At a Glance
Experience Abel Tasman from end to end on this exclusive 4 day luxury sailing escape at your pace and comfort. Set at the very top of South Island in New Zealand, explore golden beaches, impressive rock formations and wildlife while walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. After each day retire in your own private catamaran where meals, drinks and a comfy bed on sea await.
A personalised and intimate private adventure (only accommodating up to 6 people), set sail on a luxury catamaran for an exclusive experience with just your loved ones taking the best of the great Abel Tasman. Fill your days cruising the Tasman Bay uncovering untamed natural wilderness, secluded islands, pristine bays, freshwater streams and golden beaches beckoning you in to swim. You’ll have the opportunity to complete ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- An exclusive whole boat private charter for up to 6 guests
- 3 nights’ accommodation on a private luxury catamaran. All bedding and towels provided
- Your private skipper will be your personal host and guide, sharing local stories, interesting facts on the geology, flora and fauna, and customizing the time onboard to suit guest
- Use of yacht’s inventory including stand up paddle boards, Kayak, snorkelling & fishing equipment, dinghy, and outboard motor
- Skipper as personal host and guide
- All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared & presented by onboard chef. Non-alcoholic drinks provided (alcoholic drinks can be provided at additional charge)
- Nelson return transfers
- Non-walking guests may choose to remain onboard during the day if they prefer
- Park fees
Itinerary
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Approx. 12.4km (7.7 miles), 4 hours walking, easy grade Departing from Nelson waterfront, all aboard your 14.1 metre (46 foot) luxury catamaran, Te Harinui. Your floating home for the next three nights. Once onboard, meet your skipper, the host and guide for your journey ahead. Enjoy a round of welcome drinks out on the large open deck and experience the joy of living onboard. Relax and set sail as you echo the contours of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park bringing you to the start of New Zealand's ‘Great Walk’. A lovely start and considered the best part of the track with beech forest and undispersed amazing golden sand beaches that the Abel Tasman is famous for. Begin at Marahau estuary striding the causeway before traversing open country and pristine bays to beech forests of towering kanuka trees. Meander through trickling gullies and be welcomed by the golden sands of Torrent Bay. Take time to ponder the beauty and isolation of this island landscape before descending at the picturesque Anchorage Bay where your catamaran awaits. The more adventurous can embark on a short detour to the serene Cleopatra’s Pool. Unlace the shoes and drop the pack, as you take a refreshing afternoon dip in its crystal-clear freshwater. Spend the rest of the afternoon doing as you please. Embrace the beauty of living onboard where the sea is your backyard and with no worry of time. Your catamaran is equipped with everything you need to explore. Choose to glide the waters on a kayak, balance on a stand-up paddle, take a stroll on the beach or simply relax on deck as you take in the sunset. Enjoy a delightful dinner prepared by your skipper. With a little stargazing and long talks into the night, retire to your comfortable queen beds just steps away and sleep to the peaceful sounds of the waves. For ultimate luxury, upgrade to a catered deluxe with your own private chef onboard. (At an additional cost). |
Te Harinui
Lunch, Dinner |
Anchorage to Awaroa: Approx. 23km (14.3 miles), 8 hours walking, moderate grade Tidal shortcut: Approx. 19.8km (12 miles), 7 hours walking, moderate grade Wake up to the stillness and beauty of the sunrise with Abel Tasman's breathtaking surrounds. With the sea at your feet, take a morning swim to awaken your senses. Today choose how much walking you want to do or simply relax and savour the tranquility and comfort onboard. Today’s track see’s you journeying from Anchorage Bay to the pristine Awaroa inlet, where tide determines your walk. 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). Another inviting swim before striding along the golden sands of its estuary, 2 hours on either side of low tide. Alternatively, a pleasant 10-minute all-tide track around the edge of the 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 Beach. Here, just off shore sits Tonga Island, surrounded by a marine reserve and beautiful underwater life, a perfect time to grab the snorkel and dive deep! A short journey later set foot to the pristine Onetahuti Bay, the longest beach on the Abel Tasman Track, where an all-tide bridge and boardwalk crosses another pristine inlet. Ascend over Tonga Saddle before descending 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. Your catamaran awaits as you are welcomed with refreshments and a hot shower in your ensuite cabins. Perhaps take the kayaks out and enjoy the sensation of paddling through clear turquoise waters marveling the unique formations of Tonga Quarry and Tonga Arches from a sea level perspective. Once the day crowds have left, absorb another exclusive sunset and dinner with breathtaking views out from sea. |
Te HarinuiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Tidal: Approx. 7.1km (4.4 mile), 2 hrs 20 mins walking, easy grade The beauty of catamaran living is waking up at your leisure and to your relaxation. Relax over breakfast overlooking the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary, Awaroa Inlet. With the track within reach begin your day’s adventure ahead as you please. Today's walk is somewhat more leisurely, but no less spectacular and beautiful. Traverse the Awaroa Inlet 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. With Te Harinui catamaran as your activity, transport and accommodation all in one, spend the rest of the day creating your adventure. Relax and swim the golden beach, explore the estuary by kayak, try your hand in fishing or snorkel into its underwater wonderland. At your desire, retire back to the glorious Te Harinui where chilled wines await and for another magical dinner out in sea. Enjoy the comforts of spacious indoor dining or alfresco dining, either way your dinner views remain breathtaking. Drift to a peaceful sleep in your comfortable bed as the waves rock you away into the soothing sounds of the ocean. |
Te HarinuiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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. Journey through Tōtaranui’s pristine estuary, climb over low saddles, wind through lush forests and into more stunning golden beaches. Be captivated by the mahoe and kanuka shrubbery, and its picture-perfect towering rock towers at Anapai Bay. Here, a small lagoon is created making it perfect for a cool dip at low tide. Like all its other bays, you’ll truly feel like you have arrived in paradise! Traverse the picturesque bay of Mutton Cove before descending to Whariwharangi Bay, where an old timber mill used to be located. Explore the old Pa site at Taupo Point and marvel at its European history. While here, keep a lookout for seals which call this place home. Venture further out of a saddle overlooking the glorifying Wainui Inlet before following the Gibbs Track returning to Totaranui. With your catamaran anchored at bay and everything you need to explore this magnificent part of New Zealand, there is plenty of time to relax. Take a celebratory swim as you conquer the most northern point of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Be captivated by its sheltered coves, rock pool and dunes where the fortunate soul may chance upon a pod of dolphins. A great site to snorkel and uncover its underlife beauty of marine life or perhaps take the kayak out one final time. Retire back on board and gather out on deck in a convivial lunch affair over drinks and shared food with your loved ones as you celebrate a treasured lifelong memory. Feel the wind in your hair and soak in the stunning views of the mighty Abel Tasman from sea as you sail back to Nelson. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
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NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Departure daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings or private departures.
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.
