Wilsons Abel Tasman - Walk, Cruise, Kayak, Stay in the Beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

We strongly recommend that you join us for a minimum of 2 nights to maximise your enjoyment of this stunning coast. However, if you are short of time, we can design the best overnight experience to suit you, including everything the Park has to offer. No need to travel out of the Park to enjoy accommodation with all modern comforts, right on the beach in the National  Park.

You can choose to laze on a golden beach, walk, sea kayak or take a boat cruise. The choice is yours. And you won’t have to lug around heavy packs or worry about where to eat or what time to catch the best tide. We take care of all those details, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy.

Join 2 days of our 3-Day Kayak & Walk break, or click on the itinerary tab above for one suggestion to stay overnight at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, including walking and kayaking with the seals in Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

Our kayaking breaks are suitable for all levels. No previous sea kayaking experience is required as you will be accompanied by our guides at all times on the water.  Your guide provides full training and safety brief. You can relax in the knowledge that you are in safe hands; you won’t leave the beach until your guide is completely satisfied that you can safely and comfortably negotiate the coast in your kayak.

Departure Timetable:

Subject to availability, we can arrange a 2 Day Itinerary departing on any day to suit you.

Published prices are valid to 19 October 2013

Terms and Conditions

How to get here

Click here for detailed driving directions and maps (opens in new window)

Other Sea Kayak & Walk Breaks Options

 Overnight Kayak and Walk Itinerary

This is only a suggested itinerary, staying overnight at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa in the remote northern regions of the Park.  Please contact us to discuss other options.

Before you arrive: We will be ready and waiting to greet you. To make sure we have everything just right, we ask that the day before your trip with us, you phone our office toll free 0800 221 888 to confirm any dietary requirements and details of your pick-up location.

Your Luggage: If you let us know where you are staying in Nelson, your complimentary Lodge Luggage Bag (to be transported to our lodges by boat) can be delivered to your accommodation. If you are arriving in the region on the morning of your trip with us, your Lodge Luggage bag will be available at our Motueka office.

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.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park to Totaranui in the North we echo the contours of the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline.  Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks to delight in sweeping golden bays and hidden inlets, framed by lush, evergreen native forest. Walk from Totaranui to the breathtaking Awaroa inlet, where a warm kiwi welcome awaits you at Meadowbank Homestead, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family's original home on the "finest site in the bay".

•  ** 9.00 am check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office to board the 9.30 am Vista Cruise to travel the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coast to Totaranui.  Relax at the cafe/bar on board and enjoy an introduction to this fascinating region with full interpretative commentary from our skilled boat crew.
• When you arrive at Totaranui, you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the ancient rainforest of Te Pukatea Loop.
• From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa.
• Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
• At Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet, you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks and fine food. Here you’ll find comfortable accommodation full of history and kiwi charm.

Approximate Times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1 hour 30 mins, from Motueka 20 mins
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui - 1 Hour, 20 Mins.
Walk, including options - 3 hours (10 kms)

Meals Included: Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Awaroa to Torrent Bay and return to Nelson

Wake and enjoy your choice of home-cooked breakfast overlooking Meadowbank Homestead gardens but the sea.  Walk the coastal track shaded by dense native forest to a sheltered beach and join a guided Sea Kayak trip to explore Tonga Island Marine Reserve.  Your guide settles you into our stable double kayaks with full training and safety brief so don’t worry! You won’t leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can enjoy a safe paddling experience.

• Around 9.00 am  depart Meadowbank Homestead for your walk to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach.
• From Onetahuti in the heart of Tonga Island Marine Reserve, paddle to view the antics of its resident Fur Seal colony (weather permitting).
• Paddle past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, where your guide will entertain you with amusing stories on the history and natural features of this fascinating area.
• We’ll stop for lunch at sheltered Bark Bay, where you can take time out to explore, swim or relax on the golden sand.
• After lunch, we’ll hop back into our kayaks and continue our wonderful beach hopping journey along the coast. Along the way there are plenty more points of interest to punctuate the picture-postcard views, including the Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay.
• At Torrent Bay, there’s time for a rest before you board our Vista Cruise vessel once again at 4.45 pm to return to Kaiteriteri where you connecting coach awaits to return you to Nelson by 5.30 pm.**

Approximate times:
Walk Awaora to Onetahuti 1.5 hours (5 kms)
Sea Kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay 4 hours (10 kms)
Cruise Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri 1 hour
Bus from Kaiteriteri - to Nelson 1 hour 30 mins, to Motueka 20 mins

Meals Included: Breakfast, morning tea and lunch

Important Trip Information:

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

The direction of the 2 Day Kayaking Trip may be reversed on some departures and can include 2 days of paddling with accommodation at our Torrent Bay Lodge.

