3 Day Kayak & Walk Trips

Two days sea kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush northern Abel Tasman Coast Track. Includes a scenic cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast.

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 Torrent Bay

Approximate Times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Sea Kayak Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay - 4.5 hours, 12km
Includes Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

• *Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka (8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka office.
• At Kaiteriteri, your guide will settle you into your kayaks for a full training session. You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak.
• 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.
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge at the beachfront.

Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa

Approximate times:
Sea Kayak Torrent Bay to Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) - 4 hours paddling (10km)
Walk Onetahuti to Awaroa - 1.5 hours (5km)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

• Leave Torrent Bay for a morning of beach hopping up the coast, taking in points of interest: Falls River, Frenchman's Bay.
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.
• 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.
• Leave Sea Kayaks at Onetahuti and walk over the Tonga Saddle to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.

Day 3: Awaroa to Nelson / Motueka via Totaranui

Approximate times:
Walk Awaroa to Totaranui - 2 hours (7 kms)
Cruise Totaranui to Anchorage 2 hours
Pitt Head Loop Walk 1.5 hours
Cruise Anchorage to Kaiteriteri 45 mins
Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch.

• Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be introduced to its fascinating history.
• Walk through the northern forests of the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata.
• At Totaranui, join our comfortable launch to cruise the coastline you have just walked. Hot drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on board.
• Stop at the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach where you can choose to laze or stroll along the sand, or take a fascinating walk around Pitt Head, site of an ancient Maori Pa with stunning views along the coast. Then rejoin the Vista Cruise to Kaiteriteri.
• Our coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).*

Please Note: The direction of the Guided Kayak and Walk may be reversed on some departures and the Pitt Head Loop track may be substituted with the Pukatea Walk.

*If start/finish times do not suit your schedule, please contact us to arrange alternative options.

Keep in mind that 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.

If you find that sea kayaking is not for you, you have 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:
Monday (Southbound)
Wednesday and Saturday (Northbound)

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.

5 Day Kayak & Walk Trip The ultimate adventure: two days kayaking, one day walking and 2 days relaxing at our beachfront lodges.

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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