Mārahau Beach

From Nelson, drive south via Motueka — about 75 minutes by car. From Motueka it's a straightforward 25-minute drive. Sealed road access leads directly to the beach area, with a flat zone near the car parks suitable for most mobility levels. Parking is available through multiple paid car parks operated by kayak companies and DOC near the trailhead; expect to pay in the NZD 5–15 per day range depending on the operator.

The Coast Track southern trailhead starts right here, giving you direct access to one of New Zealand's Great Walks and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park just 0.5 km away. Kayak hire operations on the beach make it easy to paddle into the park independently, with multiple tour operators offering guided options. Stu's Lookout at 1.3 km rewards a short walk with elevated views over the estuary and bay, and Split Apple Beach is reachable within 2.5 km for those wanting to explore further along the coast.

Park Cafe, just 200 metres away, is the obvious first stop for coffee before a morning paddle or trailhead departure. Hooked at 0.9 km is a solid option for a post-hike meal. If you're heading back toward Motueka, the Waterfront and Beached Whale restaurants are both around 4.5 km away and worth considering for a longer sit-down.

Ocean View Chalets are right on the doorstep at 0.2 km — the closest base for an early start on the Coast Track or a dawn kayak. For more amenity-focused stays, Nautilus Lodge Motel and Hotel Motueka are both around 12 km away in Motueka, with Hat Trick Lodge a short distance further at 12.7 km.

Shoot from the park boundary marker at golden hour for a foreground of turquoise water framed by the estuary channel and the national park bush behind — the warm light on the golden sand is at its best in the hour after sunrise. At low tide, the exposed mudflats create strong leading lines toward the water; position yourself near the kayak launch area for a wide composition that captures the operational energy of the beach with the Abel Tasman hills as backdrop.

Dogs are welcome in the Marahau village area, but must not cross the park boundary — the marker is clearly signed, so keep leads handy. Kayak launch areas are managed by operators, so check in with the relevant company before putting in. The tidal estuary is the biggest practical hazard here: wide mudflats appear at low tide and the water runs deep at high tide, so always check tide times before wading across. Sandflies become aggressive at dusk — bring repellent and cover up before sunset, and stay alert to busy kayak and boat traffic on the water during summer months.