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.
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
Bus transfer to and from Nelson
We have a bus service for clients on all of our kayaking trips from Nelson, Motueka or Marahau.
We pick up from most accommodation in Nelson and Tahuna from 7am onwards. Motueka pick-ups are around 8:30am. 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 Kaiteriteri at 4.30pm each evening, and you can expect to be back in Nelson by 5:30pm.
Nelson Kaiteriteri return $35pp
Motueka Kaiteriteri return FREE
Nelson Kaiteriteri One way $25pp
Kaiteriteri to Marahau $10pp
Driving from Nelson to Motueka
Leave Nelson via Wakatu Drive and you will arrive at the lights at the bottom of Queen Street in Richmond. 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).
Driving from 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. Our office is at the Sea Shuttle booth which is on your left as you arrive in Kaiteriteri. Our other base is at the far end of the beach. Just look for the kayaks on the beach, the sign with the cheesy face and rainbow hats!
Cook Strait Ferry
Getting across from Wellington in the North Island by boat is pretty cruisy
