The Abel Tasman Track - 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is well formed with no point higher than 150 metres (approx. 500 feet). Shaded by lush native forest the track opens out to sheltered golden-sand beaches and wide, sandy estuaries.

Let us take care of the details, leaving you more time to relax and explore, walking the spectacular Coast Track from Totaranui in the north to Marahau in the south.

Expert Guides and Hosts can help you make the most of your day. Have time on your own or share fascinating insights into the cultural and natural history of the area.

Switch off and enjoy.

Highlights include:

Share 8 generations of fun, friendly and authentic Kiwi hospitality.
Fine food designed by the chef and served by your skilled Lodge Hosts
In-house bar serving a selection of local beers and wines

Scenic cruise along the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline

No heavy pack to carry. Overnight luggage transferred by boat

Your expert Guide will help design each day to be as active or relaxed as you wish.

There will be plenty of time to relax on the beaches or enjoy a swim in azure waters

View seals in their natural habitat

Spectacular golden-sand beaches and tranquil lagoons fringed by lush native forest

Walks along the coastal track, through diverse forest ecosystems

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Walkers stay at the same lodges as sea kayakers. With forward planning, groups with different ages, interests and abilities can holiday together with some booked on a Walking Trip, some on a Kayak and Walk Trip

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Abel Tasman - 5 Day 4 Night Walk Itinerary

This leisurely holiday includes three days of walking the Coast Track and with two extra days at the Beachfront Lodges, Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge, to explore, canoe, swim, kick back on the beach, or hike inland to see parts of the park most travellers miss when they walk the track in only three days. This is the most relaxing way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer, including a scenic cruise along the coastline.

Please note: If start/finish times do not suit your schedule, please contact us to arrange alternative options.

Pre Tour:

On the morning of your departure we pick you up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car, we will direct you to safe parking from the office in Motueka. At the office, Day Packs are available to borrow if required, and we can safely store any excess luggage. There is a safe in theoffi ce for valuables.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

Approximate Times: Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1 hour 30 mins, from Motueka 20 mins

Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui - 1 Hour, 20 Mins.

Walk, including options - 4 hours (10 kms)

Includes Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• **Pick up Nelson (10.30 - 11.00 am) or Motueka (11.40 am) or if you are self driving meet at our office by 11.45 am.
• Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a tour briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
• pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot & cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks and bathroom facilities on board.
• When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the picturesque rainforest of Te Pukatea Loop.
• Walk south approximately 2 hours (5.5 km + tidal crossing) from Totaranui to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family's original home on the finest site in Awaroa Bay.

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

Approximate times for walks, up to 4 hours

Optional kayaking up to 2 hours (tides permitting)

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Let your guide design your day to as active or relaxed as you wish.

Options include:

• 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

Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• 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

Optional walking (up to 5 hours, 10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you.

Options include:

• 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

Approximate times:

Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau - 4 hours (13 kms)

Bus Marahau to Motueka - 20 mins or to Nelson - 1.5 hours

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch

• 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).

Please Note: The direction of the 5 Day Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson and Motueka. Te Pukatea Loop walk may be substituted with Pitt Head Loop Track.

**If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, contact us to make alternative arrangements.

Keep in mind that walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our 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.

Departure Timetable

We operate this trip year round, departing every Tuesday. There is an extra departure on Friday, 30 September 2011. Special itineraries can be arranged on other days, subject to availability. Please contact us for details.

Trip departures May to October require a minimum of 4 people.
If you wish to book with less than 4 people during these months, contact us for a confirmed departure date.

Tuatara Tours In Association with

*All photographs associated with our Abel Tasman Tours are credited to Wilsons.