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3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk

South Island

Wilsons Abel Tasman

from

NZ$1740

per adult

Enquire Now

Guided hike through dense native forest in Abel Tasman Coastal track with small group

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Family-friendly Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Nelson

Locations: Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park

Duration: 3 days

Distance: 38 kms

Difficulty: 2

Minimum Age: 8

Details

A Relaxed, All-Inclusive Way to Experience Abel Tasman

One of New Zealand’s most iconic walks becomes even more memorable with this fully guided 3-day adventure along the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Cover the entire 38 km route from Tōtaranui to Kaiteriteri, accompanied by expert local guides and supported by boat transfers if needed. Golden beaches, lush coastal forest, and a scenic cruise through sparkling bays bring the journey to life.

Evenings are spent in comfort at our exclusive beachfront lodges—Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge—where you’ll be treated to delicious meals, snacks, and drinks. With quality gear supplied and daily planning handled for you, this is a rewarding and worry-free way to explore the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.

Book Your Abel Tasman Hiking Adventure Today!

Falls River suspension bridge surrounded by native bush in Abel Tasman National Park

Hikers crossing Falls River swing bridge above a reflective forest stream in Abel Tasman

Walking across the Falls River suspension bridge in Abel Tasman on a sunny day

Scenic waterfall cascading through dense native forest in Abel Tasman National Park

Anchorage Beach with golden sand and clear blue water in Abel Tasman National Park

Hikers crossing Fall’s River on foot through shallow water and rocky terrain in Abel Tasman

Couple planning their Abel Tasman trip with a map and coffee at Abel Tasman Lodge in Marahau

Couple enjoying a relaxed stroll along Kaiteriteri Beach with forest in the background

Hikers walking a coastal trail with elevated views over Anchorage in Abel Tasman National Park

Family enjoying a scenic lookout over Anchorage Bay in Abel Tasman National Park

Inclusions

all meals from lunch on your first day to lunch on the last day of your trip. Our innovative wilderness menus are sourced from environmentally responsible providers. Enjoy full cooked and continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and three course dinners
fresh fruit, hot drinks, water, and a range of snack foods are available throughout the day
all linen (bedding and towels) at the lodges
waterproof plastic liners for bags
30 litre daypacks are available to borrow
40 litre lodge luggage bag (47x35x25cm) is yours to keep.
Free Wifi at the lodges

Itinerary

Please confirm start times with us before booking your connecting flights. During summer, the longer daylight hours allow for a more relaxed start, with pick-up in Nelson from 10:15 am. Note that there is an earlier start time for most Wednesday departures and low season trips.

For most Wednesday departures, this itinerary is reversed. Check the Northbound Itinerary for details.

Embark on a scenic drive through coastal orchards and vineyards from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Board our comfortable Vista Cruise to journey along the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui, enjoying the views and refreshments from the café.

From Tōtaranui, walk through native forest and along secluded beaches to the stunning Awaroa Inlet, where you’ll stay at Meadowbank Homestead, a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home.

Approximate Times:

Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri: 1 hour from Nelson or 20 minutes from Motueka
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui: 1 hour 40 minutes
Walk Tōtaranui to Awaroa: 2 hours 30 minutes (7km/4.3 miles), maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals Included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Trip Details:

Early times apply to Wednesday departures and all trips during the shoulder season (before 1 October and after 31 March).

Pick-up Times:

Nelson: from 10:15 am (*from 7:00 am)
Motueka: from 11:15 am (*from 8:15 am)
Self-driving: meet at our office by 11:30 am (*8:30 am)

Schedule:

11:30 am (*8:15 am): Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing and last-minute luggage organisation, then depart to Kaiteriteri by coach.
1:00 pm (*9:20 am): Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.
2:40 pm (*11:20 am): Arrive Tōtaranui. Walk to the Awaroa Inlet and continue across the inlet if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across.
5:00 pm (approx.): Arrive at Meadowbank Homestead. Enjoy a hot shower in your ensuite room and a delicious evening meal. Local beer and wine are available for purchase.

Couple Boarding the Visa Cruise at Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park — Boarding the Visa Cruise at Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park

Frequently asked questions

Both southbound and northbound trips offer the same stunning Abel Tasman experience—golden beaches, native forest, and comfortable beachfront lodge stays. The main difference is the direction of travel and the timing of your first day.

