3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 1 night motel, 4 nights private lodge
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

6 daysfrom

$3300NZD

Trip Code: GGT

Trip highlights


  • Golden sand beaches, rocky granite headlands, clear blue water, native coastal and beech forests of the Abel Tasman National Park
  • Boat cruise between Kaiteriteri and Totaranui with informative commentary
  • Hike the best sections of one of New Zealand's Department of Conservation Great Walks with a knowledgeable guide
  • Enjoy all the home comforts of private lodges with charming local heritage and freshly prepared meals
  • Learn about Maori and early European history in the area
  • Two rest days for optional local excursions with your guide or time at leisure to relax by the beach

The Abel Tasman National Park on the northern coast of the South Island is well known for its picturesque vistas of golden sand and azure blue ocean. With two rest days and ample time to stop to enjoy the views, the beaches, the lush native forest and the birdsong, this walk between Totaranui and Marahau on the Abel Tasman Coast Track will not disappoint. The well graded track passing through diverse and spectacular scenery is one of New Zealand's ten premier trails classified as a Great Walk. A boat trip is included in the journey and allows a great overview of the trail from an offshore perspective as well as a chance to spot seals, penguins, dolphins and other marine life. After a night in Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, accommodation is at private beachfront eco lodges along the track that exude charm and heritage. Staying two nights at each fully serviced and fully catered lodge, with all the comforts of home, this is the perfect trip to completely absorb the region's natural beauty in a relaxed time frame.


Itinerary

Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, and check-in to your tour accommodation any time after 2:00pm. It is worth spending some time in and around this city with its colourful main street, historic cathedral, lovely walking and cycling trails, the Centre of New Zealand Lookout (a 20 minute walk with superb panoramic views), vibrant arts and cultural scene, and the beautiful Tahunanui Beach popular with surfers and kite surfers. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and award-winning breweries showcasing seasonal, regional flavours and artisan produce. Nelson is also home to the world famous Pic's Peanut Butter.

Meals:  Nil

You will be collected from your tour accommodation this morning (timing will be advised upon booking) and transferred to Motueka (approx 50 mins) for a short trip briefing and to meet your guide. Another short transfer (approx 25 mins) takes you to the seaside settlement of Kaiteriteri with its brilliant golden beach foreshore. Here you will board your scenic boat cruise, travelling northwards along the impressive granite coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui (approx 1 hr 40 mins). Watch out for seals and other marine life along the way as you pass by protected Marine Reserves. Totaranui is so named due to the large Totara trees originally found here by Maori inhabitants who used them to build 'waka' (canoes). Commence walking south from Totaranui, passing through lush forest that has regenerated after farming and saw milling activities from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Your guide will lead you across Awaroa Inlet, the largest tidal estuary in the National Park, or arrange a barge if the tide is too high. Not far from there Meadowbank Homestead appears, the private lodge where your friendly hosts will take care of you this evening.

Meals:  L,D

The level of activity in which you engage is entirely up to you today. You may wish to explore the Awaroa Inlet with your guide, either on foot (approximately 4 hours gentle meandering) or by sea kayak (approximately 2 hours gentle paddling). Both activities are dependent on the tides on the day and the level of interest of the group. There are some historical sites of interest, both Maori and European, as well as fascinating estuary features. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy the day at your leisure, strolling the beach or simply relaxing on the sand or in the gardens of the lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, today's walk includes a mixture of undulations and flat sections as you cross headlands and traverse yellow sand beaches. Natural features such as interesting granite formations, native beech and rimu forests, ancient sand spits and lagoons merge with human history. Maori settlement and burial sites, and current day baches (holiday homes), mostly still owned by generations of the same families, represent both Maori and European activity along the coast. Farming, ship-building, tannin extraction and granite quarrying have all taken place since Maori occupation. Torrent Bay, where tonight's lodge is located, is a village of privately owned land with no road access. Areas such as this have historical links prior to 1942, when the Abel Tasman National Park boundaries were first established. Enjoy home comforts once again this evening while your hosts at Torrent Bay Lodge take care of all your needs.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is also a day for as much or as little activity as you wish. Catch a sunrise before breakfast or spend a few extra moments in bed. Take a walk with your guide to explore the estuary (tides permitting) or venture on some side tracks to visit waterfalls tumbling through virgin forest or Cleopatra's Pool in a cool, green forest enclave. You may like to take a picnic and walk to the very picturesque Te Pukatea Cove, visiting historic Maori sites along the way. Alternatively, you may prefer to relax on the beach or at the lodge before watching the changing hues of sunset reflect onto the sky at the end of the day.

Meals:  B,L,D

Another delicious breakfast at the lodge sets you up for your final day of walking. After crossing or skirting Torrent Bay Inlet, depending on the tides, and traversing the golden curve of Anchorage Bay beach, the track climbs inland for a while. There are many viewpoints across Tasman Bay towards Nelson. Returning to the coast, the track follows ridgelines with tall kanuka forest and drops in and out of small forested gullies of lush beech and tree ferns. There are several optional side tracks today where you can drop down to secluded bays and beaches, tides permitting. These make ideal places for swimming and a picnic lunch. The bays, beaches and headlands are all named after Maori settlements, pioneering European landowners, ships of early explorers or natural features, again showcasing the fusion of natural and cultural history within Abel Tasman National Park. The walk concludes after crossing the Marahau estuary along a boardwalk. From here you will transfer by bus back to Motueka and onwards to Nelson, where trip arrangements end.

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.



Inclusions

  • 1 night motel accommodation in Nelson on twin-share basis with private bathroom
  • 4 nights private lodge in Abel Tasman National Park (twinshare) with private bathroom
  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks along the trail
  • Drinking water
  • Daily luggage transfer - 1 bag only, must use the sports bag supplied (40L, 47x35x25cm)
  • Professional local guide
  • Return transfers from Nelson hotel to meeting point in Motueka
  • Transfers from Motueka to Kaiteriteri (boat launch) and Marahau (trailhead) to Motueka
  • Car parking in Motueka if self-driving
  • Scenic boat trip between Kaiteriteri and Totaranui (trailhead) - one way
  • Excess luggage storage in Motueka if required (or your hotel in Nelson can also arrange this)
  • Access and Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation
  • $20 per person donation to Project Janszoon (see www.projectjanszoon.org/about)

  • Travel to Nelson on Day 1 and onward travel from Nelson on Day 6
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks other than water - good drinking water is available at each night's accommodation and at marked locations along the trail
  • Optional activities, extras and upgrades (such as extra boat transfers, full day sea kayaking)
  • Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
  • Daypack (30L daypacks are available if you need to borrow one; please request in advance)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory  
3

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 3 These trips involve walking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. The trip involves walking along well graded undulating trails, with some sandy beach sections. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections that have loose surface and are slippery when wet. There may be some estuary crossings at low tide (depending on the tide times for your trip) which can be muddy, up to knee deep in water and/or have small pebbles and shells underfoot. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) three times a week. Hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.


Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Single travellers will be required to pay a single supplement for the hotel in Nelson. You will be twin shared at the lodges on the trail, unless you would like your own room, in which case a single supplement applies.
1
Child pricing is for those aged 8-14 years sharing room with adults. Children under 8 years will be accepted on the trail. Please ask us for options.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$3300NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (Nelson accom only, twin share at lodges)NZD$150
  • Single Supplement (Nelson hotel and lodges)NZD$1650
  • Child rate (8 - 14 yrs inclusive)NZD$2300
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Abel Tasman Guided Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Trip reviews


Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind.  The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

Similar trips

Suggested extensions

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips