Discover the isolated northern beaches that enchanted Māori and European settlers.
Walk along the spectacular golden sands of Onetahuti Beach and around the Bark Bay waterfall trail.
Start
9.15am
End
6pm
Walking
Awaroa – Medlands Beach
4 hrs
4 hrs
Cruise
to Awaroa 1 hr 30 min
from Medlands 1 hr
from Medlands 1 hr
From
NZ$113 with $5 WEBSAVER
Availability
1 Nov - 31 March
Trip Route Map & Information
From historic Awaroa Beach walk 4 hours to Medlands via Onetahuti, Tonga Quarry and Bark Bay waterfall trail.
9.15am Depart Kaiteriteri for the scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve with its resident seal colony
10.55am Disembark on the Awaroa sandspit – a long stretch of golden sand with panoramic views of the largest estuary on the coast. Explore this historic area, with relics from Māori and European settlement. Continue exploring on the 5km (3 mile) walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti (gentle grade up to maximum elevation 85m/280ft). Here a unique board walk and bridge – designed by local Māori – leads through the forest to spectacular golden sands.
Walk along the beach and over the headland to explore historic Tonga Quarry. End your walk here (see Awaroa Pioneer Trail #9) or continue 4.1km (2.5 miles) over Tonga Saddle and around the Bark Bay inlet with its spectacular suspension bridge, along the waterfall trail to Medlands Beach.
5.05pm Depart Medlands Beach
6pm Return to Kaiteriteri
What to bring
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.
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.
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 9.20 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.