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Design your own exploration and relaxation as you experience the Abel Tasman Coast Track with comfort and safety. An itinerary curated for your flexibility, walk one of ‘New Zealand's Great Walks’, where each day you choose your walk to suit your needs. Unwind each night at beachfront lodges and enjoy the comfort of walking with just a daypack on this 5 day self-guided walk.
Your Abel Tasman walking adventure begins with a pickup in Nelson or Motueka before a scenic cruise across the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui. Over the next 5 days you’ll walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Tōtaranui and Kaiteriteri where you choose how much walking you would like to do. Traverse mature native forest and along secluded beaches with ample opportunities ...
Your Abel Tasman walking adventure begins with a pickup in Nelson or Motueka before a scenic cruise across the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui. Over the next 5 days you’ll walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Tōtaranui and Kaiteriteri where you choose how much walking you would like to do. Traverse mature native forest and along secluded beaches with ample opportunities to simply laze on the sand or enjoy refreshing swims in between. Explore the breathtaking Awaroa Inlet, Torrent Bay, Onetahuti and Bark Bay. Along the way gain insight to European and Maori historical sites and unforgettable moments with unique wildlife. Adventure or relax throughout your journey. Choose how to explore the spectacular Awaroa and Torrent Bay your style with a range of activities on offer. From land to water experiences of hiking to kayaking with guided options included. Or savour a slower pace of relaxation and simply unwind and enjoy the comforts of your beachfront lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead. Expert hosts at each lodge help you make the most of every day around weather and tides.
Your walking adventure includes 4 nights accommodation on a twin share basis. After a day’s adventure out on the track, retreat to your beachfront lodges and enjoy hot showers where lovingly prepared three course dinners by your hosts await each day. With the only lodge accommodation right on the beach in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, immerse in a wilderness experience without giving up modern comfort. All meals and transfers are included as specified. Enjoy the comfort of hiking with just a day pack.
Immerse on a journey into the Abel Tasman and walk a Great Walk of New Zealand, your style, your way! Unearth this part of New Zealand’s paradise in comfort with more independence and flexibility to curate your adventure.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – 2.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Enjoy a pickup in Nelson from 1015am or Motueka from 1115am where you’ll meet at the Motueka office at 1130am for a welcome briefing. Embark on a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. If you are self-driving meet at office by 1130am.
All aboard the water cruise! A 1pm departure see’s you on a cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui echo the contours of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks and enjoy a hot drink from the cafe.
Come late afternoon, 240pm, arrive in Totaranui. From here, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa inlet. Continue the walk across the inlet if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast. Here, a warm kiwi welcome awaits you at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa sitting right on the edge of the inlet. Spend time to unwind with a hot shower before a lovingly prepared three course dinner prepared by your hosts with the availability of local beer and wine for purchase at the in-house bar.
Note: Early times apply to trips during shoulder season (before December 20 and after 31 March). Pick up times for shoulder season:7:00am- Pick up in Nelson 8:15am- Pick up in Motueka. Meet at Motueka office for a welcome briefing before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach. If you are self-driving meet at office by 830am. 9:20am- Cruise departure to Kaiteriteri 1120am- Arrive in Totaranui 5:00pm- Enjoy a kiwi welcome at Meadowbank Homestead
Walking distance: 12 - 15 km, approx. 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade).
Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast and sweeping views across Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the lodge and perhaps a coffee on the verandah watching the movement of the tides over golden sand. Then, let your guide design your day to be as active or relaxed.
With optional activities on offer, have the opportunity to explore Awaroa estuary on foot (up to 4 hours) or take a splash on a kayak adventure (up to 2 hours, tides permitting). Alternatively, visit early European and pre-European historical sites for a glimpse into the past. For a slower pace simply unwind on the beach or relax and just savour the comfort and tranquility of Meadowbank Homestead in the serene garden and veranda surrounded by stunning inlet views.
