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South Island

Start: Marahau
Locations: 3 See all
Travel Time: 8 hours
Distance: 11.5 kms
Difficulty: 2

Details

Bark Bay to Falls River: Wildlife, Māori Heritage and Views

Begin your adventure with a short walk from Bark Bay beach to a lookout over Medlands Beach, where a pou whenua honours Hohaia Rangiauru, a past chief of Te Ātiawa. It’s a powerful spot to reflect on the deep cultural ties Māori have with this land, set against an unforgettable coastal panorama. Just beyond, the track winds through lush native bush alive with the distinctive calls of the kākā.

These playful parrots often glide across the treetops, adding an energetic charm to your journey. Conservation efforts in Abel Tasman have helped this native species thrive, making sightings both magical and meaningful. With birdsong as your soundtrack, the track meanders past several lookouts before you reach the dramatic Falls River suspension bridge.

Torrent Bay to Anchorage: Swing Bridges, Lagoons and Hidden Gems

Crossing the 47-metre swing bridge at Falls River is a highlight – swaying gently as you take in the canopy and river views far below. From there, the track descends toward Torrent Bay with sweeping views of the expansive tidal lagoon. Depending on the tides, follow either the high track or the low tide route around the bay.

For those with time, a short detour to Cleopatra’s Pool is well worth it – a crystal-clear rock pool with a natural waterslide and excellent swimming spot. Once you’re back on the main track, it’s a cruisy walk through forest and beachside clearings to Anchorage. End your day soaking in the scenery as you catch your water taxi back from this little slice of paradise.

Inclusions

  • Water taxi transfer from Marahau to Bark Bay
  • Independent hike from Bark Bay to Anchorage
  • Scenic highlights: Falls River suspension bridge, Torrent Bay lagoon, and Kaka pou whenua by Hohaia Rangiauru
  • Water taxi transfer from Anchorage back to Marahau
  • Safety briefing and Risk Disclosure Statement
  • Use of safety equipment as required for water-based activity
  • Not included: lunch, guide

What to bring

  • Please bring personal water bottle
  • hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel
  • swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket
  • walking shoes, cameras and any medication.

Tour information

  • Check-in time: 8:15am
  • Walking time: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
  • Nelson and Motueka Transfers available at an extra cost

Age Information

  • Adult: 15 years and above
  • Child: 5-14 years
  • Infant: 4 and under
  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio

Cancellations & Refunds

  • More than 48 hours before departure: 10% admin/cancellation fee applies**
  • Between 24 and 48 hours of departure: 50% refund**
  • Within 24 hours of departure: No refund
  • No-shows: Full payment charged, no refunds

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

In accordance with a change in New Zealand legislation, we are now obliged to inform a person seeking to participate in our adventure activity of any serious health and safety risks they may be exposed to by participating in the activity. We therefore include our Risk Disclosure Statement for you to pass on to your clients prior to them booking, so they are aware of the risks of participation.

Risk Disclosure:

In any outdoor adventure activity, participants are exposed to variations in weather conditions and therefore there is an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking this water-based activity include but are not limited to; Personal Injury (sea sickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning) and Property Damage. Abel Tasman Kayaks mitigate this risk through thorough preparation and adherence to a detailed Risk Identification and Management System. This includes providing you with the necessary information, training and safety equipment to participate in our activities. You are personally responsible for listening to our directions, adhering to our advice, and making responsible decisions to keep yourself safe. Additionally, we reserve the right to modify, alter or cancel activities at any given time if we feel your safety, or the safety of others may be compromised.

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