Three Cruise & Walk day passes for the price of two, to be used in any consecutive seven day period.
No need to confirm your day trip options until the day before you wish to travel.
Start
Open departure
End
Open return
Walking
You decide
Cruise
Open
From
NZ$220
Availability
All Year
Trip Route Map & Information
Three Cruise & Walk open day passes for the price of two, to be used anytime over a seven day period.
Contact us to book your 3 Day Explorer Pass and discuss your options.
Here are some suggestions to experience as much of the park as you can over three days. These are recommended trips only â you can design your own adventure!
Day 1 Travel to the isolated northern beaches of the park. Cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve, pausing to view the antics at the seal colony. Disembark at historic Tonga Quarry, then walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach and over a forested saddle to Awaroa for your pickup. Cruise north to Totaranui before returning to Kaiteriteri. If you prefer, disembark at Awaroa and explore the largest tidal estuary in the Park, instead of walking from Tonga Quarry
Day 2 Choose a Cruise & Walk Option in the centre of the park, e.g. Swing Bridge, Bush and Beach Walk or Seals and Beach Walk
Day 3 Cruise to Anchorage to spend relaxing day on the beach, explore the Pitt Head Loop Track or walk the easy southern section of the coastal track towards Marahau. The track winds through sunny forest groves with spectacular coastal views and side tracks to picturesque beaches overlooking the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead. Pick up at Apple Tree Bay to return to Kaiteriteri.
Coach transfers from/to Nelson are charged at advertised cost.
What to bring
We enjoy glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort.
Wear quick-dry, loose fitting clothing. You are walking beside the sea, so might have to roll up trousers and remove shoes for short tidal crossings.
The coastal track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track winds over headlands (max. elevation 150 metres - 500 feet) and comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and sheltered azure waters - ideal for swimming.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.
Not recommended: Cotton clothing (especially denim) is very heavy and cold if it gets wet. It takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.
We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
- Extra clothing. New Zealand weather is renowned for providing four seasons in one day so quick-dry thermal fabrics are best
- Sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in all weather. We enjoy 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 cloudy days
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Swimwear and towel (optional)
- Drinking water
- Lunch. If it has not been ordered the day before you travel, please bring your own
- Camera. Remember to check the batteries!
- Hand sanitiser. No hand wipes or paper tissues/towels please. They create litter and clog the toilet systems.
- Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections. Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.
Picnic Lunches
For a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please give us your order by 5 pm the night before your trip. (Not available in June, July or August). Standard, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free/Vegan options available.
Classic picnic lunch (NZ$27 per person)
- Fresh Baked Baquette Roll
- Salad Bowl - with sliced corned beef & swiss cheese (marinated Tempeh slices for vegan/vegetarian options)
- Blueberry Muffin (Blueberry Chocolate Brownie for GF option)
- Vegan Chocolate Bar
- Cashew Nuts
- Crisp Apple
- Aioli & Dairy-Free Spread Portions
- Wooden Cutlery Set, Napkin and Carry Bag
Onboard Menu
The Vista Cruise has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals. Click through to the Vista Cruise Menu.
Other Lunch Options
You are welcome to bring your own lunch. Takeaway food is available at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow extra time to choose your lunch. The shop can be busy when boats are departing.
There is one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge, open during the summer months. Please book directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.
Classic Kiwi Barbecue
Click here for details of barbecue lunches available in the park.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.They assist with balance, and relieve pressure on knee and ankle joints.
Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.
FAQ
New Zealand MetService puts the Nelson/Motueka region amongst the sunniest places in the country with over 2,350 bright sunshine hours per year. Average rainfall in the Nelson region is 988mm (38inches) per year. This rises to about 1800mm as you travel north to Totaranui.
For Nelson's daily weather forecasts, visit the New Zealand MetService website.
Average air temperatures and rainfall through the year
|
Mean Daily |
Mean Daily |
Average Rain |
|
|
Summer (Dec/Jan/Feb) |
22/72 |
13/55 |
6 |
|
Autumn (Mar/Apr/May) |
18/64 |
8/46 |
8 |
|
Winter (Jun/Jul/Aug) |
13/55 |
3/37 |
10 |
|
Spring (Sept/Oct/Nov) |
17/63 |
7/45 |
10 |
For day trips, the Better Bus provides Nelson-Kaiteriteri-Marahau bus connections. Schedules meet our 9.15 am Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri and the 4.15 pm return to Kaiteriteri. Please book on their website.
Go to Bus Connections for more details and costs.
Lodge-based overnight trips include transfers on our own coach. We pick up from main accommodation providers in Nelson city, and along Highway 60 between Nelson and Motueka.
Kaiteriteri has free, all-day parking. During the busy holiday season (Dec 20 to end February) it can be difficult to find a convenient parking spot. Please allow at least 30 minutes to find a park and walk back to check-in 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Overnight parking at Kaiteriteri Beach:
Available free except for the busy holiday season 20 December to 18 February. During this time, limited free overnight parking is available in the trailer park on Martin Farm Road, 15 mins walk (1 km) from check in at Kaiteriteri.
Parking is not secure. To avoid temptation please do not leave valuables in your car.