3 Day Abel Tasman National Park Guided Sea Kayak and Walk

This leisurely holiday combines the best of both worlds: 2 days kayaking and 1 day walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet meals at our beachfront lodges, The Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge.

Includes a scenic cruise along the coastline. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. For a more leisurely experience, take a look at the 5 Day Kayak & Trek

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 Torrent Bay

Approximate Times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Sea Kayak Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay - 4.5 hours, 12km
Includes 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.
• At Kaiteriteri, your guide will settle you into your kayaks for a full training session. You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak.
• Paddling along the coast, discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'urville in 1827.
• Cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead, visit the stunning bays of Te Pukatea and Appletree, or paddle along the coast of Adel Island.
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge at the beachfront.

Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa

Approximate times: Sea Kayak Torrent Bay to Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) - 4 hours paddling (10km) Walk Onetahuti to Awaroa - 1.5 hours (5km) Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

• Leave Torrent Bay for a morning of beach hopping up the coast, taking in points of interest: Falls River, Frenchman's Bay.
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.
• In good weather, visit the Seal Colony on Tonga Island where New Zealand fur seals breed. Spot new-born pups in December and Jaunary.
• Cruising past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, your guide will explain the history of this granite area, pointing out some of the features and quarry relics.
• Leave Sea Kayaks at Onetahuti and walk over the Tonga Saddle to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Nelson / Motueka via Totaranui

Approximate times:
Walk Awaroa to Totaranui - 2 hours (7 kms)
Cruise Totaranui to Kaiteriteri 2.5 hours
Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch.

• Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be introduced to its fascinating history.
• Walk through the northern forests of the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata.
• At Totaranui, join our comfortable launch to cruise the coastline, you have just explored by kayak. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board.
• Our coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).

Keep in mind that kayaking or 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 days departure.

If you find that sea kayaking is not for you, you have the option of joining the walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park together but don't all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or boat between lodges.

Please note: The direction of the 3 Day Kayaking & Walk Trip may be reversed on some departures.