Abel Tasman Track
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| Length | 5 days | ||||||||||||
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| Grade |
B (Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.)
Grade B
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| Start | Pick up hotel/airport Nelson from 10:30am/Motueka 11:50am. Wed only: Nelson 7:15am/Motueka 8:30am | ||||||||||||
| Finish | Motueka (4:30pm) or Nelson (5:30pm). | ||||||||||||
| Departs |
5-day departs Tuesdays(Southbound); 3-day departs Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Southbound); Wednesday (Northbound). Guided walk operates year-round. |
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| Prices | Period 20 Oct 11 - 19 Oct 12 | ||||||||||||
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Children's rates apply to 8-14 years inclusive, under 8 years rate on application.
Single travellers sharing a room will be of same gender only.
Single Room Supplement is an additional 50% of the above prices.
Maximum 26
Back to topItinerary
This leisurely holiday includes three days of walking the Coast Track and two "free" days at the park's only beachfront lodges. Take time to explore, canoe, swim, kick back on the beach, or hike inland to see parts of the park most visitors miss when they walk the track in only three days. This is the most relaxing way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer, including a scenic cruise along the coastline.
Day 1.
Nelson/Motueka to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa. Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Pick up in Nelson (from 10:30am) or Motueka (11.50am).
Note: for Wednesdays northbound trip the pick up is Nelson (from 7:15am) or Motueka (8.30am).
You will have time for last-minute luggage organisation at the Motueka office. The launch departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline. You can enjoy hot drinks on covered or open deck areas and there are bathroom facilities on board. When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or walk north to Anapai Bay (or further if you are energetic). Walk south approximately two hours from Totaranui to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, through rainforest with magnificent specimens of Nikau palm and rata. Cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history. Tonight you spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.
-In the event of undesirable weather, we may not be able to offer a safe boat pick up or drop off in Awaroa. You may be required to walk up to 5 kilometres to meet a boat, or an additional nights stay may be available additional cost.
-Due to the tidal variations in Awaroa, our pick up and drop off points cannot always be in the same place. When staying at Meadowbank Homestead, you may be required to walk up to 45 minutes from the boat drop off point to Meadowbank Homestead.
Day 2.
Explore Awaroa
Today, your guide can plan your day to be as active or relaxing as you wish; explore the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by canoe (tides permitting), visit early European and pre-European historical sites, unwind on the beach or simply relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.
Day 3.
Awaroa to Torrent Bay - Walking time: approx. 5 hours/15km
This morning you depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands. Visit Tonga Quarry historic site. The lunch stop at midday is at Bark Bay, where you can relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand beach. 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.
Day 4.
Explore Torrent Bay
Today is a day of choices! Let your guides plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you. Your options include walking through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River; canoeing in the estuary to visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting), or walking to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea to visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.
Day 5.
Torrent Bay to Marahau - Walking time: approx. 4 hours/13km
The well-graded track provides lovely views of the bays as you follow the coastline. Rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Du'mont Durville in 1827. You may stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then walk the last leg to Marahau, where a coach awaits to return you to Motueka or Nelson.
The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures.
Alternative Options
Three day option includes Day 1, 3 & 5 of the above itinerary, staying one night at each lodge. Contact us for dates and prices for 2 day Walk and 2 day Kayak and Walk.
Back to topGrading & Fitness
Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required
Keep in mind that walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of the 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, and others to take the boat between lodges.
Guides & Safety
All Abel Tasman guides must have current First Aid qualifications and Sea Kayak guides hold a New Zealand recognised sea kayaking qualification. Each guide brings his or her unique personality and history to the job.
Back to topWhat to take
One of the highlights of this holiday is that the bulk of your luggage carried by boat. You walk or kayak with only your lunch and personal requirements for the day.
Essential Items
Day requirements
If you are kayaking, a dry-bag will be supplied for important items such as cameras. Spare clothes are placed in watertight hatches within the kayak.
PLEASE DO NOT bring any expensive jewellery, watches etc.
Overnight requirements are transferred by boat. It is recommended the following items go in your Lodge Luggage Bag.
All clothing will be put in waterproof plastic bags (which will be provided) for extra protection should it rain.
Supplied
All food
All linen (bedding and towels) at the lodges
750ml water bottles
Waterproof plastic liners for bags
For kayakers, all technical and safety equipment, including stagle double kayaks, water resistant paddling tops, buoyancy vests, dry bags
Lodge Luggage Bags to keep and Day packs to borrow Back to top
Transport
You will be picked up at your accommodation in either Nelson or Motueka and driven by coach to the start of the hike or launch cruise (either Marahau or Kaiteriteri) and be returned to your accommodation at the end of your hike. It is possible to leave your own vehicle at the Motueka office. While on the Abel Tasman Track, there is an option to take a launch to your next stop. The pick ups are from the beach front and you will get wet feet.
