5 Day Abel Tasman National Park Guided Walk

This leisurely holiday includes three days of walking the Coast Track and two "free" days at our beachfront lodges, The Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge. to explore, canoe, swim, kick back on the beach, or hike inland to see parts of the park most visitors miss when they walk the track in only three days.

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

Detailed Itinerary

On the morning your adventure begins, we pick you up from your accommodation in Nelson or Motueka, or you can leave your car at our office along with any excess luggage. We provide you with a complimentary overnight bag to be transported to our lodges by boat. Day packs are available to borrow if required. There is a safe in our office for valuables.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

Approximate Times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui - 2.5 hours
Walk 4 - 5 hours (10-15 kms) depending on options
Meals include: Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka office.

• 9.40 am: Launch departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot drinks, covered or open deck areas and bathroom facilities on board.

• When you arrive at Totaranui, relax on the beach or walk north to Anapai Bay (or further if you are energetic).

• Walk south approximately 2 hours from Totaranui to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, through rainforest with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata.

• Cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history.

• Spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

Approximate times for walks, up to 4 hours
Optional kayaking up to 2 hours (tides permitting)
Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Let your guide design your day to as active or relaxed as you wish.
Options include:

• Explore the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting) More Details

• Visit early European and pre-European historical sites

• Unwind on the beach

• Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)
Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• 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.

• 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 4: Explore Torrent Bay

Optional walking (up to 5 hours, 10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)
Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you. Options include:

• Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River;

• Canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting);

• Walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Day 5: Torrent 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
Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch

• 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. See Departure Guide

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.