stew

2. Abel Tasman Coast Track

Harvey Road, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park 7010, New Zealand +64 3-546 9339
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 738 reviews

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.

Reviewed By Kim K - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Abel Tasmen Guides arranged a 3-day walking tour for us and we loved every minute. Our guide Viv was great! Walking through the forest, on the beach and through the tidal waterways was so diverse and such fun. The views were stunning. We met day hikers along the way, others who spent days hiking like us and others who were enjoying family time on some of the Beaches. Any way one gets there, the Abel Tasman is so worth it.

3. Kaiteriteri Kayaks

3 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri 7197, New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 233 reviews

Kaiteriteri Kayaks

Sea Kayaking Abel Tasman National Park Kaiteriteri Kayaks has been operating sea kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman National Park for nearly 20 years. With every trip we ensure that: safety is a priority; everyone has a relaxed time in an enjoyable atmosphere, and the beautiful environment is respected. Our trips are about experienced guides and good times, not hard work. For lots of laughs join a trip with the locals! Over 50 kilometres of coastline offers dozens of golden sand Beaches to visit, while the many coves and lagoons provide plenty of interesting nooks and crannies to explore. Sea kayaking here also opens up a world of sea and bird life encounters with animals such as penguins, seals and dolphins. So all in all, you’ve got to say, it’s really not a bad spot!

Reviewed By Brian B - Lima, Peru

I was the only group of 4 that had initial Reservations about paying so much of a kayaking tour north along the coast of Able Tasman. But the adventure was so worth it that I never once regretted the expense when we set off. Unbelievable views, great interpretation by our groups' guide, fantastic photos of sea lions, and nothing quite like I've done in any destination in the past!
We hope to be back sometime soon!

4. Mrs Smiths Cafe & vegetables

524 Main Road Riwaka | Riwaka, Riwaka 7198, New Zealand +64 3-528 8689
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
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5 based on 44 reviews

Mrs Smiths Cafe & vegetables

Mrs Smiths vegetables first started 47 years ago in 1967, just around the corner from where it is now situated. Betty & George Smith started growing vegetables & selling them from 67 School Rd Riwaka in a pump shed outside their home. In 2008 their Daughter in law opened the batch & turned it into a shop selling pickles & sauces, chutneys and Jams along with the vegetables until they grew to need bigger premises. Now situated on the main street in Riwaka they are still selling the home grown garden vegetables along with the Jams pickles etc and now also are selling the best ever, homemade pies, savories, wraps sandwiches, cakes, slices and Vivace coffee. We also cater for vegetarians and offer Gluten Free foods, if it is not in the cabinet, ask..... We will make it for you right there & then. Added onto the shop is an outside deck, private, and sheltered to sit and enjoy your coffee's & slices or freshly baked pies, all food is cooked on the premises and we pride ourselves on its flavor & freshness. We use no preservatives, color or added flavorings to our food. Both Betty & George have since passed on & the New shop was named in Betty's memory as everyone always said "you must go to Mrs Smith's for your veges" We look forward to your visit, albeit for veges, coffee's pies, or just a friendly chat about where your produce was grown or anything else you may want to know.

Reviewed By David and Liz P - Queenstown, New Zealand

Consistently excellent coffee. As an expert on pies and sausage rolls, I can attest that Mrs Smith's are the hallmark by which all the other good ones can be judged. Mrs Smith's is a wonderful cafe preparing and baking all their wonderful tasty and consistently fresh food. The cafe is light, airy, yet warm and very clean. At the rear they stock fresh vegetables. They grow their own and such is the freshness and quality, they re-stock the shelves consistently through the day. I think Mrs Smiths is open every day. We visit there frequently throughout the year. The owners and staff are very hard working people who have a great reputation. It is always a pleasure to visit, which we do at the drop of a hat..

5. Kahu Kayaks

Sandy Bay Road, Marahau, New Zealand
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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5 based on 188 reviews

Kahu Kayaks

Reviewed By LondonHolidays2010 - london

Spent the day kayaking for my boyfriends birthday with 2 friends. We had 2 double kayaks and were lucky to have the most glorious weather. I was really surprised by the professionalism of the company. We were supplied with absolutely all the gear to keep up safe and comfortable even a safety flare in case of a real disaster. We had a full briefing on safety and how to get the most out of our day. The staff were friendly, funny and informative. We had the most fantastic day and I came away feeling so impressed with the company. Kayaks were in perfect condition as was a gear. Couldn't recommend them highly enough.

