Medlands Beach

Overview

Locals call it “Meddy’s”: a petite, golden-sand cove just south of Bark Bay on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. It’s a lovely pause point between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay, with clear, turquoise water and native bush backing the sand. Reached by steps off the main track or via scheduled water‑taxi pickups, it’s an easy place to swim, snack, and reset. Don’t confuse it with the different Medlands Beach on Great Barrier Island.

Why it’s special

The sand here gets its warm glow from iron‑rich Separation Point Granite—erosion of this rock produces the coarse, orthoclase‑rich “golden” grains that make Abel Tasman’s beaches sparkle. Calm conditions and a tucked‑in shape make Medlands feel intimate and family‑friendly for a dip or a picnic in patchy shade.

Getting there & logistics

• Water taxis run year‑round with scheduled stops nearby and pickups at Medlands on certain trips—book your return time in advance.
• Walking options are excellent: a popular cruise‑and‑walk drops you at Tonga Quarry to hike south over the Falls River suspension bridge (47 m long) to finish at Medlands; or walk between Medlands and Anchorage—about 7.5 km at low tide (2–3 hours), or ~10.6 km via the high‑tide route around Torrent Bay.
• Facilities are minimal: there is a DOC toilet at Medlands, but no bins or shops. Carry all food, pack out rubbish, and do not rely on a tap here—treat or boil any water collected at nearby huts/campsites.

Nearby highlights

From the beach you can wander to Bark Bay Falls (about 1 hour return) or continue to the Falls River swing bridge (about 1.5 hours return). Bark Bay itself (roughly 1 km north) has a DOC campsite and hut with better facilities, but bookings are required for camping.

Wildlife

On boat legs near the Tonga Island Marine Reserve you may see New Zealand fur seals; little blue penguins and dolphins are occasional visitors. On land, restoration work has boosted native birds—around Bark Bay/Medlands listen for kākā and keep an eye out for pāteke (brown teal). Give wildlife plenty of space and do not land on sanctuary islands; check your gear for stowaway pests if boating or kayaking.

Best time to visit

Summer (Dec–Feb) is busiest; late summer to early autumn (Feb–Mar) brings warm water and fewer crowds. Sea temperatures typically peak around early February at roughly 16–19°C, dipping to 11–13°C in August. Plan walks with tides in mind: the Torrent Bay low‑tide shortcut saves time, while the Bark Bay estuary has an all‑tide track around it. Always check DOC tide and track notes before you go.

Good to know

There are no shops anywhere on the track—some operators can prep picnic lunches for boat/kayak trips if ordered the evening prior. The park is pack‑in/pack‑out only.