Abel Tasman Coast track, Torrent Bay, Tasman

Te Pukatea Bay

BEST ABEL TASMAN DAY TRIP

Te Pukatea Bay is one of those jewel-like horseshoe-shaped bays, ringed by verdant native bush, its golden sand lapped by clear blue water. Just an hour’s sail north of the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park, it’s an easy spot to head for, for a picnic or a winter sunbathe. Maori had used this coastline for centuries. Rich soil, fish-filled waters and a pleasant climate created a sublime place to catch and grow food. Overlooked by both Cook and Tasman on their explorations, it was left to French explorer Dumont D’Urville to bring this area to the notice of the European world when he visited in 1827. Like Maori before him, he found ample fresh water, a warm sunny climate, drop-dead gorgeous beaches and a fantastic water-based playground where his men could take a well-earned break. He left behind, in return, a string of French names along the nearby coastal landscape.

But if D’Urville were to return today he would have trouble believing just how many people use this area. Already known for its easy coastal walking track, now it offers many options for enjoying this picturesque coastline from the sea. Water taxis are available, almost on demand, to deliver walkers, kayakers and sightseers to many points along the coast. Ferries chug along the coast more slowly, offering day-trippers a more laid-back alternative. One of the most popular ways to visit is by sea kayak, from either Marahau or Kaiteriteri, and there are several operators running bare-boat and skippered charter yachts.

Leaving Marahau’s shallow sandy bay, the water quickly deepens into the Astrolabe Roadstead that runs between Adele Island and the mainland heading north. Adele Island is chunky and bush-covered, and offers a sheltered all-weather overnight anchorage for yachts, one of only two along the coast. Leaving the lee of the island, the coast is more exposed, with Torrent Bay, the biggest settlement along the coast, tucked in beneath Pitt Head. Bark Bay and Onetahuti Beach lead up to the marine reserve off Tonga Island, giant granite outcrops creating a dramatic backdrop along this section of the coast.

At the northern end, Awaroa and Totaranui are popular beaches - the first with a comfortable lodge and the second with a substantial campground - before the coast hardens off to Separation Point, the dividing promontory between Tasman and Golden Bays. The down-wind run back to Marahau, under spinnaker, passes all these beautiful spots again, with Te Pukatea Bay just one jewel in a stunning coastal crown.

© Sue Farley 2006.

BEST ABEL TASMAN DAY TRIP

![](https://www.prints.co.nz/mm5/graphics/00000001/V491.jpg)Image Credit: David T

Features

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Lake
  • Beach
  • Summer
  • Sea life
  • Green

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