Abel Tasman 5 Day Guided Kayak & Walk

Experience the Abel Tasman coast from Totaranui to Kaiteriteri with plenty of time to relax, walk, kayak, and explore parts of the national park many visitors don’t get to see. Enjoy two nights at each of our beachfront lodges at Torrent Bay and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa.

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Book departures in September, October or April. Shoulder season rates are displayed in the booking table.

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Trip Route Map & Information

Stay longer, go slower, and immerse deeper into the National Park. Walk, kayak or relax by the beach.

Please confirm start times with us before you book connecting airline flights.
The longer daylight hours of summer usually allow a more leisurely start to your trip, with pick-up time in Nelson from 10.15 am. There is an earlier start time for low season trips..

Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Tōtaranui

Take a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri.

Board our comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Tōtaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.

From Tōtaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead – a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.

Approximate times
Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 mins from Motueka

Cruise Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui – 1 hour 40 mins

Walk Tōtaranui to Awaroa – 2.5 hours (7km/4.3 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

Trip details
*Early times apply trips during our shoulder season (before December 20 and after 31 March).

Pick up in Nelson: from 10.15am (from *7.00am)
Pick in Motueka: from 11.15am (from *8.15am)
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 11.30am (*8.15am)

11.30 (8.30)am Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.

1.00pm (9.20am) Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.

2.40pm (11.20am) Arrive Tōtaranui.
From Tōtaranui, walk through native forest and golden beaches to the Awaroa Inlet. Continue the walk across the inlet if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast.

5pm (approx.) Enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet. Freshen up with a hot shower in your ensuite room while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. Local beer and wine is available for purchase at our in-house bar.

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

Relax over breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Your guide will help you create your perfect day whether you want to be active in Awaroa’s beautiful surrounds or just savour the comfort and tranquillity of Meadowbank.

Optional activities
– explore Awaroa estuary on foot (up to 4 hours) or kayak (up to 2 hours; tides permitting)
– visit early European and pre-European historical sites
– unwind on the beach
– relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead

Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Wake to breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti where your guide will settle you into your stable, double kayak with full instructions and safety briefing. You’ll then kayak through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and explore hidden inlets on the way to Torrent Bay.

Approximate times
Walk from Awaroa to Onetahuti – 1.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles); max. elevation 85m/280ft

Sea kayak from Onetahuti to Torrent Bay – 4 hours (10km/6 miles)

Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge

Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner

Trip details

9.30am depart Awaroa for the scenic walk to Onetahuti, which features a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi (Maori tribe). Stroll along the golden sands and enjoy refreshments supplied by your guide.

11am After instructions and safety brief, your guide will lead the way to Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Weather permitting, kayak to the seal colony where New Zealand fur seals breed. Floating on clear, turquoise waters paddle past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, where your guide will share stories about the unusual granite features and relics from the historic quarry.

12 noon Stop for lunch at sheltered Bark Bay, where you can take time out to explore, swim or relax on the golden sand. After lunch, continue beach hopping along the coast with picture-postcard views, including the Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay.

4.30pm (approx.) Paddle into beautiful Torrent Bay with its village of beachfront holiday houses including our Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits.

Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay

Your guide will happily help you choose what to do today, whether you want to head off on adventures or just relax at the beachfront lodge.

Optional activities
– walk through breathtaking virgin forest up to the waterfalls on Falls River
– kayak or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool
– walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage beach and picturesque Te Pukatea cove visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way
– unwind on glorious Torrent Bay beach
– relax and enjoy the comforts of the lodge

Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge

Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri/Motueka/Nelson

Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and a hearty breakfast to set you up for paddling to Te Pukatea Bay and past the islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Kaiteriteri.

Approximate times
Sea kayak from Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri – 4.5 hours (12km)

Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson

Meals included: breakfast, morning tea, lunch

Trip details

9.30am Launch your kayak from Torrent Bay and paddle southwards along the coast while your guide shares stories of early explorers, shows you bays and beaches, and introduces you to the predator-free wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island. If the wind is with you, you may get to hoist a specially designed sail to ride the sea breeze.

12 noon Stop for lunch and a rest at a sheltered beach, then continue your journey through azure waters to the famous Kaiteriteri beach.

3.30pm Arrive at Kaiteriteri where our driver will meet you for the return journey to Motueka and Nelson.

