Cruise & Walk Beach Stop 4.9

Day trip

Bark Bay Waterfall Trail

Cruise to Medlands Beach, then walk the scenic Bark Bay waterfall trail or relax on sheltered golden beaches. A great mix of easy walking, native forest and coastal scenery.

Trip Overview

Easy walking, waterfalls and golden beaches.

Cruise to Medlands Beach, then walk the scenic Bark Bay waterfall trail or relax on sheltered golden beaches. A great mix of easy walking, native forest and coastal scenery.

Best for

Walking TrailsScenic ValueHidden GemsBite Sized AdventuresEasy Adventures

Book this trip

From

NZ$104

Includes standard departure and return boat travel.

Low remaining seats for this week

Departure Location

Kaiteriteri

Sailing Options

Depart9.15am ·10.30am ·12.45pm
Return4.15pm ·6.00pm

Cruise Time

2hr

Walk time

Up to 1hr 30mins

Walk distance

5km

Difficulty

Moderate

Highlights

Bark Bay Swing Bridge

A suspension bridge crossing over the Bark Bay inlet, a highlight of this short walk.

Bark Bay Beaches

Sheltered golden-sand beaches either side of the inlet, good for a swim before the return cruise.

Route map
Abel Tasman route map

Gallery

See the experience

Trip information

Plan your experience

Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.

Suggested itinerary

Check-in

Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office 20 minutes before your departure time. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat.

Cruise out

Relax and enjoy the journey into the national park as you cruise from Kaiteriteri to Bark Bay. An Extended Cruise to Tōtaranui is also available seasonally (1 Nov–31 Mar) before returning to Bark Bay to begin your visit.

Relax or explore

Spend your time at Bark Bay at your own pace — swim at one of the sheltered beaches, or choose one of two short walks (see Walking Options above).

Return cruise

Rejoin your cruise at Bark Bay and relax as you cruise back to Kaiteriteri.

What to bring
  • Small day pack
  • Warm layer and waterproof jacket
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Drinking water
  • Swimwear and towel, if swimming
  • Lunch or onboard food plan
  • Camera or charged phone
  • Comfortable walking shoes where relevant
Destinations

Choose your pace

Walking options

Relax at Medlands or choose one of two short, easy walks before your return cruise.

Bark Bay Falls

4 km return · 1 hour · 110m elevation

A short, easy walk through native bush to a forest waterfall, a great option if you're short on time.

Falls River Swing Bridge

5 km return · 1.5 hours · 150m elevation

Continue a little further to cross the highest swing bridge in the park, suspended above the Falls River.

FAQs

Common questions

Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.

How do I know this trip is right for me?

Use the category, highlights and practical details on this page to compare the pace and activity level against similar Wilsons experiences.

When should I book?

Peak dates can fill quickly. Use the booking window to check live availability for your preferred date and departure.

What happens in poor weather?

Operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Guests should check confirmation details and Wilsons advice before travelling.

Where do I check in?

Check-in location depends on the selected trip and departure point. Your booking confirmation will include the correct location and time.

Do I need to return on the same boat I departed on?

No — your fare covers any of the listed departure and return sailings, not a fixed pair. Catch whichever crossing suits your day; the times don’t need to match.

Still not sure which trip is right for you?

Talk to our team

Guest reviews

What guests say

4.9 average rating Recent feedback from guests who have experienced this trip.
5.0 Guest review

Easy to choose and book

The page made it clear what the trip included and how it compared with nearby options. A useful way to understand the park before booking.

Amelia

Australia

5.0 Guest review

A smooth day out

Transport, timing and expectations were easy to follow. The experience felt well organised without taking away from the freedom to explore.

Mark

New Zealand

5.0 Guest review

Beautiful part of the coast

A simple way to see more of Abel Tasman and still feel like the day had enough structure. The scenery was the highlight.

Sophie

United Kingdom

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