Skip to contentSkip to menu

3 Day Abel Tasman Walking Break

Days
3

Pricing From
$1650

Difficulty

Book Now

Overview

The 3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk in New Zealand is ideal for people who are short on time, and want to walk the length of the 38 km Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, including a scenic cruise along the coastline. Stay one night at each of our Beachfront Lodges: Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Tour Grading: B

Walking and kayaking are physical activities, but paddling requires very little skill or strength (see next question) and the Abel Tasman Coast track is very well formed with long flat sections and a few easy grade uphill and downhill sections (the highest point of the track is under 200 metres).

You are welcome to travel on one of our boats to shorten your day's paddling or walking.

Vista in Abel Tasman National Park

Vista in Abel Tasman National Park

Voyager at Medlands Beach in Abel Tasman National Park

Voyager at Medlands Beach

Awaroa Bay Abel Tasman National Park

Awaroa Bay

Awaroa Inlet Abel Tasman National Park

Awaroa Inlet

Walkers admiring the view in Abel Tasman National Park

Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Meadowbank Lodge

Dining at Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Dining at Meadowbank Lodge

Breakfast at Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Breakfast at Meadowbank Lodge

Picnic Lunch in Abel Tasman National Park

Picnic Lunch

Hikers on Tonga Beach in Abel Tasman National Park

Tonga Beach

Onetahuiti Beach Abel Tasman National Park

Onetahuiti Beach

Bark Bay Falls in Abel Tasman National Park

Bark Bay Falls

Walkers on Falls River Swing Bridge in Abel Tasman National Park

Falls River Swing Bridge

Evening at Torrent Bay Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Torrent Bay Lodge

Double room at Torrent Bay Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Double room at Torrent Bay Lodge

Dolphins in Abel Tasman National Park

Penguin in Abel Tasman National Park

Hikers in Abel Tasman National Park

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

Board our comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.

From Totaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead – a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.

Approximate times

  • Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 min from Motueka
  • Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
  • Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – approx. 2 hours 30 min (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

Trip details

Pick up in Nelson (10.15–10.45am) or Motueka (11.30am).
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 11.30am.
Please note that Wednesday departures and some low season departures have an earlier start. See Start/Finish Times (below) for more details.

11.30am Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.

1.00pm Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.

2.40pm Arrive Totaranui to walk to Awaroa Inlet. Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast.

5.00pm (approx.) Enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet. Freshen up with a hot shower in your ensuite room while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. Local beer and wine is available for purchase at our in-house bar.

Day 2Awaroa to Torrent Bay
  • Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Leave Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands. Visit places of historical and scenic interest, including the abandoned Tonga Quarry. At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay. In the afternoon enjoy walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 3Torrent Bay to Nelson / Motueka

Approximate times:

  • Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau - 4 hours (13 kms)
  • Coach Marahau to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)

Walking the gentlest grade on the track, rediscover the pristine bays and headlands 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 Abel Tasman Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures.

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.

Cost per person

October 2023 - May 2024
Standard Rates:

  • Adult: NZ$1,750
  • Child: NZ$1,150

Shoulder Season**:

  • Adult: NZ$1,650
  • Child: NZ$1,150

**Valid 1-31 October and 1-30 April
Child: 12-14 years (under 8 years on request)

Payment

Deposit of NZ$300 per person on booking, with the balance due 90 days before departure

Cancellation Fees

  • 90+ days prior to departure - refund less $300 deposit per person, or change travel date for no additional cost but seasonal rate increases will apply.
  • 89-60 days prior to departure - 50% refund
  • 59-0 days prior to departure - no refund.
  • After tour commencement - no refund available.

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

Board our comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.

From Totaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead – a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.

Approximate times

  • Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 min from Motueka
  • Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
  • Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – approx. 2 hours 30 min (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

Trip details

Pick up in Nelson (10.15–10.45am) or Motueka (11.30am).
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 11.30am.
Please note that Wednesday departures and some low season departures have an earlier start. See Start/Finish Times (below) for more details.

11.30am Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.

1.00pm Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.

2.40pm Arrive Totaranui to walk to Awaroa Inlet. Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast.

5.00pm (approx.) Enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet. Freshen up with a hot shower in your ensuite room while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. Local beer and wine is available for purchase at our in-house bar.

Day 2Awaroa to Torrent Bay
  • Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Leave Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands. Visit places of historical and scenic interest, including the abandoned Tonga Quarry. At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay. In the afternoon enjoy walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 3Torrent Bay to Nelson / Motueka

Approximate times:

  • Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau - 4 hours (13 kms)
  • Coach Marahau to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)

Walking the gentlest grade on the track, rediscover the pristine bays and headlands 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 Abel Tasman Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures.

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.

Similar Tours

3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Upgrade Independent Walk
3 Day Queen Charlotte Track Upgrade Independent Walk

Read more

Routeburn Track Premium Package Walk - 3 Day
Routeburn Track Premium Package Walk - 3 Day

Read more

4 Day Hollyford Wilderness Experience
4 Day Hollyford Wilderness Experience

Read more

3 Day Coastal Charm Taster Hiking Tour
3 Day Coastal Charm Taster Hiking Tour

Read more