Kaiteriteri Things to Do

There are many companies in and around Kaiteriteri and Marahua who will facilitate a guided tour or even assist with freedom kayaking. Kahu Kayaks consistently receive top reviews from travellers all over the world. Other well regarded companies include The Sea Kayak Company, Abel Tasman Kayaks and Kaiteriteri Kayaks.

Most companies offer half-day or full day tours. You need a reasonable level of fitness for a full day excursion. Early morning is generally regarded as the best time to kayak prior to the wind or surf picking up.

A popular one-day trip may be to catch a water taxi to Onetahuti beach and then kayak down-wind towards Marahou or Kaiteriteri. If this is too far, catch a water taxi back from Torrent Bay.

Another well-liked option is to combine a kayak and tramp journey through the Abel Tasman.

Between Breaker Bay and Kaiteriteri Beach is a promontory with the road winding its way from Sandy Bay Road to a car park – the ideal location from where to view Kaiteriteri to the south and Abel Tasman to the north. Nice picnic spot too!

Split Apple Rock is standard on the itinerary for most cruises from Kaiteriteri or Marahau. However, you can view Split Apple Rock from the comfort and relative privacy of the beach. Driving along the Sandy Bay-Marahau Rd from Kaiteriteri, turn right into Tokongawa Drive, at the first split (with Lady Barkly) turn right to stay on Tokongawa, stay right on Tokongawa (at Gannet Heights), turn left to stay on Tokongawa (at Venture Cove) and then turn right into Moonraker Way.

Find a parking spot and walk through the vegetation down to a beautifully isolated beach with great views over a sheltered bay towards Split Apple Rock. At low tide it is possible to rock hop and wade over to the impressive landmark. And best of all - it's free!

Also a lovely kayak destination from either Kaiteriteri or Marahau.

AA New Zealand rates Kaiteriteri as the country's 2nd best beach. Sheltered between headlands and boasting a few rock islands for decoration, Kaiteriteri beach is a hive of summer activity with water sports and sunbathing at the top of the list of things-to-do. The beach has wide swathes of golden sand fringed by convenient parking along Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay road one the one side and azure waters on the other.

Yachts and power boats bob in the gentle swell while kids race each other to an anchored diving platform out on the bay. Kayaks lie scattered on the golden sand like so many multi-coloured jewels.

Summer days stretch languidly into lovely twilight walks along the beach at about 9.15pm.

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The track through Abel Tasman National Park is different in every part. You will enjoy the fantastic scenery of the New Zealand native rainforest with huge fern trees, pass a real suspension bridge or have to walk over the beaches with golden sand (nice for a pick nick)and will have to cross some inlets (ask for the tides).

The track runs for 50 km from Marahau along some lovely beaches like Torrent Bay, Bark Bay to Awaroa Bay and further north.
Along the track you will find camping sites.

It is a great walk through native bush and along lovely golden beaches. With the frequently running 'water taxis' it is also possible to walk a part of the track.

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Although the smallest of all national parks in New Zealand, it has a lot to offer.

Most famous is the Coast Track (total 50 km). This track runs from Marahau along some beaches to Awaroa Bay (with lodge) and further north.
You can hike along this beautiful track for more days (along the track you will find camping areas) or just do a part.

We took a “water taxi” from Kaiteriteri ( it is also possible from Marahau), disembarked on one of the beaches, walked along the track, enjoyed the golden beaches and picked up your "taxi" on another beach and returned to Kaiteriteri.

Or just take a "taxi" to one of the golden beaches and enjoy the sun, the beach and the water.

We decided to do a seal swim in Kaiteriteri – booking from our hostel in Nelson (for an extra $10 they come and pick you up in a loudly painted shuttle bus). We were met by the ‘seal man’ who looked like a walrus and assured our small group that he was the selkie man from the Orkney Islands. He wasn’t an average guide – he was superb – constantly singing folk songs and telling stories whilst ensuring we were all happy and geared up for it. The whole trip took about 3 hours (wetsuit, snorkels and flippers provided) and we got to see a good chunk of the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline.
It was great to know that the kayaking company genuinely cared about the wildlife who’s world we were about to enter – he looked utterly horrified and upset when later showing us the seal pups around the headland - a great big hired yacht was anchored only a few meters away from them, the ignorant passengers gorging a nicely laid picnic - he told them they were disturbing the animals and should keep their distance, but it was only when he suggested the boat may be damaged resting so near the rocks did they move.
As for the seals – it was a great thrill to see them firing through the water in twirls and somersaults – often coming up behind you and whizzing past only feet away. They didn’t seem impressed with our pathetic water skills.
Upon return to base we stopped for some biscuits, and drank a well needed cup of tea - one of the nicest cups of tea I have ever had (and I have drunk many!).
If you like your photo's - a WATERPROOF camera is a good idea.
The swim cost $80 (NZ dollars).