Kaiteriteri Beach

From Nelson, drive roughly 60 minutes south; from Motueka it's a quick 20-minute run. Paid parking is available at the main beach car park — arrive before 9 am in peak season or you'll be circling. The Mapua Ferry operates a 10-minute crossing from Mapua Wharf across Tasman Bay, and Sea Shuttle also serves the area. The beach itself is easy to reach: a sealed path leads directly to flat sand, with accessible toilets in the township nearby.

The obvious first move is a water taxi from the beach terminal into Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest national park, just 2 km away — famous for its golden beaches and the Coast Track Great Walk. Back on land, the short walk to Withells Lookout (0.5 km) rewards you with sweeping views over the bay. Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock, the iconic granite boulder split cleanly in two, is a 2.1 km paddle or water-taxi hop away and worth every minute. The Reserve Park at 0.4 km is a good stretch-your-legs option for families between swims.

Waterfront and Beached Whale are both within 100 metres of the sand — ideal for a post-swim meal without wandering far. The Views, about 1 km away, offers a change of scene if you want to step back from the beach energy. For pizza or a broader range of options, Motueka's Hotel Motueka and Pizza Kitchen are roughly 8 km down the road.

Kimi Ora Spa Resort, 1.1 km from the beach, is the closest full-service option and suits those wanting a quieter retreat after busy beach days. Hotel Motueka and Nautilus Lodge Motel are both around 7.9 km away in Motueka, offering practical bases with easy access to the coast. Hat Trick Lodge at 8.4 km rounds out the nearby choices for those who prefer a lodge-style stay.

Shoot from the water's edge at sunrise when the golden sand is empty and the turquoise bay reflects soft light — Te Arai island makes a natural anchor for the frame. For elevated shots, Withells Lookout at 0.5 km gives a wide-angle view of the whole bay, best in the late afternoon when the light warms the water.

No alcohol is permitted on the beach during designated periods — check current signage on arrival. Boat traffic moves through the bay, so swim only in the designated family swimming area well clear of the boat ramp and water taxi lane. Water quality can drop to 'poor' due to faecal bacteria — avoid swimming for two to three days after significant rainfall. Sandflies emerge aggressively at dusk, so pack repellent; and from Christmas through February, parking is chaotic and the beach is packed by mid-morning.