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South Island

Start: Kaiteriteri
Locations: 3 See all
Duration: 2 or 5 hour walk
Travel Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: 3

Details

A Boat Journey Filled with Marine Life

The Abel Tasman coastline is home to the playful native Fur Seals, known locally as Kekeno. From Kaiteriteri, the boat journey to Tonga Quarry brings you right into their natural environment. With expert guides, you’ll have the chance to watch these seals up close and snap some amazing photographs.

Once you’ve spent time with the seals, the boat drops you at Tonga Quarry for the next part of the adventure. A forest trail winds its way to Medlands Bay, offering tranquil bush scenery and glimpses of golden beaches along the way. It’s an easy but rewarding hike, perfect for those wanting to balance wildlife encounters with a gentle coastal walk.

Coastal Walks Beyond Tonga Quarry

For travellers with a bit more energy, the trail continues from Medlands Bay to Anchorage. This longer hike adds variety, with lush native bush, elevated viewpoints, and peaceful bays where you can pause to take in the views. It’s a great option for those keen to experience more of the Abel Tasman Track in a single day.

The combination of seal watching and hiking makes this trip one of the most diverse experiences in the national park. You’ll move from close wildlife encounters on the water to exploring rich forest trails on foot. It’s a unique way to connect with both the marine and land environments that make Abel Tasman so special.

Options:

Walking Time from Tonga Quarry:

  • To Medlands Bay: 1.5-2 hours
  • To Anchorage Beach: 4.5-5.5 hours

Walking Distance from Tonga Quarry:

  • To Medlands Bay: 4.1 km/2.5 miles (climb 120m/400 feet)
  • To Anchorage Beach: 14.7 km/9.1 miles (climb 476m/1,570 feet)

Food & Beverages: Snacks and drinks are available on all our boats.

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMES:

  • Departure Times from Kaiteriteri Beach: 9:00am, 10:30am*, 12:40pm
  • Pick-up Times at Medlands Bay: 1:30pm*, 3:30pm, 4:45pm**
  • Pick-up Times at Anchorage: 3:45pm, 5:00pm**
  • Arrive Back at Kaiteriteri Beach: 2:10pm*, 4:20pm, 5:30pm**

*Available during the Summer Season only: From 15th of October to 30th of April

**Available during Peak Summer only: From 1st of December to 31st of March

AGE INFORMATION

  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 5-15 years
  • Infant: 4 years and under

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
  • Within 24 hours before departure: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes 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.*

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