Tinline Bay Nature Walk

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

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.

Getting There

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.

1. Park your vehicle at the large public car park at the Mārahau entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. There are plenty of facilities here, including toilets and information boards.
2. Start your walk along the world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. This initial stretch is flat and offers beautiful views over the Mārahau estuary.
3. Walk for approximately 3km (roughly 40–45 minutes). The track is easy and very scenic.
4. Reach Tinline Bay Campsite. You’ll see signs for the Tinline Bay Nature Walk loop starting right from the campsite area.

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.

Wildlife Spotting

The Tinline Bay area is teeming with birdlife, thanks to the lush vegetation and ongoing conservation efforts in the park.

• Weka: These cheeky, flightless birds are almost guaranteed to make an appearance. They are bold and curious, often following hikers to see if any snacks might be dropped (please don't feed them!).
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will often "flutter" around you as you walk, catching the insects you stir up from the leaf litter.
• Tūī and Korimako (Bellbird): Listen for their complex, melodic songs ringing through the canopy. They are particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Look for these large, heavy birds in the branches of the miro or tōtara trees. You’ll often hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you see their iridescent green and white feathers.
• Moho Pererū (Banded Rail): If you are quiet near the estuary or the creek edges, you might spot this shy, well-camouflaged bird darting through the rushes.

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.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Tinline Bay Nature Walk is a true four-season destination, but each time of year offers something different:

• Summer: The forest provides a welcome, cool escape from the heat of the beach. It’s the perfect "cool down" after a swim at Tinline Bay.
• Spring: This is the best time for bird song, as many species are nesting and highly vocal. You’ll also see new lime-green growth on the ferns.
• Autumn: The weather is often stable and the light in the forest is golden and soft.
• Winter: The Abel Tasman is famous for its crisp, clear "bluebird" winter days. The bush remains evergreen, so it never feels bleak.

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.

• Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers are fine for this well-maintained track.
• Water and snacks: There are no shops once you leave Mārahau.
• Sun protection and insect repellent: The sandflies can be a bit persistent near the water’s edge at Tinline Bay.
• A light jacket: Even in summer, the deep bush can be significantly cooler than the beach.

Local & Regional Context

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.

After the Walk

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.

The Park Cafe Marahau

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.