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Marahau
1 km
18 minutes
50 metres
If you find yourself at the southern gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, you are likely there for one of two reasons: you’re about to embark on a multi-day epic along the Coast Track, or you’re looking for a slice of golden-sand paradise. But nestled just a short distance from the bustling trailhead at Mārahau lies a hidden gem that many hikers inadvertently bypass in their rush to reach Anchorage or Torrent Bay.
The Tinline Bay Nature Walk is a delightful, easy-going loop that offers a concentrated dose of New Zealand’s native "bush magic." At just 1km long and taking roughly 20 minutes to complete, it is the definition of "short and sweet." However, don’t let the distance fool you. This track is a masterclass in coastal forest biodiversity, making it a must-do for families, plant enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience the park’s lush interior without committing to a heavy pack and a long day on their feet.
Stepping onto the Tinline Bay Nature Walk feels like entering a natural cathedral. While the main Abel Tasman Coast Track often hugs the cliffs to provide those iconic turquoise water views, this loop dives deep into a pristine sanctuary of original podocarp forest. It is one of the finest examples of this forest type remaining between Mārahau and Anchorage, and the atmosphere change is immediate. The air is cooler, the light is dappled, and the scent of damp earth and crushed leaves replaces the salty tang of the Tasman Bay breeze.
The terrain is exceptionally kind. The path is well-formed and gently graded, making it perfectly suited for small children who want to explore the "wild" without the risk of steep drop-offs or difficult scrambles. As you amble along the track, you’ll follow the gentle curve of Tinline Creek. The sound of the water trickling over stones provides a soothing soundtrack to your journey, often accompanied by the high-pitched chatter of forest birds.
Because this is a loop, you get a sense of discovery at every turn. The path winds through dense thickets of kiekie before opening up into more spacious groves where the "giants" of the forest reside. It’s an immersive experience that encourages you to slow down. Instead of racing to a destination, this walk invites you to look up at the towering canopy and down at the intricate mosses and ferns lining the forest floor.
Parking for the Tinline Bay Nature Walk is available at the large public car park at the Marahau entrance to the Abel Tasman Coast Track. From there, it's an easy 3km walk along the Coast Track (approximately 40-45 minutes) to reach Tinline Bay Campsite, where the nature walk begins.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3km away
A popular waterfront cafe, beer garden, and restaurant in Marahau, offering stunning views across Tasman Bay. Known for fresh, locally sourced cuisine, barista coffee, local wines, and craft beers. Perfect for a post-hike refuel. Open October to May.
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Loop
The standout feature of this walk is undoubtedly its incredible botanical diversity. It serves as a living museum of New Zealand flora. You’ll encounter the "Big Three" of the lowland forest: the tōtara, the rimu, and the kahikatea. These trees are the skyscrapers of the New Zealand bush, and seeing them in such a concentrated area is a treat. Keep an eye out for the silver fern (ponga), our national emblem, which shows off its iconic white-silver underside as the light shifts.
One of the most unique botanical finds here is the raukawa (Paukaua edgerleyi). This rare specimen is a "hemi-epiphyte," meaning it often starts its life high up in the crotch of another tree—frequently a tree fern—before eventually sending roots down to the ground. Historically, Māori prized the aromatic leaves of the raukawa to create perfumes, and if you’re lucky enough to find a fallen leaf, you might still catch a hint of that ancient scent.
For those who love a good "gram-worthy" quirk, look out for the Tinline Bay Tree. Local hikers have affectionately dubbed it #notthatwanakatree. While Wānaka has its famous willow in the lake, Tinline Bay has a bizarre, hardy specimen growing directly on top of a massive granite rock. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature in this coastal environment and a fantastic spot for a photo.
As the track nears Tinline Creek, the forest character shifts. You’ll notice the silver beech with its tiny, toothed leaves and distinctive silver-white bark patches. Just across the water, the mataī and miro trees stand tall, adding even more layers to this rich coastal ecosystem.
The journey to the Tinline Bay Nature Walk is half the fun. There is no road access directly to the loop, which helps preserve its tranquil vibe.
Because you have to walk 3km just to get to the start of the 1km loop, the total outing is about 7km return. It’s a brilliant way to "test the waters" of the Abel Tasman if you aren’t ready for a full-day tramp.
The Tinline Bay area is teeming with birdlife, thanks to the lush vegetation and ongoing conservation efforts in the park.
Tip: Bring a pair of compact binoculars. While many birds like the Weka are ground-dwellers, the Tūī and Kererū often hang out in the very high branches of the kahikatea.
The Tinline Bay Nature Walk is a true four-season destination, but each time of year offers something different:
Best time of day: Aim to start your walk from Mārahau in the mid-morning. This allows you to reach the nature loop just as the sun is high enough to filter through the canopy, illuminating the ferns.
The area surrounding the Tinline Bay Nature Walk holds deep significance. For Māori, this land provided a bounty of resources. The tōtara was the preferred timber for carving and building waka (canoes) due to its durability and size. The kiekie plants you see in the undergrowth were also vital; the fruit was a seasonal delicacy, and the long, durable leaves were bleached and woven into beautiful kete (baskets) and mats.
Geologically, the park is famous for its Separation Point Granite. You’ll see outcrops of this golden-orange rock throughout the walk, most notably providing the "soil" for the famous rock-growing tree. This granite is what gives the Abel Tasman its signature golden sand beaches.
The track is also a great place to reflect on the Project Janszoon conservation work. This initiative aims to restore the park’s ecosystems by removing pests and reintroducing native species. The health of the forest at Tinline is a testament to these ongoing efforts to keep the Abel Tasman "wild" for future generations.
Once you’ve finished your loop and strolled the 3km back to the Mārahau car park, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Mārahau has some of the best post-hike spots in the region.
The Park Cafe Marahau Located right at the start of the trail, this is the quintessential hiker’s hub. It’s got a relaxed, "barefoot" vibe and serves up fantastic coffee and hearty meals. They have an excellent range of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great spot for a quick refuel before you jump back in the car.
Hooked on Marahau If you’re looking for something a bit more celebratory, head 3km down the road to Hooked on Marahau. This waterfront restaurant and beer garden offers stunning views across Tasman Bay. It’s the perfect place to sit back with a local craft beer or a glass of Nelson Sauvignon Blanc and a plate of fresh, locally sourced seafood. Note that they are generally open from October to May, so check their seasonal hours before you go.
Whether you're a local looking for a Sunday stroll or a tourist wanting a taste of the native bush, the Tinline Bay Nature Walk is a small but mighty experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the Abel Tasman.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Its beautiful, clear, bell-like song is a quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush, particularly vibrant at dawn and dusk.
Best time: Year-round
Gallirallus philippensis
This secretive wetland bird can sometimes be spotted in the salt marshes and dense vegetation near estuaries, such as those close to Marahau and Tinline Bay.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Known for its acrobatic flight and fanned tail, the fantail often flits close to humans, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Despite its small size, the Grey Warbler has a remarkably complex and delicate trilling song, which Māori traditionally associated with the planting season.
Best time: Year-round
3km away
Situated right at the start of the Abel Tasman hiking trails in Marahau, The Park Cafe offers a range of meals, including a good selection of vegan dishes. It's a convenient spot for hikers to grab a bite or a coffee.