‘The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s ’10 Great Walks’ – and for good reason. The mild climate, golden beaches and native forest shows off the wide variety and stunning beauty New Zealand has to offer.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk — 5 Days is a leisurely tour of sunny Abel Tasman National Park’s forests and golden-sand beaches in the South Island of New Zealand. This tour provides the perfect balance: 3 days hiking the world-famous coastal track, and 2 days based at cosy lodges where you can relax, or strike out and explore.
A boat cruise will take you to the start of your walk through lush native forest and beaches from Totaranui in the north to Marahau in the south. Wind your way along the famous shores of the Marlborough region as you traverse Abel Tasman National Park, finding secrets like Cleopatra’s Pool and Cascade Falls along the way.
Walking Tour
5 days / 4 nights
An average level of fitness. Walk 12kms, Bike 25kms. Well formed tracks and roads with average incline.
NZ$2,495
Demand is heavy, book early to avoid missing out.
Shoulder Season Dates! September 1 to October 31, April 1 to 30.
Price: NZ$2,495
Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
7km
Meadowbank Homestead
All aboard the Vista Cruise vessel! As youcruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui you follow the contours of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks and enjoy a hot drink from the cafe. From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa inlet. Here, a warm kiwi welcome awaits you at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family’s original home on the “finest site in the bay”.
Approximate Times: Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri from Nelson (1 hour) or Motueka (20 mins) Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours Walk – 2.5 hours (7 kms, 4.5 miles) including tidal crossing Maximum elevation 60 m (200 ft)
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Explore Awaroa
Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast and sweeping views across Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the lodge and perhaps a coffee on the verandah watching the movement of the tides over golden sand. Then, let your guide design your day to be as active or relaxed as you wish with another night at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa.
Options include:
Approximate Times: Walking time: up to 4 hours (optional) Optional kayaking: up to 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Awaroa to Torrent Bay
17km
Torrent Bay Lodge
After a relaxing night’s sleep and home-cooked breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea at Meadowbank, you’ll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. If you’re not feeling energetic, your guide will arrange for a boat ride so can choose the amount of walking to suit.
Section 1: 6 km (3.5 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft)
Section 2: 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)
Section 3: 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)
Leisurely options:
Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (17 kms, 10.5 miles)
Explore Torrent Bay
A day of choices! Let your guide plan a day to be as adventurous or relaxing as you like with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach.
Approximate Times: Optional walking: up to 5 hours (10 kms, 6 miles) Optional canoeing: tide dependant
Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri to Motueka/Nelson
13 to 16km
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Then on your final day, walk the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panaromic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Along the way you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D’Urville in 1827.
For less walking time:
Approximate times: Walk 4-5 hours, depending on tides (13 – 16 kms, 8 – 10 miles) Maximum elevation 110 m (360 ft) Scenic drive Marahau/Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hour)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch
The direction of this trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson (7.15 – 7.40 am) and Motueka (8.15 am).
This early pick up applies to all departures after NZ daylight savings time ends at the beginning of April.
Please confirm the start/finish time with us before you book connecting airline flights.
Walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups with different interests and abilities – some preferring to walk, others to take the boat between lodges.
We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types. All travel subject to weather and tides which may cause delay/cancellation.
This tour is very flexible, with a number of options available to take optimal advantage of weather conditions. The direction of the trip may be reversed on some departures, with earlier pick up in Nelson and Motueka.
Departure Timetable This trip operates year-round and leaves every Tuesday. Special itineraries can be arranged on other days, subject to availability. Please contact us for details.
Trip departures from May to October require a minimum of 4 people.
If you wish to book with less than 4 people during these months, please contact us for a confirmed departure date.
Double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise us of details when you make your booking.
All meals are included in your tour cost. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners.
Your luggage will be transported for the duration of the tour. All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch. We do the rest
The guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders. This tour is run in conjunction with another operator.