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

Get the best from the Abel Tasman Coast Track with our 3 Day Guided Walk

Our 3 Day Guided Walk allows you to enjoy every step of the 38km length of the Abel Tasman Coastal track. 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 the details so you can switch off and enjoy.

Ideal for people who want to walk the full length of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, but are relatively short on time, our 3 day walking break includes a scenic cruise along the coastline in our Vista Cruise vessel. You’ll also enjoy a stay of one night at each of our Beachfront Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa, including a warm kiwi welcome, hot showers and fresh local food.

Click the Itinerary Tab above for daily details of our 3 Day Guided Walk.

Departure Timetable

We operate this trip year round, with departures every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Special itineraries can sometimes be arranged on other days, subject to availability. Please contact us for details.

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

How to get here

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

Other Walking Breaks Options

Detailed Itinerary

If you have just 3 days to spend in the unique Abel Tasman National Park, and are keen to walk the length of New Zealand’s most famous coastal track, this is the way to do it! Enjoy the scenery and leave the logistics and cooking to us.

Our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule so please contact us to discuss 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 of your departure we will pick you up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car, we’ll direct you to safe parking from our office in Motueka. Day Packs are available to borrow here if required, and we can safely store any excess luggage. There is a safe in our office for valuables.

Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we echo the contours of the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline, you’ll delight in sweeping golden bays and hidden inlets, and be amazed at the greens of the native forest which teems with life as we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park to Totaranui in the North. Then begin your journey southwards on foot 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".

• **Pick up Nelson (10.30 - 11.00 am) or Motueka (11.40 am) or if you are self driving please meet at our office by 11.45 am.  Wednesday departures have an earlier start.  Please contact us to confirm your pick up times.

• Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.

• 1.00 pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot & cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks and bathroom facilities on board.

• 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 2 hours (6 kms) plus tidal crossing

Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 2: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

After a relaxing night’s sleep and home-cooked breakfast at Meadowbank, you’ll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay.

• At around 9.00 am we depart Awaroa and walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti, where there’s plenty of time to enjoy the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands and visit the interesting Tonga Quarry historic site.
• Around midday, we’ll stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.  
• In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches, as our walking route meanders through native forest, before crossing the swing bridge at Falls River.
• Our last leg sees us continue on to the renowned Torrent Bay and our welcoming lodge on the beachfront.  Home baked cookies and hot chocolate, or a cold drink from the in-house bar, await as you swap tales of your day around the log burner. 
• Your hosts prepare a fine meal for you as you freshen up with a hot shower in your ensuite bathroom.

Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours (17 kms)

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson

Wake up to breathtaking views across Torrent Bay, breakfast and perhaps a coffee on the deck. Then on your final day you will enjoy the beautiful walk from Torrent Bay to Marahau, along the well graded final section of the Abel Tasman coast track.  Along the way you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Du'mont Durville in 1827.

• Depart Torrent Bay Lodge at around 9.00 am
• Around midday, stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views of the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
• Our comfortable coach meets you at Marahau to return you to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm)**.

Approximate times:
Walk 4 hours (13 kms)
Bus Marahau to Motueka - 20 mins or to Nelson - 1.5 hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch

Important Additional Information:

The direction of the 3 Day Guided Kayak & Walking Trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson (7.15 - 7.30 am) and Motueka (8.30 am)**.

**If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. 

Keep in mind that 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 day's departure. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups with different interests and abilities - some preferring to walk, others to take the boat between lodges. As our 3 Day Guided Walk runs at the same time as our 3 Day Guided Kayak & Walk break, some of your group can choose the Kayak & Walk option.

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As well as a wonderful holiday experience, your 3-Day Walking break includes:

• Delicious fresh meals prepared by our skilled Lodge Hosts (dinner, breakfast, picnic lunch)
• Share twin/double with ensuite accommodation, including wonderful hot showers and all bedding
• No worries about lugging around heavy luggage, with use of daypack, Lodge luggage bag, transfer and storage of luggage all included
• You can join any scheduled boat service operated by Wilsons
• Any track notes, maps and advice from our expert guides
• 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.

What To Bring: Overnight Trips in 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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