At a Glance
Immerse in one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - the Abel Tasman Coastal Track on South Island, boasting pristine coastline of golden sand beaches and idyllic inlets. Walk end to end from Marahau to Wainui and unwind each day to the creature comforts of luxury lodges along the track and gourmet food.
Journey on an exhilarating 4 days pack-free walk showcasing the best of the Abel Tasman National Park on the renowned Abel Tasman Coastal Track. As New Zealand’s smallest National Park at 22,530 hectares, marvel at some of the country’s most pristine coastline with golden sand, turquoise blue water and green lush forests. Beginning at Marahau, traverse landscapes of rich native forests, beautiful beaches and idyllic inlets to the top north of Wainui. By scheduled water taxis, conquer the best ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis in luxury lodges inside the Abel Tasman National Park
- All private/scheduled car transfers from Nelson, luggage transfers and water taxis on and off track
- All meals including packed lunches to enjoy out on the tracks
Itinerary
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Mārahau to Anchorage: Approx. 12.4km (7.7 miles), 4 hours walking, easy grade Rise and shine! An early 6:00 am pick up from your Nelson accommodation takes you on a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway to Kaiteriteri. After a brief check in, luggage drop off and pre-walk introductions, you board your bus and journey to Marahau (At this time your luggage is conveniently transferred to your Awaroa Lodge). Around 9:15 am, you’ll begin your incredible adventure on New Zealand’s ‘Great Walk on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. A lovely start crossing Marahau estuary using the causeway before traversing open country and pristine bays to beech forests of towering kanuka trees. Meander through open country, trickling gullies and be welcomed by the golden sands of Torrent Bay. Take time to ponder the beauty and swim in its crystalline waters before descending to the picturesque Anchorage Bay where your scheduled water taxi awaits. Cruise to the pristine Awaroa Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Nestled in the serene waterways and native forest in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, unwind in your superior suites built over the wetlands. This evening, tantalise your tastebuds with a 3-course set menu showcasing local produce and ingredients grown at its own organic garden. Enjoy an alfresco dining experience or cozy up to the roaring log fire and be serenaded by chirping native birds. |
Awaroa Lodge
Lunch, Dinner  |
Anchorage to Awaroa: Approx. 23km (14.3 miles), 8 hours walking, moderate grade All aboard the water cruise! Fuel yourself up with a hearty breakfast before an 8:30 am scenic water taxi cruise back to the beautiful Anchorage Bay. You will pick up where you left off. Conquer the next journey of this spectacular track from Anchorage Bay to the pristine waters of Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary of Abel Tasman. Today’s walk is determined by the tide. Traverse around the inlet absorbing views overlooking Anchorage Bay or take the fun short-cut across the inlet to reach the main coast track. You'll journey through verdant coastal forest and cross an impressive 47-meter-long suspension bridge over the picturesque Falls River, before unfolding into another beach paradise of Bark Bay (Wairima). Its waters will lure you for an inviting swim before striding along the golden sands of its estuary, 2 hours on either side of low tide. Alternatively, take a pleasant 10-minute all-tide track around the edge of its estuary. Marvel as you wind through shady gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of manuka forest; losing all sense of the coast before calling into the shore of the golden cove of Tonga Quarry. Here, just off shore sits Tonga Island, surrounded by a marine reserve and beautiful underwater life, a perfect time to take a swim and chance upon an abundance of sea life. A short journey later set foot to the pristine Onetahuti Bay, the longest beach on the Abel Tasman Track stretching before you. You’ll come to an all-tide bridge and boardwalk leading over the forested Tonga Saddle. Your journey descends to finish your day at the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa Inlet. While here, visit early European historical sites or unwind on the beach and just savour the tranquility. Soak in another scenic water cruise back to Awaroa Lodge in time for sundowners at the bar lounge. Or perhaps whisk away for some quiet time in the library before a well-deserved 3-course dinner overlooking the pristine wetlands. |
Awaroa LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Awaroa to Totaranui: Approx. 7.1km (4.4 mile), 2 hrs 20 mins walking, easy grade Lace up your boots for another magnificent day out on the tracks. All packed and ready to go, your luggage will be transferred and safely guarded waiting for collection at your finish point later today. Enjoy a fresh 9:30 am start conquering a short but no less spectacular and beautiful part of the track. Begin by crossing the picturesque Awaroa Inlet, where it can only be crossed 1 hour 30 minutes before and 2 hours after low tide under normal conditions and no alternative track around the inlet. Marvel at the stunning Awaroa inlet as you stride across journeying through picturesque bays and towering beech forests that cling precariously to the headlands before emerging into the golden sandy beaches of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay. Keep eyes peeled for a birdlife of fantails and bellbirds chirping above the canopies. Be prepared to wait for the tide to recede before traversing the beach. A steep climb brings you to a lookout at Skinner Point boasting staggering panoramic views of the coast before descending to the clear waters of Totaranui beach. Here, your private transfer along with your luggage awaits as you journey to Ratanui Lodge, located in the hidden gem of the beautiful Golden Bay. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch of local delights and nibbles as you drink down a refreshing beverage. Spend the rest of the afternoon, relaxing at your beachside stay doing as little or as much as you please. Stroll along Pohara Beach for sunset, go for a refreshing saltwater swim, laze by the pool or spa or simply unwind in the cocktail lounge for a drink or two. For those with energy to spare, hire an ebike and venture further afield exploring the stunning coastline and its treasures. This evening, delight your tastebuds in a hearty 3 course set menu. Enjoy a lovely walk along the beach as you stargaze into the night’s sky before retiring to your comfortable king lodge. |
Ratanui LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Wainui Carpark to Totaranui: Approx.15.5km (9.6 miles), 5.5 hours walking, easy grade Today, you conquer the final stretch on this incredible trail, it's very tip and end! Explore a part of the national park many visitors don’t get to see. An early 7:40 am pick up, transfer to Wainui carpark for the last section of the track. Stride along a small trickling stream ascending out of a bay to a saddle overlooking Wainui Inlet. Be captivated by the picturesque Wharwahrangi Bay, where an old timber mill used to be located. While here, keep a lookout for seals which call this place home. Journey over the steep Gibbs Hill track then back down to the pristine Tōtaranui. Absorb the spectacular landscapes and a final celebratory dip into its refreshing waters. A perfect time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of your adventure before calling into a scenic water taxi to Kaiteriteri. Here, you’ll meet your bus transfer to Nelson where your luggage is ready for your departure. Feeling relaxed and inspired, arrive into Nelson at approximately 6pm for your onward travel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
noneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request except on Christmas Day.
More Info
- The departure point and finish point is Nelson.
- By Sea: Regular Cook Strait ferries provide vehicle and passenger access between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island.
- By Air: Nelson 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 Road: The Nelson Tasman region is accessible by road from Christchurch, Blenheim, Picton, the West Coast and Murchison.
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.
Spring comes 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 Detail
All 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 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 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 Supplement
All 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 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 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 insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The 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 Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local 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 Prices
While 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 Limits
You 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 Operator
The 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.
Evacuations
In 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 Insurance
In 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.
