If you are fit and want a long, active walk this trip is for you. During the longer daylight hours of summer, our boat schedule allows time to walk from Medlands to Apple Tree Bay along the main Coast Track, through a fascinating range of rainforest glades and panoramic coastal views.
Distance 17km (10.5 miles). Max. elevation 110m (360ft)
If you would like time to relax and explore on a golden beach, we recommend our Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach, 4 hour walk.
This 5-6 hour walk from Medlands to Apple Tree Bay is for fit, active hikers who would rather walk than relax on a beach.
8.55am or 10.10am Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office
9.15 or 10.30am Depart Kaiteriteri
10.20 or 11.55am Arrive at Medlands Beach.
Walk to Apple Tree Bay 17km (10.5 miles); maximum elevation 110m (360ft)
From Medlands Beach to Torrent Bay (7km), the track weaves through fragrant groves of manuka and fern between breathtaking views of the granite coast and lush gullies of mature forest, to reach tranquil forest pools. Cross the rushing Falls River by an impressive suspension bridge.
At Torrent Bay, check tide timetables to decide on the the low tide or high tide route around the inlet.
After the Torrent Bay Inlet, at Anchorage Beach, walk along the golden sand to the centre of beach to find the track marker indicating the route up to the main coastal track. Continue along the well-graded track towards Apple Tree Bay (6km). Here, the native forest opens out with panoramic views across Tasman Bay towards Nelson.
3.55 or 5.40pm Depart Apple Tree Bay
4.15 or 6.00pm Return to Kaiteriteri
If you would like more time for photographs and to stop at beaches along the way, the coastal track from Medlands Beach to Anchorage is the most interesting and varied section. Choose our Swing Bridge Bush & Beach Walk for a 4 hour walk with optional side trips.
We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
