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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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 to stop where you choose 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 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, each one exuding charm and heritage. Fully serviced and fully catered, with all the comforts of home, indulge in this blissful opportunity to relax after a day's walk.
46kg of CO2-e PP per day
(139kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Nelson
Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, and check-in to your trip 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
Day 2
Commence Abel Tasman Coast Track from Totaranui to Awaroa (7 km, 2 - 2.5 hrs)
You will be collected from your accommodation this morning (timing will be advised upon booking) and transferred to Motueka (approx 50 mins) for a short trip briefing. 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 sawmilling activities from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Cross Awaroa Inlet, the largest tidal estuary in the National Park, to find Meadowbank Homestead, the private lodge where your friendly hosts will take care of you this evening.
Meals: L,D
Day 3
Awaroa to Torrent Bay (17 km, 6 hrs; high tide route + 2 km, + 1 hr)
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
Day 4
Walk to Marahau (13 km, 4 hrs; high tide route + 3 km, + 1.5 hrs), transfer to Nelson
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 outside the park boundary 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
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.
Abel Tasman Coast Track Marahau 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. Another short transfer (approx 30 mins) takes you to the seaside settlement of Marahau, at the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. Heading north, the Coast Track first crosses the Marahau estuary along a boardwalk then passes through open country where native vegetation is regenerating. Following the coast, gradually ascend to ridgelines with tall kanuka forest, dropping in and out of small forested gullies of lush beech and tree ferns. There are several optional side tracks today where secluded bays and beaches make ideal places for swimming and a picnic lunch. (Note that some of these are only accessible at low tide.) The bays, beaches and headlands are all named after Maori settlements, pioneering European landowners, ships of early explorers or natural features. Turning inland for a short while a panoramic vista overlooking the golden curve of Anchorage Bay unfolds before descending to its shoreline. After traversing the beach then crossing or skirting Torrent Bay Inlet, depending on the tides, you will find 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.
Torrent Bay to Awaroa (17 km, 6 hrs; high tide route + 2 km, + 1 hr)
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 prior to the establishment of Abel Tasman National Park in 1942. Take in the view as you descend to Awaroa Bay, where 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.
Awaroa to Totaranui, boat cruise to Kaiteriteri, transfer to Nelson (7 km, 2 - 2.5 hrs)
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 after farming and saw milling activities from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Totaranui is so named due to the large Totara trees originally found there by Maori inhabitants who used them to build 'waka' (canoes). Bask in the satisfaction of completing the walk here while waiting to board your scenic boat cruise. Travelling southwards along the impressive granite coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, reflect on your journey and 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.
What's included
What's not included
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 is on a twinshare 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.
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.
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Introductory
6Days
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging