Hooked is a great option when it comes to places to eat in Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Hooked (previously known as Hooked on Marahau) is situated just 25 minutes drive from Motueka or one hour from Nelson City.
The view from Hooked out across Tasman Bay and along the Astrolabe Roadstead is breathtaking. Located right on the Marahau Waterfront and only a short walk from the start of the Coastal Track, Hooked is the prime location for a pre and post trip refuel after a day in the Abel Tasman. But it’s not just the idyllic location that makes Hooked one of our favourite cafes in the Nelson Tasman region, everything else about the place is rather wonderful.
As you wander up the pathway into Hooked you know you’re in for something special. The garden is clearly well loved and cared for, and when you enter the cafe, things get seriously funky. The interior of Hooked has two beach-house style dining rooms, both of which are adorned with an impressive collection of seashells, driftwood, crayfish pots and other vintage nautical objects. Even after multiple visits to Hooked, we’re still finding plenty of interesting pieces left to discover.
The food and beverage selection is the next thing that takes it up another notch. With cuisine created from the very best locally sourced produce, Hooked serves a la carte meals along with fresh house-baked goods and the best barista coffee you’ll find anywhere. With local beers and cider crafted by Sprig and Fern on tap and a carefully selected range of local wines, there is something here for everyone.
Hooked runs a popular happy hour every day from 4:00PM to 6:00PM with a selection of local craft beers and local wines included. Local Marahau village residents and visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park converge on Hooked each afternoon to sit, chat, quench thirsts and welcome the stunning sunsets across Tasman Bay. And that’s the thing we most love about Hooked; the casual but vibrant vibe of the the place.
Hooked is open from October to May each year to coincide with the peak visitor period. It was established in 2002 by the Alborn family and has been a favourite of locals and visitors ever since.