Experience the best of Marahau

Marahau lies on Tasman Bay at the top of New Zealand's South Island, where the Abel Tasman Coast Track begins. This 60 km walking route is one of New Zealand's Great Walks, and it follows a shore of golden beaches, granite headlands and native forest. The village itself is tiny, with a handful of cafés, cabins and a store at the start of the track, about 65 km from the city of Nelson.

Water taxis and kayaks work along the coast, reaching bays such as Torrent Bay, Anchorage and Bark Bay, and fur seals haul out at Tonga Island offshore. Nearby Kaiteriteri has a beach of pale gold sand, and Split Apple Rock, a granite boulder split cleanly in two, sits just off the coast. Further west, Golden Bay and the clear springs of Te Waikoropupū lie over Takaka Hill.

The Nelson and Tasman region is known for sunshine, hops, apples, kiwifruit and craft beer, and cafés near the coast serve fresh seafood and local wine. Summer, from December to March, is warm with long days, while autumn and spring are quieter and still pleasant. Rain can come in any season.