Split Apple Rock is a magnificent enormous split rock. The authentic rock star rests in Towers Bay. Split Apple Rock is surrounded by natural caves, a glorious gold sandy beach and is heaven for selfies and photographers alike.
Photographers should plan their visit around the tides. The rock looks as though it is floating at high tide. Low tide provides more beach space and you can check out the rock up close as well as the caves at the northern end of the beach.
Split Apple Rock is a scenic highlight for many visitors and is conveniently located between the Abel Tasman National Park hospitality towns of Kaiteriteri and Marahau.
While Towers Bay has the requisite gorgeous gold tinted sand of the Abel Tasman National Park there is something quirky about visitors intent on straddling the rock for their insta/tiktok feed.
Split Apple Rock, Toka Ngawha has a great backstory. Maori legend has two feuding brothers who fought over possession of the rock. To settle the argument the rock was split in half. The Maori name is Toko Ngawa or burst open rock. The legend has the boys settling their differences and hopefully going for a swim afterwards on the glorious beach. Snap a picture perfect shot of the rock, the beach and you.
The beach itself is relatively uncrowded even in the peak summer season. Bring a towel, watch people trying to get the ideal photo shot and enjoy everything Towers Bay has to offer visitors.
Split Apple Rock is located between Kaiteriteri and Marahau at the southern end of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Dogs: in the boundary of a National Park, no dogs
Track length: 400m
Duration: ½ day lazing on a beach (30 minutes return walk)
Grade: easy
Split Apple Rock Location
15 minutes drive, 6.8 km distance
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Note: narrow winding road, in summer there is a surprisingly amount of traffic intent on visiting Split Apple Rock.
HOW TO GET TO TOWERS BAY & SPLIT APPLE ROCK?
Split Apple Rock is a regular feature on kayak, paddleboard and cruise tours based in either Kaiteriteri or Marahau.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY SPLIT APPLE ROCK, NELSON?
Visitors are spoiled for choice when visiting Split Apple Rock, Towers Bay, Nelson.
- Abel Tasman National Park is unmissable with Wainui waterfall, beaches and walks.
- Visit Kaiteriteri with its cafes, shops and galleries.
- Keep going to Farewell Spit and discover the remote Wharariki Beach.
- Along Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay road stop pull over at Kaka Point Historic Reserve, 46 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri 719 for panoramic views.
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