Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand Awaroa Beach

Trip Overview

Travel through Tonga Island Marine Reserve to discover Awaroa, a fascinating inlet that has inspired generations of settlement and protection. Choose your style of lunch. Take a picnic or cafe-style at Awaroa Lodge (not owned by us).

Later departure choice during high season (20 October - 31 March). Check booking table for available times.

For a more active day, book the Pioneer Trail (2 hour walk) or Pioneer Trail Plus (4 hour walk).

If you are staying in Golden Bay or Totaranui, go to Totaranui Dine & Stride for Awaroa options.

Start

9.20 or 10.30am

End

4.15pm

Walking

Optional

Cruise

Kaiteriteri - Awaroa
Return 3 hr

From

$84 book online save $3

Trip Route Map & Information

Trip details

Cruise 1 hr 30 min to Awaroa Beach. Take a picnic or purchase refreshments at the Awaroa Lodge, wilderness cafe.

Check in 30 minutes before departure time at our Ticket Office in Kaiteriteri. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat

9.20 or 10.30* Depart Kaiteriteri and cruise along the Abel Tasman Coast, calling into popular beaches along the way, and pausing to view Tonga Island Seal Colony
11.05 or 12.20* Arrive at Awaroa
2.20 Vista cruise departs Awaroa
4.15 Return to Kaiteriteri

*Available 20 Oct to 31 March.

Lunch choices

Awaroa Lodge & Cafe, restaurant and pizzeria (additional cost). This is not one of our lodges. Please check availability with them. Phone (03) 528 8758
order a scrumptious picnic lunch from us the day before you travel
take your own picnic to enjoy on the beach

What to bring

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is well-formed and heavy hiking boots aren't necessary, but you can wear them if you prefer.

WE RECOMMEND

Light walking shoes or sports sandals

Sand shoes for kayaking or estuary crossings

NOT RECOMMENDED
Footwear that is not firmly attached to the foot e.g. jandals, flip flops, slides, etc.

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 comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and protected azure waters - ideal for swimming.

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.

The coastal track is well formed and walking sticks are not necessary. However, if you have weak leg joints, or poor balance, you might prefer to bring them.

Download/print a full list of what to bring

Please bring your own lunch, or order one of our scrumptious picnic lunches.

You can buy food at Kaiteriteri, where our boats depart, and there are light meals, snack, drinks and ice creams available to buy aboard the Vista Cruise. There is also one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge. Please book your lunch directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.

Our picnic lunches

These are created by a local artisan bakery. Please book and pay for the lunch up to the day before you travel. We cannot refund or transfer this payment within 16 hours of departure.

Dietary options include standard, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan or gluten and dairy free.

Gourmet hamper lunch (NZ$40 per person)

camembert cheese with grapes and crackers
vegetable or beef filled croissant
rosemary and thyme potato crisps
couscous salad with pumpkin and kumara
bacon or vegetarian tart
mega blueberry muffin
fresh, seasonal fruit (one item)
still water or fruit juice
Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc 375ml

Please note that licensing laws do not permit wine to be taken off the boat. You can choose a bottle of wine to drink on the boat, or a juice to drink ashore.

Classic picnic lunch (NZ$25 per person)

fresh baked beef or vegetarian roll
vegetarian quiche
chocolate afghan biscuit
seasonal piece of fruit
fruit juice

Lite picnic lunch (NZ$15 per person)
Standard or Vegetarian only

fresh baked beef or vegetarian roll
chocolate afghan biscuit
seasonal piece of fruit

Boat Tour with lunch at Awaroa

We chose to get off at Awaroa and walk 250m to the Lodge, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch in their restaurant. We then had a leisurely walk around the grounds and back along the beach to be picked up, about 2 1/2 hours later. We then enjoyed calling into each bay to pick up the walkers and kayakers who had got off earlier. A fabulous trip and good value for money.

Awaroa Dine & Explore #8

Trip Overview

Trip Route Map & Information

Trip details

Lunch choices

What to bring

Recommended footwear

What to wear walking

What to bring (day trip)

Lunch options

Our picnic lunches

Boat Tour with lunch at Awaroa