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Abel Tasman Guided Walk - 3 Day

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Abel Tasman Walk - 3 days Nelson to Nelson

Detailed Itinerary

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 Coast Track, including a scenic cruise along the coastline. Stay one night at each of our Beachfront Lodges: Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Torrent Bay

Approximate Times:
Bus to Marahau - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Walk Marahau to Torrent Bay - 4 hours (13 kms)

This morning you will be picked up in Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka office. Your guide will introduce you to the Park at Marahau. 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 to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa

Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Leave Torrent Bay to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, or continue on 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. From Onetahuti, walk over the Tonga Saddle to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Nelson / Motueka via Totaranui

Approximate times:
Walk Awaroa to Totaranui - 2 hours (7 kms)
Cruise Totaranui to Anchorage 2 hours
Pitt Head Loop Walk 1.5 hours
Cruise Anchorage to Kaiteriteri 45 mins
Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)

Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be introduced to its fascinating history. Walk through the northern forests of the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata. At Totaranui, join our comfortable launch to cruise the coastline you have just walked. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board.

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 and the Pitt Head Loop track may be substituted with the Pukatea Walk.

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.

Highlights and Inclusions

As well as a wonderful holiday experience, with skilled, friendly guides, chefs and boat crew, we supply: -
  • 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 Tea, 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

Abel Tasman Guided Walk - Back to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Bring

Highlights and Inclusions

Tour Grading:

  • 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.
3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk - Route Map

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Departure Dates

We operate this trip year round, departing:
Monday (Southbound)
Wednesday and Saturday (Northbound)
Trip departures May to October require a minimum of 4 people.
If you wish to book with less than 4 people during these months, contact us for a confirmed departure date.
Start: Nelson, 7:30am or Motueka 8:00am
Finish: Motueka, 4:30pm or Nelson, 5:30pm

Tour Prices

Cost per person
 1 Dec 09 - 30 Sep 10
Adult: NZD1,200
Child: NZD985
1 Oct 10 - 19 Oct 11
Adult: NZD1,350
Child: NZD945
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Child age 8-14 years (under 8yrs rate on application)

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