Awaroa Beach

Located at the northern end of Tasman Bay within the Abel Tasman National Park in the Tasman Region of New Zealand's South Island, Awaroa Beach is an 800-meter-long golden sand beach.   This beach is positioned around the tidal estuary and has a spectacular backdrop of granite rock, lush vegetation, and several oceanfront buildings creating a picturesque setting along Awaroa Bay. Awaroa Beach is adjacent to Awaroa Inlet, where the Awaroa River meets the sea, creating a mix of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. This inlet is significantly impacted by tidal movements, with vast mudflats and sandbanks exposed during low tide that connect the estuarine wetlands with the Tasman Sea. Awaroa Beach, Abel Tasman, part of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty and diverse marine life of the region.

Awaroa Beach does not have lifeguards but has several other amenities, including a nearby campground, several hotels, a boat launch, and hiking trails.

Awaroa Beach offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, kayaking, watching wildlife, hiking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, boating, and photography.  If you plan to go into the water, the waves are usually calm, making it a safe area to swim. The water near the beach is calm and shallow, which is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.  Snorkelers and divers may spot the diverse marine life that thrives in its clear waters.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby Abel Tasman Coast Track, which offers unique insights into the local biodiversity.  In addition, there are many interpretive signs around the area that provide information about the local ecology and history.  If you enjoy camping, you can book a nearby campsite that offers an amazing camping experience.  Visitors often spot dolphins, seals, and various native birds, including oystercatchers, herons, and kingfishers, in the surrounding waters.  Awaroa Beach is known for its pristine waters, striking rock formations, and breathtaking vistas, making it a perfect location for capturing photos.  Dogs are not allowed here, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Awaroa Beach, New Zealand, offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Awaroa Beach is difficult—the beach has a carpark near Awaroa Road, Tasman 7183, New Zealand.  After parking, you have to cross the Awaroa Inlet, which is only possible at low tide to access the beach.  Hikers can access this remote beach via the moderately challenging Abel Tasman Coast Track, which is a five-hour hike from the nearby Totaranui Bay.  Alternatively, there are regular water taxis operating from nearby towns, including Kaiteriteri and Marahau, to reach this beach.  Sea kayaking is another popular way to explore the Abel Tasman coastline, including Awaroa Beach from the nearby towns. Visitors can also take a scenic helicopter ride from Nelson or Motueka to experience Awaroa in all of its scenic splendor.

The beach's name "Awaroa" translates to "Long River" in Maori, reflecting its connection to nearby water bodies.  This beach became famous for being "the beach that Kiwis bought" or "People's Beach" after a crowdfunding campaign in 2016 secured its purchase for public use.  Also, this picturesque beach has been featured in promotional material and travel documentaries.

There are many attractions near Awaroa Beach.  Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park of New Zealand, spread over 22,530 hectares, but it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, golden sand beaches, tidal estuaries, hiking trails, campsites, lush forests, native bushlands, and clear turquoise waters.  It is an ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, boating, and picnicking.  The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 60-kilometer-long, immensely popular hiking trail positioned within New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park, which stretches from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with many inland tracks.  This moderate hike typically takes three to five days and passes through golden beaches, inlets, tidal crossings, suspension bridges, and lush native forests.  This track offers several amenities, including huts, campsites, and water taxis.  It’s perfect for nature lovers seeking scenic coastal views and outdoor adventure.

Split Apple Rock is an iconic granite rock formation located off Kaiteriteri Beach at the southern edge of Abel Tasman National Park that resembles a perfectly halved apple, with two symmetrical sections, making it a popular natural attraction for photographers, kayakers, and nature lovers.  Visitors can take boat or kayak tours to view this natural wonder.  Wainui Falls is a 20-meter-high waterfall positioned near Golden Bay within Abel Tasman National Park that cascades into a picturesque pool where visitors can take a refreshing dip.  Visitors can access this waterfall via an easy hiking trail that winds through lush native bushes, a swing bridge, and follows the Wainui River, which offers a tranquil escape into nature.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Tonga Island Marine Reserve is a protected area known for its golden sand beaches and sheltered coves spread over 4,535 acres that offers a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand’s vibrant marine ecosystems along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park and is home to a variety of marine species, including blue cod, snapper, triplefins, dolphins, seals, starfish, crayfish, and sponges.  This reserve is known for its golden sand beaches and sheltered coves, where visitors can enjoy many activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, boating, and watching wildlife.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Awaroa Beach. Totos Cafe & Pizzeria serves incredible seafood, meat, and vegetarian pizzas.  The Dangerous Kitchen serves delicious salads, pizzas, falafels, burritos, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.  The Wholemeal Cafe serves incredible salads, burgers, seafood, poultry, and meat dishes.  Courtyard Cafe serves amazing soups, pancakes, burgers, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, Roots Bar serves delicious meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for Awaroa Beach accommodation, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Awaroa Lodge is 18 minutes away by car and offers many amenities, including an outdoor seating area, a hot tub, a cafe, and a restaurant.   A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star The Sandcastle Seaview Cottage Accommodation, which offers a few amenities, including comfortable rooms and a kitchen in all rooms.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Ratanui Lodge, which has several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a garden, and a fitness room.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Waitapu Springs B&B, which has a few amenities, including an indoor pool, a barbecue area, and comfortable rooms.  If you are looking for another affordable hotel, Anatoki Lodge Motel has an outdoor pool, comfortable rooms, and a kitchen in some rooms.