Getting to Totaranui

From Christchurch

Unfortunately it's not just around the corner – but we promise its worth it. To drive to Totaranui from Christchurch will take around 7.5 hours. Because of this we encourage you to come up the day before (or even the day before that if you want to make a long weekend out of it) so you are nice and refreshed for the wedding day.

Head north toward Nelson using the inland road through Murchison. Approximately 73km after Murchison turn left onto Motueka Valley Hwy at Kohatu toward Tapawera. Continue on to Motueka then follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka.

From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Totaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road.

 Get Directions

From Nelson

For those coming from Nelson – or choosing to fly into Nelson first, Totaranui is about 2.5 hours drive.

Take SH6 south out of Nelson and turn onto SH60 (the Coastal Highway) once past Richmond. Follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka.

From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Totaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road.

 Get Directions

 

Transport Options

You can drive yourself into Totaranui - however for those looking for a little more adventure, or not 100% confident with the drive, there are loads of other options!

Buses

NELSON > TAKAKA = $38 pp
Daily Bus Service between Nelson and Takaka = $38.00 each way
Departs Nelson: 8.40am(arrives 10.45am) or 3.40pm(arrives 5.45pm).

TAKAKA > TOTARANUI = $24 pp
Departs Takaka 9.30 (arrives Totaranui 10.15)
OR
On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays ONLY the bus service also departs at 2.45pm for Totaranui .

TOTARANUI > TAKAKA = $24 pp
Daily bus departs Totaranui for Takaka at 11.15am daily (arrives Takaka 12pm)

TAKAKA > NELSON = $38 pp
Departs Takaka 1.15pm (arrives Nelson 3.20pm)

Suggested  Bus Combos:

Getting to Totaranui:
--Depart Nelson at: 8.40am on Friday 1st March > Arrive Takaka 10.45am = $38.00 per person
Explore Takaka approx 4 hours.
--Depart Takaka at 2.45pm for Totaranui at a cost of $24.00 per person (This PM bus only operates Mon, Wed, Fri).
Alternatively if you stay in Takaka on Friday night you can bus into Totaranui on Saturday monring - leaving Takaka at 9.30?.
**Package price of $50 available for above.

OR
--Depart Nelson 3.40pm on Friday the 1st of March > Arrive Takaka 5.45pm.
Get accommodation in Takaka for the night
--Depart Takaka 9.30am Saturday 2nd March > Arrive Totaranui 10.15am.
Explore Totaranui until wedding at 2PM

**Package price of $50 available for above.

Leaving Totaranui
--Daily Bus service leaves Totaranui at 11.15am to Takaka arriving at 12pm.  $38*
A quick lunch break prior to the connection with the Takaka to Nelson Bus departing Takaka at 1.15pm. $24*
**Package price of $50 available for above.

**The $50.00 price will need to be booked through the bus office, by emailing info@gbcoachlines.co.nz or phone (03) 525 8352 as this is a special price. Special price not available online.

 

Boats

Boating from Kaiteriteri or Marahau is a great idea and an awesome way to see the beautiful coast line however a back up plan is recommended in case for any reason the boats aren't running. (i.e. weather)

Daily water taxi services operate from Kaiteriteri, Marahau and many of the beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park. The boat ride from Marahau, the southern end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, to Totaranui takes about two hours.

The following Abel Tasman water transport operators provide services to carry campers and their gear to and from Totaranui:

Abel Tasman Aquataxi: http://www.aquataxi.co.nz/ or email: info@aquataxi.co.nz
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures: http://www.sailingadventures.co.nz/ or email: info@sailingadventures.co.nz
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle: http://www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/ or email: cruise@abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz
Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences: http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/ or email: info@abeltasman.co.nz

Carpooling or mixed transport

If you would like to car pool or have a spare seat to offer please let Stacey know and she will connect you :)

Also, if you would like to fly into Nelson, you could bus to Takaka and we may be able to arrange someone to grab you from there.