Southern 1 Day Park Walk

For the best value trip featuring the golden beaches and forests of Abel Tasman National Park, this is the trip for you.

Cruise from Kaiteriteri through the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay and land on the golden sands of Anchorage Beach.

There is a short uphill walk to the coastal track, then an easy 5 km walk to Apple Tree Bay through lush forest with panoramic views of the coast towards Nelson.

Rejoin the Vista Cruise at Apple Tree Bay to return to Kaiteriteri.

Extended Option:
Cruise all the way to Totaranui (2 hrs) then return to Anchorage (1 hr) to start your walk to Apple Tree Bay.

Trip Route Map & Information

Walk 2 hrs Anchorage to Apple Tree Bay with return boat transfers to Kaiteriteri. The best value day walk in the park.

Trip details

9.20am or 1pm Depart Kaiteriteri to cruise through the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay and Anchorage.
10.05am or 1.35pm (12.20pm on the extended option) Disembark at Anchorage Beach to walk up to the coastal track with spectacular views over Tasman Bay towards Nelson. Follow the coastal track to Apple Tree Bay.
*12.35, 3.55 or 5.50 pm** Vista Cruise departs Apple Tree Bay
*12.55, 4.15 or 6pm** Return to Kaiteriteri

* Later return available 1 November to 31 March

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.

Download/print a full list of what to bring

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. 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 smoked or roast chicken & 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.

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.

Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill section.

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.

Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.They assist with balance, and relieve pressure on knee and ankle joints.

Damage cause 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 Max. Temps (°C/°F)	Mean Daily Min. Temps (°C/°F)	Average Rain Days (>1mm)
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

Walk

Kayak

Lodges

Boats

Things to do

Plan & Prepare

Information

Deals

Southern 1 Day Park Walk

Trip Route Map & Information

Trip details

What to bring

Picnic Lunches

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

FAQ

Southern 1 Day Park Walk

Trip Route Map & Information

Trip details

What to bring

What to bring (day trip)

Lunch options

Picnic Lunches

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

What to wear walking

Do I need walking poles?

FAQ

What will the weather be like?