Apple Tree Bay
Golden sand, turquoise calm, boat-only bliss in Abel Tasman
About
Appletree Bay sits on Fisherman Island in the Abel Tasman, between Kaiteriteri and Marahau on New Zealand's South Island — a short stretch of golden sand backed by pohutukawa trees that lean over the shore like natural parasols. The water is turquoise and sheltered, staying calm enough for a lazy swim even on breezy days. It's genuinely quiet here; most visitors push on to busier spots, leaving this bay to those who know. A DOC campsite sits close by, making it a rare Abel Tasman beach where you can actually wake up to the sound of the water. The relaxed pace is the whole point.
How to get there
Appletree Bay is boat or foot only — there is no road in. From Marahau, a kayak or water taxi gets you here in around 60 minutes on the water. Alternatively, walk in from Abel Tasman Coast Track access points such as Marahau or Kaiteriteri — allow roughly 2.5 hours on foot. The nearest airport is Wellington International (WLG), about 153 km away.
Who it's for
For couples
The sheltered turquoise water and pohutukawa canopy make this an easy place to slow down together — kayak in, set up camp, and have a quiet beach almost to yourselves for a night or two.
For families
Safe, calm swimming water and a DOC campsite right on the beach make this a practical overnight adventure for families with older children who can manage the walk or boat trip in.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Appletree Bay doesn't try to impress you — it just quietly delivers. The swimming is safe, the water is turquoise, the golden sand is clean, and the pohutukawa trees do all the decorating. Getting here takes effort, which is exactly why it stays quiet while nearby beaches fill up. The DOC campsite is the real unlock: spend a night and you'll have the bay at dawn almost entirely to yourself. Skip the winter months of June through August — cold temperatures and reduced services strip away most of the appeal. Come between December and March, book your campsite early, and bring everything you need. Worth every minute of the boat ride.
What to do
The Abel Tasman Coast Track passes just 1.1 km away, giving you a taste of one of New Zealand's Great Walks without committing to the full multi-day route. Yellow Point Lookout, 1.5 km out, rewards the short detour with sweeping views over the bay and coastline. There's a cave at 1.7 km worth exploring at low tide. For a wider base, Kaiteriteri Beach (4 km) has water taxi services into Abel Tasman National Park, and Marahau (4 km) is the southern gateway for kayak hire.
Frame the pohutukawa branches arching over the golden sand with the turquoise water behind — it's the defining shot of this bay.
From the water at low tide, looking back at the tree-lined shore with the DOC campsite barely visible, you get a composition that feels genuinely remote.
Where to eat
There are no restaurants at Appletree Bay itself — pack everything in. Park Cafe, about 3 km away, is the closest option for a meal or coffee. Plan your supplies before you leave Marahau or Kaiteriteri.
Where to stay
The Apple Tree Bay Campsite sits right at the bay, rated 4.6/5 across 42 reviews — simple, well-regarded, and bookings are required through DOC. If you prefer more comfort, The Barn Cabins & Camp is 3 km away and carries a strong 4.6/5 rating from over 661 reviews.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline at golden hour looking back toward the pohutukawa-lined shore — the warm light catches the golden sand and turquoise water at their best. Early morning, before any other visitors arrive, gives you the cleanest wide shots with the trees reflected in the still bay.
Good to know
Book your DOC campsite in advance — walk-up spots fill fast in summer and bookings are required. No fires on the beach, full stop. Keep dogs on a lead near the campsite, and check current DOC and Tasman District Council rules before bringing them, as restrictions apply near the national park boundary. This is a genuine digital-detox spot — bring offline books, cell signal fades and there's nowhere to plug in a laptop.
Map
Nearby places
Park Cafe
Apple Tree Bay Campsite
The Barn Cabins & Camp
Things to see around Tasman District
Kaiteriteri Beach
Main gateway township beach with water taxi terminal for Abel Tasman National Park
Marahau
Southern gateway village for Abel Tasman with kayak hire and services
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand's smallest national park, famous for golden beaches and the Coast Track Great Walk
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in New Zealand
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.