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.
This walk is great for those short on time, who want to see as much of the Abel Tasman Coast Track as possible.
A boat cruise will take you to the start of your walk through lush native forest and golden sandy beaches from Totaranui in the north to Marahau in the south. Wind your way along the famous beaches of the Marlborough region as you traverse Abel Tasman National Park, finding secrets like Cleopatra’s Pool and Cascade Falls along the way.
Choose to have time on your own, or share some insights into local culture and natural history of The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk in the South Island of New Zealand.
Walking Tour
3 days / 2 nights
An average level of fitness. Walk 12kms, Bike 25kms. Well formed tracks and roads with average incline.
NZ$1,470
Shoulder Season Price! - NZD$1320
Shoulder Season Dates! October 1 to 31, January 20 to 31, April 1 to 30.
Price: NZ$1,470
Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa
7km
Original 1884 Homestead
All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui we 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. Then, 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 hours, from Motueka 20 mins Vista 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
Awaroa to Torrent Bay
17km
Nautical Themed 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: Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry 6 km (3.5 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft)
Section 2: Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)
Section 3: Bark Bay to Torrent Bay 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)
Leisurely options:
Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (17 kms, 10.5 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson
13 to 16km depending on the tides
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
This itinerary is reversed for Wednesday departures.
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).
The earlier pick-up applies to most Wednesday departures and all departures after NZ daylight savings time finishes at the beginning of April.
If Start/Finish times don’t suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.
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. As our 3 Day Guided Walk runs at the same time as our 3 Day Guided Kayak & Walk break, some of your group can choose the Kayak & Walk option.
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 for your walking comfort.
The trip direction may be reversed in some cases, with an earlier pick up in Nelson and Motueka.
Please tell us if tour start and finish times do not suit your schedule. We will try to arrange alternatives.
Walking each day is optional. Some people prefer to take the ferry between lodges. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups who are visiting the park together, but wish to do different things. Please discuss options with your guide before each day’s departure.
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. We do the rest
Our 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, passenger driving licences 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 and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
