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5 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk

Days
5

Pricing From
$2650

Difficulty

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Overview

Take five days on the Abel Tasman Track Guided Hike in New Zealand to be as active or relaxed as you wish with three days walking the 38 km Abel Tasman Coast Track one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, and 2 extra days at each of our Beachfront Lodges.

On those extra days you can relax at the Lodge or explore parts of the Abel Tasman National Park most visitors don't get to see. Your choices include trying enclosed-water kayaking in tranquil lagoons; swimming in protected, crystal clear waters; or kicking back on a golden-sand beach. For the more active, hike inland to see historic sites and pristine mountain streams cascading through native forest.

This is the most relaxing way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand has to offer, including a scenic cruise along the coastline.

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.
  • Our five-day itineraries include an extra day at our two beachfront lodges where you can relax and do nothing or allow your guide to plan further exploration of the National Park at a level of activity to suit you.

Voyager in Torrent Bay Abel Tasman National Park

Voyager in Torrent Bay

Voyager iat Medlands Beach Abel Tasman National Park

Voyager at Medlands Beach

Walkers admiring the view in Abel Tasman National Park

Aerial view of Abel Tasman National Park

Aerial view of Abel Tasman National Park

Penguin in Abel Tasman National Park

Dolphin in Abel Tasman National Park

Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Meadowbank Lodge

Single Room at Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Single Room at Meadowbank Lodge

Walking Shoes at Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Dining at Meadowbank Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Dining at Meadowbank Lodge

Keruru in Abel Tasman National Park

Keruru

Hikers in Abel Tasman National Park

Swing Bridge at Falls River in Abel Tasman National Park

Swing Bridge at Falls River

Torrent Bay Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Torrent Bay Lodge

Picnic Lunch in Abel Tasman National Park

Picnic Lunch

Bark Bay Falls in Abel Tasman National Park

Bark Bay Falls

Onetahuti Beach in Abel Tasman National Park

Onetahuti Beach

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 mins from Motueka
  • Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
  • Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – approx. 2.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

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.

1pm: 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.

5pm (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 2Explore Awaroa
  • Approximate times for walks, up to 4 hours
  • Optional kayaking up to 2 hours (tides permitting)

Let your guide design your day to as active or relaxed as you wish.

Options include exploring the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting). You could visit early European and pre-European historical sites; unwind on the beach; or relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3Awaroa to Torrent Bay
  • Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Today depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands. Visit Tonga Quarry historic site. At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.

In the afternoon, enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches, walking through native forest and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 4Explore Torrent Bay
  • Optional walking (up to 5 hours, 10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)

A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you. Options include walking through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River. Or you could canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting). Alternatively walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Day 5Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson

Approximate times:

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

Today walk the well graded final section of Abel Tasman coast track. Rediscover the pristine bays and beaches 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).

Note: The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures. If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, contact us to make alternative arrangements.

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

  • Adult: NZ$2,650
  • Child: NZ$1,899

November 2023 - March 2024

  • Adult: NZ$2,750
  • Child: NZ$1,999

April 2024

  • Adult: NZ$2,650
  • Child: NZ$1,999

- Child minimum age 8-14 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 mins from Motueka
  • Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
  • Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – approx. 2.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

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.

1pm: 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.

5pm (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 2Explore Awaroa
  • Approximate times for walks, up to 4 hours
  • Optional kayaking up to 2 hours (tides permitting)

Let your guide design your day to as active or relaxed as you wish.

Options include exploring the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting). You could visit early European and pre-European historical sites; unwind on the beach; or relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3Awaroa to Torrent Bay
  • Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Today depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands. Visit Tonga Quarry historic site. At midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.

In the afternoon, enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches, walking through native forest and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.

Day 4Explore Torrent Bay
  • Optional walking (up to 5 hours, 10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)

A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you. Options include walking through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River. Or you could canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting). Alternatively walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Day 5Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson

Approximate times:

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

Today walk the well graded final section of Abel Tasman coast track. Rediscover the pristine bays and beaches 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).

Note: The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures. If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, contact us to make alternative arrangements.

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.

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