Approximate driving times to arrive at our Kayak Abel Tasman base located in Marahau from:
Nelson
1hr
15 mins
Richmond
40-50mins
Picton
3hrs
40mins
Blenheim
2hrs
30mins
Christchurch
7hrs
Takaka
1hr
45mins
Motueka
20-30mins
Westport
4.10hrs
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 Marahau which is well sign-posted. (Instead of turning right to Kaiteriteri, make sure you turn left to Marahau).
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 windy road to come out beside the Marahau beach.
Kayak Abel Tasman Base, Marahau
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 500m past beachfront on left.
Bus
We can arrange a bus transfer from Nelson or Motueka. Please ask at time of booking. Bus from Nelson is $36 return ($19 one way) and Motueka $18 return ($11 one way).