6. Abel Tasman Kayaks

Abel Tasman National Park 7196, New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 387 reviews

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Abel Tasman Kayaks was established in 1986, realising a vision to bring visitors into the glorious Abel Tasman National Park. Sea kayaking is such a unique, low impact way to explore the beautiful golden Beaches, peaceful coves and lagoons, offshore Islands, wildlife and the native forest fringing our granite coastline! This innovation became an instant hit with visitors to the area, and saw the growth and development of Abel Tasman Kayaks into one of the leading kayak operations in the world. We have continued to lead the way with a strong commitment to high safety standards and experienced guides with incredible passion and extensive local knowledge of the park. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of guided, day and multi-day tours. We are here to bring this magic place to life for you....

Reviewed By april23993 - Rockville, Maryland

Efficient organization, extremely humorous and kind guides, and of course the awesome experience of kayaking, hiking, and exploring the coast of Abel Tasman. It was a soothing, quaint, and fun trip with guides that were all very knowledgeable of New Zealand. Never felt rushed, uncomfortable, or unsafe. A beautiful journey and experience recommended to all.

7. Kaiteriteri Beach

Kaiteriteri, New Zealand +64 800 000 901
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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4.5 based on 384 reviews

Kaiteriteri Beach

Reviewed By Dave D - Christchurch, New Zealand

The golden sand is as true to colour as the photos. Easy swimming at this time of the year with plenty of space on the beach even though a lot of people around

8. R&R Kayaks

279 Sandy Bay-Marahau Road, Marahau 7197, New Zealand
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 172 reviews

R&R Kayaks

We are a genuine small family owned and operated sea kayaking company in the Abel Tasman National Park. We offer half day - multi day guided tours and kayak rentals. R&R Kayaks is located in Marahau, the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman.

Reviewed By Luis G

My friends and I did the Marine Reserve Trip and we were really happy with the adventure! There were 11 of us and we had two guides with us explaining everything really well and telling us really interesting facts about the Park. We also had a great hot shower and free WiFi!

9. Waka Abel Tasman

Kaiteriteri Boat Ramp, Kaiteriteri 7197, New Zealand
Excellent
100%
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5 based on 43 reviews

Waka Abel Tasman

Ideal for everyone including families with young children, paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawha. It's an easy, two-hour return trip, and by the end you'll understand how empowering membership of a waka crew can be. Bookings are required and we offer discounts for groups.

Reviewed By Camjn04 - Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Went with my husband and 13 year old son. Lee Ann gave us huge insight into Maori traditions and history and her passion for sharing and keeping Maori heritage alive was so tangiable. Paddling the boat was great fun - a real team effort where everyone had a role and was involved. The scenery was beautiful and Lee Ann pointing out loads of things as we paddled round. This trip is suitable for all ages and abilities ( we had babies and over 70s on our trip)
Fabulous definitely recommend this

10. Abel Tasman AquaTaxi

Sandy Bay Rd, Marahau 7197, New Zealand +64 3-527 8083
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 251 reviews

Abel Tasman AquaTaxi

Experience the breath-taking beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park from the comfort of our purpose-built, eco-friendly water taxis. Whether you're looking for a short walk, a scenic day out, or a multi-day hiking adventure we have an option to suit. AquaTaxi gets you closer to those out-of-the-way spots along the Abel Tasman coastline and to the Park's incredible golden-sand Beaches. Let the friendly team at AquaTaxi help you create an itinerary best suited to your needs, time and budget.

Reviewed By Prw83

We had a lovely trip and walk through Abel Tasman.
Be warned though that the aqua taxi can only get so close to the shore and you may find yourselves walking out to the boat. This can be anything from water at your feet to above your knees!
Don’t turn up at 0830 for the prompt check in...we travelled over an hour to get there on time only to find that people were rocking up at 0900 and were checking in fine. Also we left 45 minutes late so bear that in mind when booking the return taxi!
Otherwise pretty good.

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