At a Glance
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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 ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 4 nights’ beachfront lodge accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite bathroom
- Lodge luggage bag to be transported to our lodges by boat. This bag is yours to keep. 30 litre day packs available to borrow
- All meals as specified prepared by your lodge hosts icnluding hot drinks, fruit juice, fresh fruit and snacks, full or continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and three course dinners
- Scheduled coach transfers return from Nelson and Motueka
- Scenic cruise along the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coast
- Travel on scheduled boat services so you choose how much walking or kayaking you want each day
- Luggage transfers and luggage storage
- Track notes, maps and advice from expert Hosts and Guides to help design each day to be as active or relaxed as you wish
- Kayaking options include top quality kayaking gear, with full instructions and safety brief: stable double kayak, buoyancy aid, spray jacket and dry bags to keep gear dry
Itinerary
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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: |
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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. |
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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. 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. |
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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: |
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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. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
More Info
- 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, NZ
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.
Day 1: Approximately 7 km, 2.5 hours
Day 2: Approximately 12 - 15 km, 4 hours
Day 3: Depending on walking option. Ranging from approximately 4km - 7km
Day 4: Approximately 10 km, 5 hours
Day 5: Approximately 13 - 16 km, 4 - 5 hours
Total: 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 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 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 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 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 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.