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.
One of New Zealand’s sunniest areas, the Abel Tasman National Park sits at the far northwest of the South Island. It features lush native forest, stunning beaches, impressive headlands, and sparkling rivers, rock pools and ocean bays.
Kayak on the coast with the rare dolphins, fur seals and penguins and visit native Tui and Pukeko in their bush homes in the same day.
Walking Tour
Kayaking Tour
5 days / 4 nights
An average level of fitness. Walk 12kms, Bike 25kms. Well formed tracks and roads with average incline.
NZ$2,635
Demand is heavy, book early , don't miss out!
Shoulder Season Dates! September 1 to October 31, April 1 to 30.
Price: NZ$2,635
Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
7 km
Meadowbank Homestead
All aboard the Vista Cruise vessel! As you cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui you echo 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. A warm kiwi welcome to Meadowbank Homestead At 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.
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
Walk 5 km, Kayak 10km
Torrent Bay Lodge
Wake to breakfast overlooking the gardens of Meadowbank Homestead, watching the movement of the tides over golden sands. Walk with your guide to the golden expanse of Onetahuti Beach then paddle to Torrent Bay, through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and exploring hidden inlets along the way.
Approximate times: Walk Awaroa to Onetahuti 1.5 hours 5 kms (3 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft) Sea Kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay 4 hours (10 kms. 6 miles)
Explore Torrent Bay
A day of choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach.
Approximate Times: Optional walking: up to 5 hours (10 kms) Optional canoeing: tide dependant
Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri to Motueka/Nelson
Kayak 12 km
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before a hearty home-cooked breakfast to set you up for another day of scenic paddling.
Approximate times: Sea Kayak Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri 4.5 hours (12 kms) Scenic drive 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.
If Start/Finish times don’t suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements.
Please confirm the start/finish time with us before you book connecting airline flights.
Kayaking or walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. If you find that sea kayaking is not for you, you have the option of joining the 5 Day Walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park together but don’t all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or 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.
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 the office 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.
The guides are very experienced, friendly walkers 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, the guides are certified first aiders. This tour is run in conjunction with another operator.