Getting Here

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Here are a bunch of ways you can get to the Abel Tasman

Kaiteriteri and Marahau are around one hours drive from Nelson. Nelson is well serviced with air and bus transport.

Map of top of the South Island

Driving Times

Approximate times only.

  • Marahau/Kaiteriteri - Motueka: 20 - 25 mins

  • Marahau/Kaiteriteri - Nelson: 60 mins

  • Marahau/Kaiteriteri - Picton: 3 hours

Kiwi Road Delays

  • Early morning... dairy cows (fresh milk)

  • Through the day... flocking sheep

  • Night driving... beware the startled possum

Map of Kateriteri

Kaiteriteri Kayaks Summer Base At Kaiteriteri Beach

Check-ins during summer season, 1st November to 31st March.

Map of Kateriteri

Kaiteriteri Kayaks Winter Base At Marahau

Check-ins during winter season, 1st April to 31st October.

Sandy Bay Road runs beside the beach and leads to the small village of Marahau, then veers away from the beach to the National Park entrance and public car park. We are located at the Kayak Abel Tasman Base on the left.

Our Bus Service

We have a bus service for clients for all of our kayaking trips. Add $30 return from Nelson ($15 one way) or free from Motueka.

We pick up from most accommodation places between 7am and 7.30am in Nelson. Motueka pick-ups are around 8am. If you are staying with friends and family please contact us for the specific pick up time or consult the timetable document below. The bus leaves Marahau at 4.30pm each evening, and you can expect to be back in Nelson by 6/6:30pm.

Bus Timetable and Maps

These PDF documents list accommodation providers from Nelson to Motueka and their closest bus pick up points. The included maps show the exact location of the bus pick up points.

Your Own Wheels

Driving from Nelson to Motueka

Leave Nelson via Wakatu Drive and you will arrive at the lights at the bottom of Queen Street. Go straight ahead to the Richmond traffic roundabout (traffic circle), and take the right-hand exit -> Highway 60.

Drive about 40 kms (25 miles), and you will drive into High Street at Motueka.

Drive straight on through Motueka (or enjoy a café stop) and then head to beautiful Kaiteriteri which is well sign-posted. (Instead of turning right to Marahau, make sure you take the first right to Kaiteriteri).

Motueka to Kaiteriteri

From Motueka, we suggest that you stay on State Highway 60 until the Kaiteriteri junction. Kaiteriteri is very well signposted and you will be able to find the turnoff, even without a map. Once you are on the Kaiteriteri road, keep following it until you get to the main beach. We are down the far end and just look for the kayaks on the beach, the sign with the cheesy face and rainbow hats!

Motueka to Marahau

From Motueka, we suggest that you stay on State Highway 60 until the Kaiteriteri junction. Stay on the highway for another 200 metres as the road turns to the left, then take the next right-hand turn off the highway. It is well signposted Abel Tasman National Park via Marahau. Marahau is approximately 10 kms (6 miles) from the turnoff. You will go over a hill and carry on down a winding road to come out beside the Marahau beach.