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South Island

Start: Marahau
Locations: 3 See all
Travel Time: 7 hours
Distance: 8.1 kms
Difficulty: 2

This self-guided Abel Tasman day walk travels from Marahau by water taxi to Bark Bay, followed by a 3–4 hour, 8.1km walk to Awaroa and a return water taxi. Check-in is at 8:15am for an 8:45am departure, with the full experience taking around seven hours. Operating October–April, it includes water-taxi transfers, track briefing and map, safety information and track access, and suits independent walkers comfortable exploring without a guide.

From Bark Bay to Onetahuti Through Forest & Coastal History

Step ashore at Bark Bay and begin your journey through forest-fringed estuaries and native bush, where birdsong accompanies the trail and kākā may be seen sweeping through the valley. The track climbs gently towards a saddle before reaching Tonga Quarry, a reminder of the area's granite-working past and an interesting historical contrast to the surrounding wilderness.

From the quarry, continue towards the long curve of Onetahuti Beach, where native forest meets golden sand and the open waters of Tasman Bay. Depending on tidal conditions, your route from Bark Bay may vary, adding another dimension to the walk as the coastline, estuaries and changing tides shape the journey north.

Boardwalks, Beaches & the Journey to Awaroa

From Onetahuti, follow an elevated boardwalk across coastal wetlands before climbing towards Tonga Saddle. The higher ground rewards you with views back over the coastline you've just travelled, while the descent on the other side leads through quiet native bush towards the broad expanse of Awaroa Inlet. The changing scenery — beach, wetland, forest and elevated coastal views — makes this section particularly varied.

Before heading to Awaroa Beach for your return water taxi, take the opportunity to stop at Awaroa Lodge for a drink or something to eat at your own expense. Then settle in for the afternoon cruise back to Marahau, enjoying another perspective on the Abel Tasman coastline after experiencing the track on foot.

Inclusions

  • Water taxi transfer from Marahau to Bark Bay
  • Water taxi return from Awaroa to Marahau
  • Track briefing and map provided at check-in
  • Scenic highlights en route including Marahau wetlands, Adele Island, Yellow Point, and Anchorage lookout
  • Access to key sites such as Tonga Quarry, Onetahuti Beach, and Awaroa Wetlands
  • Visit to Awaroa Lodge (food and drinks at own cost)
  • Safety information and risk briefing before departure
  • Department of Conservation (DOC) track access included
  • Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
  • 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: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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 (seasickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning), Natural Weather Events (Flooding, Fire, Earthquake, Tsunami), and Property Damage (water damage /salt water submersion).  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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