New Zealand

Abel Tasman Kayak & Walk - 3 Days

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Nelson Accommodation

Abel Tasman Kayak & Trek - Nelson to Nelson

Two days sea kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush northern Abel Tasman National Park part of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Includes a scenic cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to a via Totaranui

• Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins

• Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui - 1 Hour, 20 Mins

• Walk including options - 2 hours (6 kms)

This morning you will be picked up in Nelson (10.30-11am) or Motueka (11.40am). Time to meet your guide and for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka office. Cruise along the Abel Tasman National Park coast. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board.

From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa. Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast to be welcomed at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family's original home on the finest site in the bay.

Day 2: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

• Walk Awaroa to Onetahuti - 1.5 hours (5km)
• Sea Kayak Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) to Torrent Bay - 4 hours paddling (10km)

This morning leave Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Here, your guide will settle you into your kayaks with full training and safety brief. You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak. In good weather, visit the Seal Colony on Tonga Island where New Zealand fur seals breed. Spot new-born pups in December and Jaunary.

Cruising past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, your guide will explain the history of this granite area, pointing out some of the features and quarry relics.

At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand. Continue beach hopping along the coast to our beachfront lodge at Torrent Bay, taking in points of interest: Falls River, Frenchman's Bay.

Day 3: Torrent Bay to Nelson / Motueka via Kaiteriteri

Approximate times:

• Sea Kayak Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri - 4.5 hours (12 kms)
• Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)

Paddling along the coast, you will discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'urville in 1827. Cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead, and visit the stunning bays of Te Pukatea and Appletree, or paddle along the coast of Adel Island. If the wind is with you, your guide will help you hoist a specially designed sail so you can ride the sea breeze. You can stop for lunch at any one of the bays, and then continue on to Kaiteriteri.

Our coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).*

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

Keep in mind that kayaking or 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 days departure.

If you find that sea kayaking is not for you, you have the option of joining the 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.

Please note: The direction of the 3 Day Kayaking & Walk Trip may be reversed on some departures.

Highlights and Inclusions

• Fine food at our lodges and picnic lunches during the day
• Fresh fruit, snacks and hot drinks available throughout the day
• Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch, dinner
• Share twin/double with ensuite accommodation
• All bedding
• Lodge luggage bag, transfer and storage of luggage 
• Use of day pack
• Launch Cruise and any extra Launch / Water Taxi transport on scheduled services
• Track notes and maps
• Scheduled bus transfers from & to Motueka or Nelson
• All technical and safety equipment for kayak trips

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