Our kayaking and walking combination for the shorter daylight hours of our low season, 1 May to 30 September.
Vista Cruise into Torrent Bay in the heart of the park, then kayak to Medlands Beach, pausing to watch the seals on Pinnacle Island. Land at Medlands Beach to walk the waterfall trail around Bark Bay before rejoining the Vista Cruise to return to Kaiteriteri.
Our best low season option for kayaking in the heart of the park. See seals, enjoy beach time or a waterfall walk.
| 9am Meet your guide at Kaiteriteri (or meet at Torrent Bay 10.15am if you are already in the park). |
| 9.20am Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a scenic cruise past the islands and golden coves of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay. |
|
10.05am On the golden, sandy beach in front of our Torrent Bay Lodge, your friendly, expert guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full instructions and safety brief. Then it's on to the water to explore the coves and islands of the granite coast. Your guide ensures you make the most of the day depending on the tides, weather conditions, and your interests and abilities. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast. Enjoy watching the antics of the seals on Pinnacle Island (weather permitting). |
| 12.30pm Lunch at Medlands Beach then relax on the beach or walk the Waterfall Trail (3km, 1 hr 30 min) around Bark Bay Inlet. |
| 3.10pm Pick up at Medlands Beach to cruise back to Kaiteriteri. View seals at Adele Island on your return journey. |
| 4.15pm Return to Kaiteriteri. |
The Abel Tasman region enjoys glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes.
Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary.
Footwear for kayaking is optional. Light shoes or water socks are best. Your feet will get wet.
Always bring shoes and socks for walking, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be necessary.
We provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. On cooler days, we provide booties (bring socks for lining) and gloves for added comfort.
Not recommended: cotton clothing, especially denim. It is very heavy and cold when wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.
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 recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
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.
You are welcome to bring your own lunch. The Vista Cruise has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals.
If you would like a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please give us your order by 6 pm the night before your trip.
You can buy food at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow time as the shop can be busy when boats are departing. 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 can cater for most dietary requirements. The menus below all have vegetarian, vegan, gluten, nut and dairy-free options with similar ingredients, modified to suit special diets.
Classic picnic lunch (NZ$25 per person)
Lite picnic lunch (NZ$15 per person)
Standard or Vegetarian only
Gourmet hamper lunch (NZ$40 per person)
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 |
We can book coach connections for you from most accommodation providers in the Nelson/Motueka region. Please contact us to book discounted transfers.
For maps showing ScenicNZ pick up locations click on these links:
Go to Bus Connections for more details and fares.
The Abel Tasman is renowned for its protected coastline but it's impossible to guarantee conditions in the marine environment. When sea and weather are calm, sea kayaking is easy and very little skill or strength is required.
Double kayaks are used for stability, enjoyment and the advantage of having two people sharing the paddling effort.
You need to be prepared for variable conditions in the outdoors. Sometimes, you might have to paddle against the wind to the nearest beach. Our qualified Guides are trained to reduce the chance of this, and assist if needed.
Guides provide full training and, if their instructions are followed, kayaking is safe and fun. Our boat crew provides full back-up so if kayaking becomes too difficult through the day you can leave your kayak at a beach and walk or take the boat.
If you're worried about the weather, please click through to Kayak Cancellation Conditions.
