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kaiteriteri
 Perfect
sunshine, clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand, make
Kaiteriteri a dream destination for holidaymakers.
This seaside resort is well placed, being just 13 km from the
busy township of Motueka, and 5 km from Marahau - the main
gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
Kaiteriteri is one of the best beaches in the South Island, due
in no small part to the wonderful colour of its sands. These come
from the weathering of ancient granite rocks, releasing crystals
of quartz and mica, which are washed down to the sea, and finely
ground into glittering gold particles of sand.
The town has a motor camp, plenty of motels, general store and
eateries where you can dine on fresh seafood and local produce.
Nearby rambles include Withell’s Walk, starting behind the
campground and Kaka Pah Point Walk, at the end of the beach. They
offer a view across the bay that encourages you to go and explore
the more secluded coves and hideaways around the coast.
The close proximity to the Abel Tasman National Park makes it
very tempting to join a launch cruise or hire a kayak to
experience this incredibly beautiful coastline. The tourist
operators at Kaiteriteri and Marahau offer great flexibility in
planning park visits. For example, you are able to kayak or tramp
for one or two days, and then rendezvous with a water taxi for
the return. A highlight of a visit to the park is the Tonga
Island Marine Reserve, which is famous for its fur seal colony,
seabirds and plentiful fish. Abel Tasman is our most popular
national park and the tramping track is one of New Zealand’s
Great Walks.
Away from the coast there are interesting places to explore from
Kaiteriteri. The Takaka Hill road leads to the Ngarua Caves,
which are known for their wonderful stalactites and stalagmites.
Harwood’s Hole off the Canaan Road, is a vertical shaft 183
metres deep, and the surrounding area is full of startling
limestone formations and granite outcrops. These caves and many
other landmarks are outlined in the visitor centre booklet
entitled ‘The Treasured Pathway’.
For sheer beauty and serenity it is hard to imagine a more
picture perfect place than Kaiteriteri.
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