This evening, indulge in another hearty dinner at the lodge boasting fantastic produce with seasonal and local flavours.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea at Meadowbank, you'll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. Traverse the coastal track of native forest that lead to golden sand beaches, a great time for a refreshing swim. Today, choose how much walking you are up for where your hosts will happily arrange for a boat ride to suit your needs.
Choose to walk 3 sections of 2 hours each. Section 1: Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry –6km/3.5 miles; maximum elevation 85m/280ft Section 2: Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 4km/2.5 miles; maximum elevation 120m/400ft Section 3: Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 105m/340ft
Your walking adventure begins at 930am departing Awaroa to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views that lead to the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach.
From Tonga Quarry, walk over a forested saddle and around the Waterfall Trail to Bark Bay. Marvel at sweeping views of the cascade from a swing bridge. Bark Bay makes for a perfect lunch break complete with shelter, picnic tables and toilets. Spend time relaxing with a refreshing swim or simply laze in the shade. From Bark Bay, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through shady gullies of mature Beech Forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of Manuka framing coastal vistas. Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue on to Torrent Bay.
Around 4.30 pm, a warm welcome awaits at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beachfront and your home for the next couple of nights. This was the Wilson family’s holiday home, now tastefully extended and renovated to include all modern comforts whist keeping its relaxed, beach holiday atmosphere. This evening, enjoy a lovingly prepared dinner by your hosts.
Walking distance: 10 km, approx. 5 hours walking (Moderate Grade).
A day of choices! Let your guide plan a day to be as adventurous or relaxing as you like with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach.
Your options are:- Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River- Kayak or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool- Walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage beach and picturesque Te Pukatea cove, visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way- Relax on the beach at Torrent Bay and simply enjoy the comforts of the lodge
Walking distance: 13 - 16km, approx. 4-5 hours walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: 110m (360ft)
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast.
Your final walk see’s you departing at 9am at Torrent Bay Lodge journeying on the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau. The tides will determine whether you walk around the inlet taking in views overlooking Anchorage Beach, or an exciting short-cut across the inlet to reach the main coastal track. Marvel at panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Along the way gain in depth history where you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'Urville in 1827.
You’ll journey along many side tracks that lead off to sheltered beaches with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island. These are perfect opportunities to enjoy a picturesque and relaxing lunch break.
Around 230-3pm cap off your serene walk at Mārahau, the end of coastal track. Here, your driver awaits for your return drive to Motueka via Kaiteriteri (arrive at 4pm) or Nelson (arrive 530-6pm) where you’ll collect your overnight luggage from the boat.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
- The departure point is Nelson or Motueka- The finish point is Nelson or Motueka - Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Nelson
How to Get to Nelson, NZBY SEARegular Cook Strait ferries provide vehicle and passenger access between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island.
BY AIRNelson is fortunate to have five airlines servicing the region: Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Originair, Sounds Air and air2there in and out of Nelson Airport, along with Golden Bay Air, based at Takaka in Golden Bay.BY ROADThe Nelson Tasman region is accessible by road from Christchurch, Blenheim, Picton, the West Coast and Murchison.
Day 1: Approximately 7 km, 2.5 hoursDay 2: Approximately 12 - 15 km, 4 hoursDay 3: Depending on walking option. Ranging from approximately 4km - 7km Day 4: Approximately 10 km, 5 hoursDay 5: Approximately 13 - 16 km, 4 - 5 hoursTotal: Approximately 59 - 65 km
With mild climate and sea breezes, the Abel Tasman National Park displays its stunning beauty any time of year.Summer months are the most popular months for spending time on the golden beaches, book ahead to ensure your walking holiday.Autumn is cooler in the evenings. As seasonal berries ripen, the forest comes alive with birdsong. Sea birds flock and maturing New Zealand fur seal pups are out exploring for new territories.Winter sunshine warms clear, crisp days. It’s ideal for photography as you can get amazing images with no sea breeze to ruffle the crystal water, and no heat haze to soften the vistas.Springcomes and the forest wakes. Native flowers are small and subtle, rewarding the careful observer with surprising variety and perfumes. Temperatures are ideal for walking and kayaking.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.