Mārahau to Tinline Bay

Mārahau to Tinline Bay is an easy out-and-back on the southern end of Abel Tasman Coast Track. From the carved entrance at Mārahau, follow the coastal path about 2.34 km each way to the bay-side spur, then return the same way. That makes 2.91 miles (4.68 km) round trip; allow about two hours with a stop at the lookout and time at the shore. It’s a good low-commitment taste of the coast route, rather than a full day on the track.

The carved waharoa marks the entrance, then a long raised boardwalk carries you over the tidal inlet. The view changes with the tide: water can sit on both sides, or the boardwalk can cross a wide sweep of exposed sand with the sea off to your right. Beyond it, the path moves through coastal bush toward Tinline. The inlet and boardwalk are the route’s most distinctive opening stretch.

A little over a kilometre in, a short side track reaches Stu’s Lookout. It’s a small detour for a high point with views back to Mārahau and north across the start of Astrolabe Roadstead. French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville named the water for his vessel during his 1827 visit; Adele Island was named for his wife, and Fisherman Island for the Māori fishing he saw there.

The mapped route ends at a short path to the bay shore. Tinline campsite sits farther inland, up the track, rather than on the beach; its 15 tent sites need to be booked in advance if you’re staying overnight. The separate Tinline Bay Nature Walk is a 20-minute return walk from the campsite and isn’t part of this route. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Coast Track. If you want a longer walk, continue north toward Coquille Bay; the regional guide puts it 3.5 km from Mārahau and notes a short climb after Tinline.