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Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Abel-Tasman-Coastal-Track

Enjoy New Zealand’s easiest and sunniest Great Walk. The track is a 38 km, easy to moderate walk, which can be completed in 3 to 5 days. The terrain is so gentle that walking shoes suffice in summer. An exceptionally mild climate, with long hours of sunshine makes this a track for all seasons and all ages.

This Track elicits images of golden days in the perfect setting, dream-like evenings on the beach, brilliant sunsets and starry night skies. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

Throw on a day-pack and head out to meet paradise, where gentle beech forests give way to golden sand and glistening water.  Here, the sunshine is in endless supply and the only sounds are made by azure waters moving to and fro with the tide. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track links a myriad of crescent-shaped coves of glittering golden sand, lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Tasman Bay.  You could well be a tropical island setting but for the enigmatic presence of the  fur seals lazing under rugged headlands. You will experience the park’s intimate estuaries, golden sand beaches and forested headlands.

The National Park is  a great source of pleasure and fascination for a wide range of people – kayakers, hikers, swimmers, fishermen, snorkelers and families having a day out.

Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaora via Totaranui

After we transfer you from Nelson or Motueka you meet our launch at Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot drinks, covered or open deck areas and bathroom facilities  are on board. When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the lush, untouched rainforest on the Pukatea Loop (approx 1.5 hours).

After lunch a leisurely two hour walk south, you arive at the fascinating Awaroa estuary, through rainforest with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata fringing idyllic sandy coves. Cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history.

Two nights accommodation on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead in Awaroa.

Meals include: Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Approximate Times:
Transfer to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui - 2 hours
Walk 3.5 - 4 hours (8-10 kms) depending on options

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

Today explore the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting). Your guide can plan your day to be as active or relaxing as you wish. You could visit early European and pre-European historical sites; unwind on the beach; or alternatively relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner)

Approximate Times:
Approximate times for walks, up to 4 hours
Optional kayaking up to 2 hours (tides permitting)

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

This morning depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti.On the way relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands. 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.

Two nights accommodation on the beachfront at Torrent Bay Lodge

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Approximate times:
Approximate walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay

A day of Choices! Let our guides plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you. Options include a walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River. Or you could canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting). Alternatively walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Meals includes: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Approximate times:
Optional walking up to 5 hours (10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)

Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri

Enjoy the final leg on well graded final section of Abel Tasman coast track and 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.

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch

Approximate times:
Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau - 4 hours (13 kms)
Transfer to Marahau to Motueka - 20 mins or to Nelson - 1.5 hours

Note: The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures. If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, contact us to make alternative arrangements.

Finding it too nice and want to spend the day on the beach instead of walking: 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.