Back to topFood
From morning tea on Day 1 to lunch on your final day, all meals are included: full breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, packed lunch and three course dinners. Local beers and wines are available to purchase at the lodge (a bar tab is run for you, so there is no need to carry cash).
Back to topAccommodation
Accommodation is in the park's only beachfront lodges, providing twin room accommodation with ensuites (each lodge has 13 twin rooms).
Sitting on the edge of a golden beach, Torrent Bay Lodge has been the Wilson family's (your hosts) holiday home for over 30 years. Their home has been continually extended and remodelled to be shared with visitors. The latest upgrade provides private rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, for 26 travellers. This realises a dream of 20 years - to provide one of New Zealand's best outdoor experiences.
In 1884 William Hadfield built the original two-storeyed home, Meadowbank, on the best site in the bay in order to catch the stunning panoramic views and the all-year-round sun. One hundred and ten years later, his great-granddaughter, Lyn Wilson, and her family built a replica homestead on the same site. It is set amongst the original camellia and rhododendron trees, which were brought from England as a memory of a homeland left behind. The character of Meadowbank has been brought back to life through the extensive use of period windows, doors and timbers, yet all the conveniences of today have been included. Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa is filled with memories of the earlier homestead, Meadowbank. Thirteen comfortable twin rooms with ensuites have been named after William, Adele and their children, and features photographs of them as they grew up.
Pre- and post-track accommodation is required in Nelson. We can book this for you or you can book yourself.
Questions
What's the weather like?
The Abel Tasman region enjoys one of New Zealand's highest number of sunshine hours - about 2350 hours per year. Summer temperature range approximately 13-25 degrees C. In winter, temperatures average 4-15 degrees C. The National Park is accessible year round. Winter days are usually very calm, sunny, crisp and clear - ideal for both walking and kayaking.
Should I do the Sea Kayaking or Walking Option?
If you are not sure about Sea Kayaking, consider a Guided Walk - the 5 Day Guided Walk has optional sheltered water canoeing on Days 2 and 4, a great introduction to Sea Kayaking. As the kayaking and walking options usually travel concurrently, you can join the walking group if you don't feel comfortable with kayaking. Note that kayakers require more equipment. Therefore, it is usually not possible to change from the walking to the sea kayaking option once you have commenced your walk.
How hard will it be?
Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track is well formed and well graded (refer to the details in the itinerary section). No experience is necessary for Sea Kayaking. Some strength is required but your guide provides full training. You can adjust the amount of walking or kayaking you do each day. Perhaps a few training walks or paddles would be helpful if you are out of practise.
Do I have to carry a pack?
You carry only a day pack with lunch, water and your personal requirements for the day.
What happens to my luggage?
At the Motueka office you will be fully briefed and you can borrow a 30-litre day pack if you require it. Your overnight luggage is transported to the lodges by launch. Therefore it is required that you re-pack your luggage into an overnight bag that is supplied for you to keep (sports bag 47cm x 35cm x 25cm). Please line these bags with plastic before you pack them. There is luggage storage in the office for your excess luggage.
What happens to my car?
Safe storage of cars and any excess luggage will be arranged on the morning of departure.
What meals are included?
From morning tea on Day 1 to lunch on your final day, all meals are included: full breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, packed lunch and three course dinners. Local beers and wines are available to purchase at each lodge (a bar tab can be run for you).
Can I walk independently?
We are happy to cater for guests who choose to walk alone, planning their own day, but who require the comfort of a lodge at day's end. We can provide you with a comprehensive set of track notes and maps to guide you along the way, show you points of interest and provide whatever support you need. Should your partner not wish to walk, we will arrange interesting activities for them to experience.
What if my partner doesn't want to walk/kayak?
Walking or kayaking each day is optional. All guests are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled launch cruises to shorten the day's activity. This flexibility allows couples or groups to experience the park together although interests and fitness levels may vary.
Additional Costs
You will not need any extra money at the lodges. Local beer and wine is available to purchase so an account can be kept for you to be paid at the end of your trip when you return to the office. There may be time to visit a local bar or cafe on the edge of the National Park at the end of your trip. You will need a small amount of money if you wish to buy anything there. Tea and coffee on board the Vista Cruise is free of charge for overnight guests. Soft drinks are available to purchase on board.
Back to topBooking Conditions
Please contact the Motueka office the day prior to your departure.
The operator reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour should the weather or any other situation demand this. The operator finalise all tour arrangements upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned, either by reason of weather, or any defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or though the acts or defaults of any company or persons engaged in conveying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
Payment:
For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations:
Outside of 91 days, no cancellation fees.
90 - 60 days: $100 fee
59 - 30 days: 70% refund of full ticket price
29 - 10 days: 50% refund of full ticket price
9 - 0 days: no refund
No refund on any portion of a Guided package can be made after departure of tour.
Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.
Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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