5 Day Kayak & Walk Trips The ultimate Abel Tasman National Park experience. Relaxed or adventurous - your choice.

Two days sea kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush northern Abel Tasman Coast Track with an extra day at each of our Beachfront Lodges to relax or explore parts of the Park most visitors don't get to see. Includes a scenic cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast.

Kayaking or walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each days departure.

Cost

Detailed Itinerary

Route Map

Departure Timetable

What To Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Options

How To Book

Detailed Itinerary

On the morning your adventure begins, we pick you up from your accommodation in Nelson or Motueka, or you can leave your car at our office along with any excess luggage. We provide you with a complimentary overnight bag to be transported to our lodges by boat. Day packs are available to borrow if required.

Pre Tour:

The day before your trip begins, please phone our office toll free 0800 223 582 (0800 ABELTAS) to confirm your pick-up point and time, dietary requirements and let us know where to deliver your Lodge Luggage Bag and information pack.

Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaora via Totaranui

Approximate times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri from Nelson (1.5 hours) or Motueka (20 mins)
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui 2 hours
Walk, including options, 3.5 - 4 hours (8-10 kms)
Includes morning and afternoon teas, lunch, dinner

• *Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka office.
• Launch departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot drinks, covered or open deck areas and bathroom facilities on board.
• When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the lush, untouched rainforest on the Pukatea Loop (approx 1.5 hours).
• Walk south approximately 2 hours from Totaranui to the fascinating Awaroa estuary, through rainforest with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata fringing idyllic sandy coves.
• Cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history.
• Spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

Optional walking, up to 4 hours (8 kms) or kayaking (tide dependant)
Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch, dinner

Explore the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak (tides permitting).
• Your guide can plan your day to be as active or relaxing as you wish.
• Visit early European and pre-European historical sites.
• Unwind on the beach.
• Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Approximate times:
Walk Awaora to Onetahuti 1.5 hours (5 kms)
Sea Kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay 4 hours (10 kms)
Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch, dinner

• Depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti.
• Here, your guide will settle you into your kayaks with full training and safety brief. You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak.
• In good weather, visit the Seal Colony on Tonga Island where New Zealand fur seals breed. Spot new-born pups in December and Jaunary.
• Cruising past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, your guide will explain the history of this granite area, pointing out some of the features and quarry relics.
• Stop for lunch at Bark Bay. Take time out to explore, swim or relax on the golden sand.
• Continue beach hopping along the coast to our beachfront lodge at Torrent Bay, taking in points of interest: Falls River, Frenchman's Bay.

Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay

Optional walking up to 5 hours (10 kms) and canoeing (tide dependant)
Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch, dinner

A day of Choices! Let our guides plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you.
Options include:

• A walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River.
• Canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting).
• Walk to the protected golden beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head.

Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri

Approximate times:
Sea Kayak Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri 4.5 hours (12 kms)
Bus Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1.5 hours)
Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon teas, lunch

• Paddling along the coast, discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'urville in 1827.
• Cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead, visit the stunning bays of Te Pukatea and Appletree, or paddle along the coast of Adel Island.
• If the wind is with you, your guide will help you hoist a specially designed sail so you can ride the sea breeze.
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then continue on to Kaiteriteri.
• Our coach meets you at Kaiteriteri to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).*
• Note: The direction of the trip may be reversed on some departures.

If you find that kayaking is not for you, there is the option of joining the walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park together but don't all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or boat between lodges.

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Departure Timetable

We operate this trip year round, departing every Tuesday and Friday

Trip departures May to October require a minumum of 4 people. If you wish to book with less than 4 people during these months, contact us for a confirmed departure date.

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Other Sea Kayaking Options

We also operate these other sea kayaking options:

2 Day Kayak Trip A great introduction to kayaking the Abel Tasman in comfort.

3 Day Kayak & Walk Trip Two days kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Half or full day Guided Sea Kayaking

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How To Book

We are currently testing our new Online Booking system. Until we are sure of the efficiency of this service, our friendly Reservations Team is waiting to answer your enquiries and take your booking.

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