Marahau Water Taxis - Abel Tasman National Park
Marahau Water Taxis runs water transportation services in the Abel Tasman National Park, departing from The Abel Tasman Centre, in Marahau all year round.
View Abel Tasman National Park map with Marahau Water Taxis departure and arrival times.
Scheduled sailings depart daily and is a popular way to experience the Abel Tasman’s Coastal Track. Whether you want a day trip, short walk, transport to start or finish your hike or a relaxed scenic cruise or simply spend the day on a beach, we have a trip for you.
Car Parking
We offer free off street car park at the rear of our office to all of our one day water taxi trip passengers.
We also provide parking for our passengers who are traveling over night in the park, please enquire at the office for directions to the long term parking area.
Water Taxi Fares - prices are effective as of 1st October 2008
| One Way Trips | |
|---|---|
| Marahau to Anchorage | $32 |
| Marahau to Torrent Bay | $32 |
| Marahau to Bark Bay | $37 |
| Marahau to Onetahuti | $39 |
| Marahau to Awaroa | $42 |
| Marahau to Totaranui | $44 |
| Marahau to Mutton Cove | $56 (Conditions Apply) |
| Trip Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Abel Tasman |  |
Water taxi round trip - Bark Bay to Torrent Bay or Anchorage Take in the amazing views of the coastline by water taxi from Marahau to Totaranui. On the return trip stop at Bark Bay and enjoy the picturesque Lagoons & swing bridge walk through Torrent Bay or Anchorage, and return again with our water taxi to Marahau |
$78pp |
| A Great Day in the Park |  |
4.5 hours walk - Tonga to Torrent Bay
Take in the stunning sights by water taxi from Marahau to Tonga via Split Apple Rock and the Seal Colony. Walk the most beautiful stretch of the track from Tonga to Torrent Bay. Our water taxi will return you along the coast to Marahau. |
$70pp |
| Lagoons & Swing Bridge |  |
2 hours or 3.5 hours walk - Bark Bay to Torrent Bay or Anchorage Water taxi to Bark Bay and enjoy a walk along the picturesque coastal trail via the Falls River swing bridge to Torrent Bay (2.5 hours) or Anchorage (3.5 hours). Take in elevated views of tranquil lagoons and golden beaches. Cameras are a must. Water taxi back to Marahau. |
$67pp |
| Short Walks |  |
15 minutes or 1 hour walk - Te Pukatea to Anchorage Water taxi to the beautiful Te Pukatea and enjoy a 15 minute or 1 hour walk through to Anchorage. Relax on the beach until your water taxi pick up. |
$62pp |
| Scenic Boat Trip |  |
3 hour boat trip Sit back and relax. You will see all the beauty of the Abel Tasman coastline from Marahau to Totaranui via Split Apple Rock and the Seal Colony. Cameras are a must! |
$70pp |
| Dine at the Lodge |  |
1 hour or 3 hour walk - Bark Bay or Tonga to Awaroa An easy day in the Park. Take in the stunning sights from Marahau to Bark Bay/Tonga by water taxi. Enjoy an easy walk from Bark Bay (3 hours) or Tonga (1 hour) to Awaroa Lodge. Have lunch and relax until the afternoon water taxi returns you to Marahau. |
$76pp |
View the Refund / Cancellation Policy for Marahau Water Taxis.
Walk Times Chart
| Marahau to Anchorage Hut | 3-4 hours | 11.5 km | 7 1/5 miles |
| Anchorage Hut to Torrent Bay via low tide route | 20 mins | 0.9 km | 1/2 mile |
| Anchorage Hut to Torrent Bay via high tide route | 1 - 1.5 hours | 4 km | 2 1/2 miles |
| Torrent Bay to Bark Bay Hut | 2 - 3 hours | 7.8 km | 4 4/5 miles |
| Bark Bay Hut to Onetahuti (Big Tonga) | 2 - 2.5 hours | 6.1 km | 3 4/5 miles |
| Onetahuti (Big Tonga) to Awaroa Hut | 1.5 hours | 5.3 km | 3 1/3 miles |
| Awaroa Hut to Totaranui | 1.5 - 2 hours | 5.5 km | 3 2/5 miles |
| Totaranui to Whariwharangi Hut | 3 - 3.5 hours | 7.5 km | 4 2/3 miles |
Tidal Crossings
It is essential to check the tide times (external link) before planning and booking your trip.
The Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline has several tidal inlets or estuaries making the most direct routes on the Coastal Track passable only at low tide.
Most of these inlets have “high water tracks” making the inlet passable at any time, however Onetahuti (Big Tonga) and Awaroa inlets do not.
- Onetahuti inlet is at the northern end of the beach and it only blocks the track when the tides are large.
- Awaroa Inlet can only ever be passed 1.5 hours either side of low tide.
For further information and tide tables visit the DOC website (external link).
