Plan & prepare

Getting there

By sea

The nearest boat ramp is at Totaranui, 5 km north of Awaroa Head. There are others at Tarakohe near Takaka, and at Kaiteriteri and Marahau in the south.

Water users should be wary of unmarked reefs and tidal changes. Sea conditions are often calm in winter but stiff sea breezes occur daily in summer and there is little shelter to be found along rocky sections of the coastline during storms.

By land

Foot access to the reserve is along the coast track from the north or the south. The nearest car park, at Awaroa, is 33 km from Takaka. Allow a full day for a  return trip from the car park to Tonga Quarry. Before setting out, check the tide tables because it is only safe to cross Awaroa Inlet within one hour 30 minutes before low tide and two hours after. Onetahuti estuary can only be crossed safely three hours either side of low tide.

From Awaroa Hut, head east to the mouth of Venture Creek and climb up to Tonga Saddle. From here there is an easy descent to Onetahuti Beach — your first contact with the marine reserve. Tonga Island lies directly offshore from here.

Transport services

The Abel Tasman coast is well served by bus, boat and kayaking companies. Information on their services is available at i-SITE visitor centres in Motueka, Takaka and Nelson.