Best Food in Abel Tasman for Hikers & Kayakers | Homejourney

Best Food and Restaurants in Abel Tasman National Park: Quick Overview

If you are hiking the Abel Tasman Track, exploring its golden beaches or doing kayaking NZ trips, the best food and restaurants in Abel Tasman National Park cluster around Marahau, Kaiteriteri, on-trail lodges like Awaroa, and nearby Motueka and Nelson, with fresh seafood, hearty burgers and reliable café options perfect for pre- and post-adventure meals.[1][2][3][9]

This guide is a tactical spin-off from Homejourney's main New Zealand coastal adventure pillar, Homejourney's Ultimate Abel Tasman Hiking & Kayaking Guide 2025 Homejourney's Ultimate Abel Tasman Hiking & Kayaking Guide 2025 . Here, we focus specifically on where and what to eat around Abel Tasman so you can plan your coastal walk, kayaking routes and food stops with confidence.

How Food Planning Works Around the Abel Tasman Track

Unlike a city break, Abel Tasman is a coastal national park with long stretches of track, tidal estuaries and golden beaches, but very few shops inside the park.[4][7] Most proper restaurants are at the gateways (Marahau, Kaiteriteri, Motueka, Nelson) or at a few lodge-based restaurants like Awaroa Lodge along the coast.[1][3][9]

As someone who has done the Abel Tasman Coast Track and sea kayaking trips while based in Singapore, I strongly recommend Singapore travellers think of food in three layers:

Base town meals – bigger portions before/after hiking (Motueka, Nelson).
Trailhead & beachside cafés – Marahau and Kaiteriteri for pre-launch breakfasts and early dinners.
On-track lodges or packed food – simple but satisfying meals where there are no supermarkets.

You will not find hawker-centre density here, so advance planning is key—similar to planning food stops when hiking in New Zealand’s other remote regions like Waitomo (see our New Zealand coverage at Moving to Singapore from Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Expat Guide | Homejourney ).

Best Food & Restaurants Near Abel Tasman Coastal Walk and Kayaking

1. Marahau – Primary Gateway for Hikers & Kayakers

Marahau is the southern gateway to the Abel Tasman Track and main launch point for kayaking NZ outfitters, so most Singapore visitors will start and end their coastal walk or kayak here.[7][8] You can drive in from Nelson (about 1 hr 15 mins) or Motueka (25–30 mins), and many shuttle services time their pick-ups around hiking and kayaking departures.

The Park Cafe Marahau – Best for Pre-/Post-Hike Pizzas

Park Cafe Marahau sits right at the entrance of the Abel Tasman walking tracks, making it one of the most convenient food stops for hikers and kayakers.[2][6] They are well known for wood-fired pizzas, hearty breakfasts and a relaxed garden setting, with live music on selected evenings.[1][6]

Best for: Pre-hike breakfast, post-kayak pizza and beer.
Location: At Abel Tasman track entrance, Sandy Bay–Marahau Road.[2][6]
What to try: Wood-fired pizzas, homemade bread and cakes, strong coffee.[2][6]

From experience, it is worth having an early brunch here before a full-day coastal walk; think of this as your "pre-MRT hawker stop" before a long commute—except your commute is a 12–15 km scenic coastal track.

Hooked on Marahau – Waterfront Seafood with Sunset Views

Hooked on Marahau is a waterfront restaurant in Marahau with stunning views down the Astrolabe Roadstead at the southern end of Abel Tasman.[2][3] It focuses on fresh, local and simple fare, with seafood dishes like green-lipped mussels, fish of the day and craft beers.[2][3]

Best for: Dinner after a day of kayaking NZ waters.
What to try: Mussels in Thai green curry, fresh fish, local craft beers.[2][3]
Tip for Singaporeans: Portions are large by Singapore standards; you can comfortably share mains to manage both budget and food waste.

The Fat Tui – Gourmet Burgers in a Beach Shack

The Fat Tui in Marahau is famous for its gourmet burgers served from a rustic food truck-style setup—perfect if you want something fast and filling after getting off the water.[1] Expect fully loaded burgers, fries and milkshakes; it is more "comfort food" than fine dining, which is often exactly what you crave after a long paddle.

Best for: Quick, hearty takeaway on the way back to your lodge.
What to try: Classic beef burgers and kumara (sweet potato) fries.
Tip: Go early in the evening in peak summer—it can sell out when tour groups arrive.

2. Kaiteriteri – Golden Beachside Dining

Just a short drive from Marahau, Kaiteriteri is another key access point for water taxis and day trips, known for its wide golden beaches and family-friendly vibe.[8] Food options here work well if you are staying in Kaiteriteri or doing shorter coastal walk segments combined with beach time.

The Beached Whale Restaurant & Bar

The Beached Whale is a casual bar and restaurant near Kaiteriteri Beach, popular for pizzas, ribs and classic fish and chips.[2] Reviewers highlight generous portions and quick service even at busy times, which is ideal if you have a water taxi to catch the next morning.[2]

Best for: Groups and families; relaxed dinners in beachwear.
What to try: Ribs, fish and chips, pizzas.[2]

Waterfront Restaurant – Beachfront Lunch Spot

Waterfront in Kaiteriteri is another popular option with sea views, known for casual lunches and drinks.[1][2] It is well-positioned if you are spending a half-day at the beach between hiking sections.

Best for: Post-swim lunch and drinks with a view.
What to try: Seasonal seafood specials and salads.[2]

3. On-Track Lodges: Eating Inside Abel Tasman National Park

For those doing multi-day Abel Tasman Track sections, you can either self-cater at DOC huts (stoves often required) or stay at private lodges that include meals.[4][7][9] This is the most convenient option for Singapore travellers not used to backcountry cooking.

Awaroa Lodge – Upscale Dining in the Wilderness

Awaroa Lodge, located near Awaroa Beach, offers one of the more refined dining experiences inside Abel Tasman, with a restaurant featuring seasonal local produce and wines.[1][9] It is only accessible by boat, on foot via the coastal walk, or by small plane, so reservations and tide planning are essential.[4][7]

Best for: Treat-yourself night on a multi-day hike.
What to expect: Multi-course dinners, good coffee, packed lunches available for walkers.[9]

Wilsons Abel Tasman Lodges – All-Inclusive Adventure Meals

If you book a lodge-based trip with Wilsons Abel Tasman, your accommodation and meals are bundled, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and satisfying cuisine tailored for active days.[1][9] Menus are designed to refuel hikers and kayakers without being too heavy.[9]

Best for: Singapore travellers who prefer an all-inclusive structure, similar to a tour package.
Insider tip: Inform them early about dietary needs (halal, vegetarian) so they can plan; options are generally good, but this is not a city with endless alternatives.