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Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Kayak

Kayaking at Torrent Bay

The pink dusky sky as sun sets over Torrent Bay | Janet Oldham

Exploring Abel Tasman National Park | Tourism New Zealand

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

Kayaking at Torrent Bay

The pink dusky sky as sun sets over Torrent Bay | Janet Oldham

Exploring Abel Tasman National Park | Tourism New Zealand

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

Introductory

Activities

guided walk
kayak

Accommodation

1 night motel, 2 nights private lodge

Meals

2 Dinners
3 Lunches
2 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$2350NZD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: GGK

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Trip highlights

Golden sand beaches, rocky granite headlands, clear blue water, native coastal and beech forests of the Abel Tasman National Park
Kayak the sheltered waters and bays of the Abel Tasman
Walk sections of the coastal track
Enjoy all the home comforts of private lodges with charming local heritage and freshly prepared meals
Learn about the history of the region

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 ample time for stops to enjoy the views, the beaches, the lush native forest and the birdsong, this walk and Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park will not disappoint. Enjoy walking on isolated beaches and lush forest before kayaking the sheltered coast. 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, each one exuding charm and heritage. Fully serviced and fully catered, with all the comforts of home, these provide the perfect setting to relax after a day's walk.

Itinerary

Southbound itinerary - all departures except Tuesday
Northbound itinerary - Tuesday departures only

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Day 1
Arrive Nelson

Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand. 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 is a 20-minute walk with superb panoramic views. Nelson has a 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. Overnight Nelson.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Transfer to start of Abel Tasman Coast Track, walk to Awaroa (7 km, 2 - 2.5 hrs)

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

Day 3
Awaroa to Torrent Bay (Walk 7km 1-2 hours Kayak 4 hours)

Wake to a hearty breakfast this morning, overlooking Meadowbanks gardens. The walk to Onetahuti is very scenic and features a beautiful board walk built by the local iwi (Maori tribe). Stoll along golden sands and over a forested saddle to Onetahuti. After instructions and a safety briefing board your kayaks. Your guide will lead you to the Tonga island Marine reserve to the seal colony where New Zealand seal colonies breed -weather permitting. Paddle on clear, turquoise waters past the Tonga Quarry and Tonga Arches. Your guide will share stories about the unusual granite features and relics from the historic quarry. Stop for lunch at sheltered Bark Bay and maybe take some time to swim or relax. This afternoon, continue beach hopping to Torrent Bay. 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

Day 4
Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri, transfer to Nelson (Kayak 4-5 hours)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before launching your kayak from Torrent Bay. Paddle southwards while listening to your guide's stories about the early explorers of this area while exploring bays and beaches. See the predator - free wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island. Rodent eradication was undertaken in 2007 to retore wildlife to the island. It is now home to a large variety of bird life. Stop for lunch at a sheltered beach before paddling through the azure waters to Kaiteriteri. From here you will transfer by bus back to Motueka and onwards to Nelson, where trip arrangements end.

Meals: B,L

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Nelson

Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, and check-in to your 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. Stay overnight in Nelson.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Start Abel Tasman Coast Track to Torrent Bay (13 km, 4 hrs; high tide route + 3 km, + 1.5 hrs),

You will be collected from your accommodation early 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. After the briefing you will be transferred by coach to Kaiteriteri, a town loved for its turquoise waters and golden sand beach. Launch onto the water with your kayaks. Explore beaches and bays with your guide who will share stories of the early settlers. Enjoy a visit to the pest free Adele island. Rodent eradication was carried out in 2007and now the island is home to a large variety of wildlife. Stop for a rest and lunch at a sheltered beach. Continue on to Te Pukatea and Anchorage before reaching Torrent Bay Lodge. Located in this village of private holiday houses, the lodge has a relaxed atmosphere, and your friendly hosts will ensure you feel at home.

Meals: L,D

Day 3
Torrent Bay to Awaroa (17 km, 6 hrs; high tide route + 2 km, + 1 hr)

A hearty breakfast will set you up for today's paddling along the forest fringed coast. Paddle through Tonga Bay Marine Reserve. Here you will see sandy beaches, boulder headlands, rocky reefs and small estuaries. Depending on the time of the year you may go to the seal colony where New Zealand seal colonies breed -weather permitting. Paddle on clear, turquoise waters past the Tonga Quarry and Tonga Arches. Your guide will share stories about the unusual granite features and relics from the historic quarry. Land on Onetahuti beach and bid farewell to your Kayak. After a break with a hot drink start your walk along a spectacular stretch of sand. Continue to a beautiful boardwalk and bridge that was built and designed by the local iwi. Walk over a forested saddle and take in the view as you descend to Awaroa Bay. There is evidence of Maori settlement from the 16th century and a cluster of holiday homes. One of these is Meadowbank Homestead, originally built 1884 and still owned by descendants of the original family. This private lodge is your accommodation tonight. Enjoy home comforts once again this evening while your hosts take care of all your needs.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Awaroa to Totaranui (7 km, 2 - 2.5 hrs), transfer to Nelson

Another delicious breakfast at the lodge sets you up for your final day of walking. Awaroa means "long river" and this morning you cross Awaroa Inlet where this long river meets the sea, forming the largest tidal estuary in the national park. Continue walking north to Totaranui, passing through beautiful native forest that has regenerated. Bask in the satisfaction of completing the walk here while waiting to board your scenic boat cruise back to Kaiterteri. Keep a look out for seals and other marine life as you pass by protected Marine Reserves. After approximately 1 hr 40 minutes, the boat arrives at the seaside settlement of Kaiteriteri with its brilliant golden beach foreshore. A short bus transfer (approx 25 mins) takes you back to Motueka and then onwards to Nelson, where trip arrangements end.

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

1 night motel accommodation in Nelson (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 nights private lodge in Abel Tasman National Park (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 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 return
Car parking in Motueka if self-driving
Scenic boat trip between Kaiteriteri and Onetahuti - 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

What's not included

Travel to Nelson on Day 1 and onward travel from Nelson on Day 4
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)
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

Great Walks track

New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

Accommodation

Motel

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis in modern rooms with kitchenette facilities for self-catering if required. All linen is provided and bathrooms are ensuite. Laundry facilities are available. The property is conveniently located for dining out options, shops, local walks and points of interest. There is mobile phone reception and wifi available.

Private Lodge

These are original homes or holiday homes on private property within the National Park boundary. They are not open to the general public. They have beach frontage and have been refurbished to preserve their heritage values and character while also providing modern facilities. Rooms all have ensuite or private bathrooms, with all linen provided. Maximum capacity is 26 guests. Communal lounge and outdoor seating areas offer a comfortable homely touch. A resident chef prepares all meals and the lodges are powered by solar electricity. Mobile phone reception varies depending on your service provider. Wifi is available for a small donation that contributes to a local conservation organisation.

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 and kayaking approximately 4-4.5 hours per day. 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. Kayaking is sea-kayaking and although the bays are fairly sheltered, you will be at times exposed to rougher seas and windy conditions. 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

Daily except Monday and Wednesday

Notes

Note:

Solo 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.

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

$2350NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Kayak 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.

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Activities:

Accommodation:

4 nights hotel

From:
$3050 NZD

Duration:

5Days

Grading:

Introductory to Moderate

43 Reviews

Low tide makes crossing easier at the Awaroa Inlet | Janet Oldham

Guided

Walk gentle trails, listen to stories from your guide and stay in cosy private lodges while enjoying everything for which the stunning Abel Tasman National Park is so famous.