3 Day Abel Tasman Sail

You'll be picked up from your accommodation at approximately 7.30am and taken to the Nelson Marina for the 8:00am catamaran shuttle to Abel Tasman. Onboard the Sea Shuttle, your guide will give you a more detailed outline of the days to come and you'll have time for a coffee/snack whilst taking in the beautiful views on the way to Kaiteriteri.

At about 9:30am you'll land at Coquille Bay, one of the many golden beaches to be encountered on this trip as we set off on the day's walk. There is lots of time to cover the days distance, and so there'll be ample opportunities for photographs and stops at beaches along the way. You will reach Anchorage which will be our mooring for the evening. You'll have extra time to wander along the tree-lined beech before the yacht's dinghy picks us up and takes us aboard for your first night at sea. With a glass of wine and a delicious meal you'll be sure to enjoy settling into your snug bunk and letting the quiet waters lull you to sleep...

After a nice morning swim and a hearty breakfast you'll be transferred ashore to walk one of the track's most beautiful sections. There are a lot of great side trips off the main track which you're guide will let you know about depending on the weather, time and tide constraints. Some of these side trips include the Anchorage and Torrent Bay area, including an excursion up to Cleopatra's Pool (a boulder-lined swimming hole in the tropical native bush).

For the rest of the day you'll head northward towards Onetahuti Bay, then head down to the magical Falls River which we cross on a suspension bridge. Further on you descent to cross south Head which will take you to a campsite with some private baches, climbing over two more headlands in the afternoon passing Tonga Quarry, and end up at Onetahuti Beach. Depending on the prevailing wind we'll moor offshore within sight of Tonga Island - a sanctuary to a seal colony and a popular of little blue penguins.

Rejoining the trail as it crosses up and over the northernmost headland of the Marine reserve, we head down from Tonga Saddle and approach Awaroa, the largest coastal inlet in the Park. Crossing this inlet can only be done two hours either side of low time and so it may be necessary to bide our time with a coffee.

Once across, we have an hour and a half walking to reach the Northern access point of the Coastal Track at the stunning Totaranui. It's a popular destination with the locals stretching what seems like forever with soft golden sand and the calm turquoise waters lapping the shore. Here marks the end of the land sections of our trip as we re board the luxury yacht for a celebratory lunch as we set sail to Nelson.

On our way back you'll be able to see the whole coast which we would have walked for the last few days before cutting across the Tasman Bay towards the hills of the Richmond Ranges. Keep an eye out for the diving gannets, terns soaring or even the local dolphins cruising in the bow wave!