5 Day/4 night Abel Tasman Guided Walk

Take five days to be as active or relaxed as you wish with three days walking the 38 km Coast Track and 2 extra days at each of our Beachfront Lodges.

On those extra days you can relax at the Lodge or explore parts of the park most visitors don't get to see. Your choices are:

• Try enclosed-water kayaking in tranquil lagoons
• Swim in protected, crystal clear waters
• Kick back on a golden-sand beach
• Hike inland to see historic sites and pristine mountain streams cascading through native forest.

This is the most relaxing way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer, including a scenic cruise along the coastline

Detailed Itinerary

Pre Tour:

On the morning of your departure you will be picked-up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car you can leave it at a safe parking area in Motueka. Day packs are available to borrow if required, and you can safely store any excess luggage.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

• Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at Motueka office.
• Launch departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot drinks, covered or open deck areas and bathroom facilities on board.
• When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the lush, untouched rainforest on the Pukatea Loop (approx 1.5 hours).
• Walk south approximately 2 hours from Totaranui to the fascinating Awaroa estuary, through rainforest with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata fringing idyllic sandy coves.
• Cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history.
• Spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

• Explore the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting) More Details
• Visit early European and pre-European historical sites
• Unwind on the beach
• Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

• Depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti.
• Relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands.
• Visit Tonga Quarry historic site.
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches, walking through native forest and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River.
• Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay

• Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River;
• Canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting);
• Walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Day 5: Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson

• Well graded final section of Abel Tasman coast track.
• Rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Du'mont Durville in 1827.
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then walk the last leg to Marahau.
• Our coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).

Note: The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures.

Keep in mind that walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of the scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each day's departure. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park, some preferring to walk, others to take the boat between lodges.

Packages

This trip operates all year round, departing every Tuesday and Friday.

If you would like more information on the Abel Tasman Track just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.

3 Day/2 Night Abel Tasman Guided Walk

Ideal for people who are short on time, and want to walk the length of the 38 km Abel Tasman Coast Track, including a scenic cruise along the coastline. Stay one night at each of the beachfront lodges: Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Detailed Itinerary

Pre Tour:

On the morning of your departure you will be picked-up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car you can leave it at a safe parking area in Motueka. Day packs are available to borrow if required, and you can safely store any excess luggage.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Torrent Bay

Approximate Times:
Bus to Marahau - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Walk Marahau to Torrent Bay - 4 hours (13 kms)
Includes Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at the Motueka office.
• Your guide introduces you to the Park at Marahau.
• Walking the gentlest grade on the track, rediscover the pristine bays and headlands named by French explorer, Du'mont Durville in 1827.
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then walk to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa

Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

• Leave Torrent Bay to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River.
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, or continue on to Onetahuti, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands.
• Visit places of historical and scenic interest, including the abandoned Tonga Quarry.
• From Onetahuti, walk over the Tonga Saddle to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Nelson / Motueka via Totaranui

Approximate times:
Walk Awaroa to Totaranui - 2 hours (7 kms)
Cruise Totaranui to Anchorage 2 hours
Pitt Head Loop Walk 1.5 hours
Cruise Anchorage to Kaiteriteri 45 mins
Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch.

• Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be introduced to its fascinating history.
• Walk through the northern forests of the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata.
• At Totaranui, join our comfortable launch to cruise the coastline you have just walked. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board.
• Our coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).

Please Note: The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures and the Pitt Head Loop track may be substituted with the Pukatea Walk.

Keep in mind that walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of the scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each day's departure. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park, some preferring to walk, others to take the boat between lodges.

Packages

This trip operates all year round, departing Monday (Southbound), Wednesday and Saturday (Northbound)

If you would like more information on the Abel Tasman Track just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.

2 day/1 Night Abel Tasman Guided Walk

We strongly recommend that you allow a minimum of 2 nights to maximise your enjoyment of this stunning coast. However, if you are on a tight schedule, we can design the best overnight experience to suit you, including everything the Park has to offer. You can choose to laze on a golden beach, walk, sea kayak or take a boat cruise. The choice is yours.

Packages

This trip operates all year round.

If you would like more information on the Abel Tasman Track just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.

1 Day Abel Tasman Walks

If you have a few minutes or a few hours, our Vista Cruise and Vigour Water Taxi can transport you to the walk of your choice.

Golden sand beaches, native forest, spectacular coastal views and swimming opportunities in calm, azure waters feature on every walk.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is well formed and easy to follow.
It's your choice...

Northern and Extended Cruise & Walk
Cruise the length of the spectacular coast from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui. Choose the walk to suit you in the centre of the Park, then return on the boat.

Southern Cruise & Walks
Cruise into the National Park to Torrent Bay or further to Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Onetahuti Bay. Take the walk of your choice before taking the boat out of the Park.

With 3 Vista Cruise sailings and 2 Vigour Water Taxi sailings per day (October to April), you can enjoy a Cruise and Walk in the morning or afternoon. Our boats operate year-round, on a reduced timetable April to September.