This five-day guided Abel Tasman Coast Track adventure departs Nelson or Motueka and travels via Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui, walking south through Awaroa and Torrent Bay to Mārahau. Departures run every Tuesday year-round, with three travelling days and two flexible exploration days. It includes four beachfront lodge nights, all meals, scenic cruise and road transfers, luggage support and expert guides, and suits walkers aged 8+ wanting a relaxed, fully supported experience.
Walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track at Your Own Pace
Begin with a scenic journey from Nelson or Motueka to Kaiteriteri before cruising north along the Abel Tasman coast to Tōtaranui. From here, follow your guide through native forest and between secluded golden beaches to Awaroa Inlet and Meadowbank Homestead. With two nights here, there is no need to move on the following morning: explore the estuary on foot or by kayak, discover local historic sites, relax on the beach or simply enjoy the lodge.
The journey continues south from Awaroa through Onetahuti, Tonga Quarry and Bark Bay towards Torrent Bay, but you do not have to walk every section. Your guide can arrange boat transfers if you would prefer a shorter day. After two nights at Torrent Bay Lodge and another flexible day to explore, the final walk follows the easier southern Coast Track towards Mārahau, with views across Tasman Bay and time to enjoy the beaches along the way.
Two Beachfront Lodges with Time to Explore
Spend two nights at Meadowbank Homestead beside the Awaroa Inlet, followed by two nights at Torrent Bay Lodge in its secluded coastal setting. Ensuite rooms, freshly prepared meals and luggage transfers bring a level of comfort that is unusual on a multi-day Great Walk: instead of carrying overnight gear, you walk with what you need for the day and arrive to a comfortable room, hot shower and dinner.
The two-night stays also change the pace of the journey. At Awaroa, spend your free day exploring the estuary, kayaking when tides allow or relaxing around the lodge and beach. At Torrent Bay, options include walking to Falls River, Cleopatra’s Pool, Anchorage and Te Pukatea Bay, or simply enjoying the waterfront surroundings. Your guide can help shape each day around the weather, tides and how active you want to be.
Highlights of the Abel Tasman Coast Track
Luxury Accommodation: Relax in style with two nights at each of our exquisite beachfront lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa.
Exclusive Access: Discover parts of the national park that are often overlooked, providing a truly unique hiking experience.
Why Choose Our Guided Walk?
Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and informative journey through Abel Tasman National Park.
Small Groups: Enjoy a more personalised experience with small group sizes, allowing for greater flexibility and interaction.
All-Inclusive: Meals, accommodation, and activities are all included, making your adventure hassle-free.
Book Your Adventure Today
Secure your spot on this remarkable 5-day Abel Tasman Coast Track guided walk. Book online now, and your departure is confirmed with the best available room allocated to you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore one of New Zealand's most beautiful hiking trails.
Gourmet Meals:
All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
Innovative wilderness menus sourced from environmentally responsible providers
Full cooked and continental breakfasts
Picnic lunches
Three-course dinners
Snacks and Beverages:
Fresh fruit
Hot drinks
Water
Range of snack foods available throughout the day
Comfortable Lodging:
All linen (bedding and towels) provided at the lodges
Gear and Equipment:
Waterproof plastic liners for bags
30-litre daypacks available to borrow
40-litre lodge luggage bag (47x35x25cm) yours to keep
Stay Connected:
Free WiFi at our lodges
Optional Walking: Walking each day is optional. You can travel on any of our scheduled ferry services, making your experience flexible and tailored to your needs.
Flexible Itineraries: This 5-day guided walk runs concurrently with our 5-day Kayak & Walk. Members of your travelling party can choose different options and meet up at the lodges in the evening.
Itinerary Adjustments: We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables, and vessel types to ensure the best experience.
Weather Considerations: All travel is subject to weather and tides, which may cause delays or cancellations. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Payment
Deposit of NZ$300 per person on booking, with the balance due 90 days before departure
Cancellations
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
Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Important Notes
Confirm start times with us before booking connecting airline flights.
Earlier start time for most Wednesday departures and low-season trips.
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Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through coastal orchards and vineyards from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, passing through Motueka. Board our comfortable Vista Cruise at Kaiteriteri to journey along the golden Abel Tasman coast to Tōtaranui, enjoying the viewing decks and refreshments from the cafe. From Tōtaranui, 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’. This first day of your journey combines scenic drives, a leisurely cruise, and an invigorating walk, setting the perfect tone for your exploration of Abel Tasman National Park.
Approximate times:
Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 mins from Motueka.
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui – 1 hour 40 mins.
Walk Tōtaranui to Awaroa – 2.5 hours (7km/4.3 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft.
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa.
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
Trip Details (Early Times for Shoulder Season)
Pick up in Nelson: from 8.00am (from *7.00am)
Pick in Motueka: from 9.10am (from *8.10am)
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 9am (*8am)
*Early times apply to Wednesday departures and all trips during the shorter daylight hours of our low season (from daylight savings start September to 31 October)
9.00am (*8.00)am Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
10.30am (*9.15am) Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.
12.25pm (*11.10am) Arrive Tōtaranui. Walk from Tōtaranui to the Awaroa Inlet. Continue the walk across the inlet 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.
Boarding the boat in Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park
Relax over breakfast overlooking the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman's largest tidal estuary. Your guide will help you create your perfect day whether you want to be active in Awaroa’s beautiful surrounds or just savour the comfort and tranquillity of Meadowbank.
Optional activities:
Explore Awaroa estuary on foot (up to 4 hours) or kayak (up to 2 hours; tides permitting)
Visit early European and pre-European historical sites
Unwind on the beach
Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead
Today's walk follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Wake up to another relaxing breakfast in Meadowbank’s lovely surrounds, then choose how much walking you want to do; your guide will arrange boat transfers to suit your needs.
Approximate times:
Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry – 8km/5 miles; maximum elevation 85m/280ft
Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 5km/3 miles; maximum elevation 120m/400ft
Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 105m/340ft
Wake up to golden light over the water and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s walk follows the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. This is a day rich in history, too, as your guide recounts stories of how major landmarks were named by early explorers.
Approximate times:
Walk 4-5 hours (13-16km/8-10 miles); maximum elevation 110m/360ft
Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson
Meals included: breakfast, morning tea, lunch.
Trip Details
Depart Torrent Bay Lodge at 9am.
Lunch at a sheltered beach with views over Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island around noon.
Finish your walk at Mārahau by 2.30-3pm.
Arrive Motueka by 4pm.
Arrive Nelson by 5.30-6pm.
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Start/Finish Times
Please confirm times with us before booking connecting airline flights.
After NZ Daylight Saving ends in April, all trips start early with pick up in Nelson 7.15–7.40am and Motueka 8.15am for the Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri at 9.20am.
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.
Departure Dates
We operate this trip year round, departing every:
Depart: Tuesday
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.
Pricing
Cost Per Person (Twin-Share)
Date
Adult
Child 8-14 years
Single
September 2026 - August 2027
NZ$3,290
NZ$2,290
NZ$4,935
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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