Most trips travel southbound, while northbound trips (typically Wednesdays) are scheduled to give you more flexibility with departure dates and group sizes. Northbound trips start earlier on Day 1, departing Nelson at 7:30 am to ensure kayaking guests reach sheltered waters before the afternoon sea breeze picks up. Otherwise, the itinerary, scenery, and level of comfort are the same.

For a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend the following:

Footwear:

Supportive sports or hiking shoes
Shoes suitable for tidal crossings (must be fixed at the heel)
Light shoes or slippers for wearing at the lodges
Walking poles are recommended for stability on hills

Clothing:

Quick-dry and thermal layers are ideal — avoid cotton
Thermal base layer, with extra thermals and socks in cooler months (April–October)
Quick-dry shorts and t-shirts for walking and kayaking
A warm fleece or wool mid-layer
Waterproof jacket with a hood (disposable raincoats available at our office)

Other essentials:

Download the Wilsons Abel Tasman App and your trip route before arriving (Google Play, Apple Store)
Personal first-aid kit (plasters, blister care, antiseptic)
Cellphone for emergencies (reception is limited in some areas)
Reusable water bottle (fill at office/lodges)
Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, hand sanitiser
Swimwear and towel (optional)
Phone or camera with charger and memory card
Credit card (for WiFi access and in-house bar)
Essential personal medications (carry with you daily)

Overnight gear:

Casual evening clothes and light footwear
Underwear, socks, sleepwear, toiletries
Torch/flashlight (in case of rare power outage)
Sleep apnoea machines and chargers can be used with lodge electricity

Solo travellers are very welcome. If you're happy to share a room with someone of the same gender, there’s no additional charge.

For those wanting a guaranteed single room, a supplement of 50% on the standard rate applies during the high season. During the shoulder seasons (1–31 October, 20–31 January, and 1–30 April), the single supplement is reduced to 30% above the standard rate.

Season	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Temperature (°F)	Water Temperature (°C)	Water Temperature (°F)	Conditions
Summer	24°C	75°F	18°C	65°F	Warm and sunny
Autumn	17°C	63°F	16°C	61°F	Mild temperatures, potentially calmer conditions
Early Winter	12°C	54°F	14°C	58°F	Cooler temperatures, potentially calmer conditions
Winter	8°C	46°F	12°C	54°F	Cooler temperatures, potentially calmer conditions

Please note that temperatures and specific conditions may vary. It is advisable to check the latest weather forecasts and consult with local authorities or park services for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning your kayaking trip in Abel Tasman National Park.

The easiest way to get close to Abel Tasman National Park is by flying into Nelson, the largest city in the area with a well-connected airport. From Nelson, it's a one-hour, 60km drive to the park. If you're driving from the North Island, you'll need to take the car ferry from Wellington to access the South Island. Once in the South Island, you can drive to Abel Tasman National Park.

Departure Dates

This tour runs year-round, with departures as follows:

Southbound: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Northbound: Wednesday.

Note: From May to October, trips require a minimum of 4 people. For bookings with fewer than 4 people during these months, please contact us to confirm departure dates. Customised 2 & 4-day trips are available upon request.

Pricing

Cost Per Person (Twin Share)

Date	Adult	Child 8-14 years
Nov 2025 - Mar 2026	NZ$1,840	NZ$1,280
April 2026	NZ$1,740	NZ$1,180
May 2026	NZ$1,840	NZ$1,280
Sep-Oct 2026	NZ$1,840	NZ$1,180
Nov 2026 - Mar 2027	NZ$1,940	NZ$1,280
April 2027	NZ$1,740	NZ$1,180
May 2027	NZ$1,840	NZ$1,280
Prices are from prices. Individual dates prices may vary slightly. All prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without prior notice.

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TOUR QUESTIONS

Payments

Non-refundable deposit of $300 upon booking
Balance payable 100 days before departure

Cancellations and Refunds

100+ days prior to departure - refund less $300 deposit per person
99-60 days prior to departure - 50% refund
59-0 days prior to departure - no refund
After tour commencement - no refund

Note: Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.