As well as a wonderful holiday experience, your 2-Day Kayak and Walking break includes:

• All top quality kayaking gear, with full instructions and safety brief: stable double kayak, buoyancy aid, spray jacket and dry bags to keep gear dry. (We cannot guarantee to keep delicate cameras or electronic gear dry so these are taken at your risk in the kayak).
• Delicious fresh meals prepared by our skilled Lodge Hosts (dinner, breakfast, picnic lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, morning and afternoon teas)
• Accommodation in your own share twin/double room with ensuite bathroom, including wonderful hot showers and all bedding
• No worries about lugging around heavy luggage. Lodge luggage bag and use of a daypack, with transfer and storage of luggage is included.* 
• You choose how much walking or kayaking you want to do each day as you can join any scheduled boat service operated by us.
• Track notes, maps and advice from our expert guides to help you design each day to be as active or relaxed as you wish.
• All scheduled coach transfers from and to Motueka or Nelson

*If you have extra luggage you are sure will not be needed on your trip with us, and you are staying at the same accommodation before and after your trip, you might prefer to leave your luggage there.

Terms and Conditions

What To Bring: Overnight Trips Abel Tasman National Park, NZ

What to Wear

We enjoy glorious weather, year round. Lots of winter sunshine and summer sea breezes keep temperatures comfortable in every season. Maximum summer temperatures average 22 degrees C (72 F). In the cooler months, you can expect crisp, clear mornings (light frosts rarely fall below zero degree C or 32 degrees F), and temperatures fall as soon as the sun goes down, making the open fires at our Lodges even more inviting.

New Zealand weather can change rapidly, so any experience of our wonderful outdoors requires you to be prepared for four seasons in one day. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort. The Coastal Track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and protected azure waters - ideal for swimming.

Not recommended: Cotton clothing (especially denim). It is very heavy and cold if it gets wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best eg. Polypropylene, polar fleece, wool.

For kayaking, we provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary. Always bring some shoes you can walk in, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be necessary.

Sun Protection

Abel Tasman National Park enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. Our clear skies, with no pollution result in a very high risk of sunburn, even on a cloudy day. Bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

Footwear

We recommend cool, light, comfortable footwear. Not recommended: any shoes with no heel attachment, eg. jandals, flip flops, scuffs, slides etc. Click here for more information on suitable footwear (Note this is a PDF file).

For walking: Light, comfortable walking shoes are suitable to walk the track. If you have hiking boots, wear them if you prefer but they are not necessary. Depending on tides and conditions, you can usually keep your feet dry. On rare occasions, you might have to remove your shoes and roll up long trousers when you are embarking or disembarking from our boats. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear to allow for this. There will be time to rinse feet and put shoes back on when necessary.

For kayaking: Weather conditions might require pulling into a beach for shelter and some walking may be required. You might like to do some exploring on foot. Therefore, please bring some footwear, suitable for walking. Footwear in the kayak is optional. Many people find it more comfortable to wear some foot cover to prevent their heels rubbing against the kayak. Rubber water socks are ideal.

Day Pack

Bring your own or borrow one of our 30 litre day packs. Please use a plastic liner inside the day pack to ensure your day requirements stay dry. (Kayakers only: the day pack will be stored in watertight holds in the kayaks. For important items, such as cameras and spare clothes, we will supply a special watertight "dry-bag").
Please Note: We cannot guarantee to keep camera or electronic equipment dry.

• Any essential personal medication must be carried with you each day
• Sandshoes, water socks or sports sandals for tidal crossings (they will get wet). Jandals (flip-flops, scuffs, thongs etc.) are NOT suitable. Click here for more information on suitable footwear for estuary crossings (Note this is a PDF file)
• Good sports/hiking shoes. You may prefer hiking boots, but they are not necessary on the well formed track
• Swim wear and towel (optional). Beach towels can be purchased at our office
• Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (available to buy at our office)
• Sunglasses
• Hand steriliser (please no wipes)
• Lunch and water bottle (supplied by us)
• Waterproof parka with hood (disposable rain coat available to buy at our office)
• Camera and film (waterproof disposable cameras available to buy at our office)
• Please do not bring tissues or paper towels. They add to litter in the Park. Bring cotton handkerchiefs
• Kayakers will need a change of clothing including a warm sweater or polar fleece
• Thermal underwear (even in summer) is highly recommended
• Bring quick-dry clothing, if possible: thermal fibres, polar fleece or wool. Avoid cotton, especially denim (very cold and heavy when wet).

Lodge Luggage Bag

Sports bag 47x35x25cm supplied by us and carried by launch to the Lodges. All clothing should be put in waterproof plastic bags that we provide for extra protection during the boat transfers:

• Underwear, including socks and sleepwear
• Spare set of hiking clothes
• Casual evening clothes
• Light lodge shoes (slippers)
• Personal toiletries
• Flashlight/torch (can be purchased from our office)

NO HAIRDRIERS PLEASE. Our generated electricity cannot power them. Battery chargers and electric razors are OK.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE INTO THE PARK valuable jewellery, wallets, essential paperwork (travel documents, passports etc). These can be left in safe storage in our office.

CELL PHONES: Coverage is intermittent south of Awaroa. There is no coverage north of Awaroa Bay.

We Supply

As well as a wonderful holiday experience, with skilled, friendly guides, chefs and boat crew, we supply:

• ALL food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas
• All linen (bedding and towels) at the lodges
• 750ml water bottles
• Waterproof plastic liners for bags
• For kayakers, all technical and safety equipment is provided, including stable double kayaks, water resistant paddling tops, bouyancy vests, dry bags
• We give you a Lodge Luggage Bag to keep and Day packs are available to borrow

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