4pm Arrive Motueka.

5.30–6pm: Arrive Nelson.

Start/Finish times

Please confirm times with us before you book connecting airline flights.
After NZ Daylight Saving ends in April, all trips start early with pick up in Nelson 7.15–7.40am and Motueka 8.15am for the Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri at 9.20am.
If Start/Finish times don't suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.

Other important information

Walking and kayaking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. This flexibility is ideal for couples or groups with different interests and abilities.
Our 5 Day Kayak & Walk runs at the same time as our 5 Day Walk, so members of your travelling party can book different options, meeting up at the lodges in the evening.
We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types.
All travel is subject to weather and tides which may cause delay or cancellation.

What to bring

Footwear

Good sports/hiking shoes. Kayakers must carry walking shoes in case of an emergency
Shoes for tidal crossings and/or kayaking, fixed at the heel
Light shoes or slippers to wear at the lodges
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.

Clothing

Quick-dry and thermal fibres are recommended for walking and kayaking. Avoid cotton as it takes a long time to dry. Layers are the key to comfort:

Thermal layer close to your skin. In the cooler months (Apr - Oct), bring extra thermal layers and socks
Quick-dry shorts and t-shirts
Warm wool or polarfleece layer
Waterproof jacket with hood (disposable rain coats are for sale at our offices)
Kayakers need an extra set of hiking clothes in case you get wet

Other essentials

Re-usable water bottle to be filled at our office and lodges
Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
Hand sanitiser (please no tissues or hand wipes as they add to litter to the park)
Phone/Camera with charger and memory card
Swimwear and beach towel (optional)
In-house bar takes credit card or Eftpos (no cash)
Essential personal medication must be carried with you each day

If you choose a self-guided walk option, please bring a cellphone and personal first-aid kit for your safety.

Overnight gear to be packed into the Lodge Luggage Bag that we supply.

Casual evening clothes and light footwear
Underwear, including socks and sleepwear
Personal toiletries
Flashlight/torch (on rare occasions, our generated electricity can fail)
Sleep apnoea machines and battery chargers can be run on our generated electricity

Cellphone reception varies depending on your service provider. Click through to WiFi Internet and Cellphone Access for details.

Please do not bring valuable items or travel documents. There is safe storage at our Motueka office.

Click here to download your packing list. (PDF file)

As well as a wonderful holiday experience with skilled, friendly hosts, chefs and boat crew, your trip includes:

all meals from lunch on your first day to lunch on the last day of your trip. Our innovative wilderness menus are sourced from environmentally responsible providers. Enjoy full cooked and continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and three course dinners
fresh fruit, hot drinks, water, and a range of snack foods are available throughout the day
all linen (bedding and towels) at the lodges
waterproof plastic liners for bags
30 litre daypacks are available to borrow
40 litre lodge luggage bag (47x35x25cm) is yours to keep. Click here for image and dimensions.
Free Wifi at our lodges

WE RECOMMEND FOR WALKING:
Comfortable walking shoes or sports sandals. Heavy hiking boots are not necessary on the well-formed coastal track. You can wear them if you prefer.

WE RECOMMEND FOR TIDAL CROSSINGS
Light shoes with fixed heel for walking on shells, rock and sand for short distances. They will get wet. There is time to change into walking shoes after tidal crossing.

NOT RECOMMENDED
Slides, jandals, flip-flops etc.

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

Disconnect for a real wilderness experience, but if you are unable to travel technology-free, WiFi and cellphone coverage is limited. There is free WiFi at our lodges.

Cellphone coverage can be found on headlands or high points in line-of-sight to transmission points. Coverage varies depending on your service provider. Check coverage maps for One NZ (was Vodafone) and/or Spark.

Project Janzoon charitable environmental trust maintains WiFi hotspots through the park, located at:

Marahau park entrance
Anchorage campground
Bark Bay hut and campground
Totaranui

Use of their WiFi network requires a NZ$5 donation to the trust, payable by credit card.

Before going into the park, we recommend downloading the Project Janszoon App, with fascinating stories about the environment and history of Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman National Park is a great place to visit any time. We have the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, year round and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. Most NZ trees are evergreen, so our native forest is colourful in all seasons and temperatures are mild year-round.

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

Our busiest time is January/February but outside of these times the park is just as spectacular. During our cooler months (April - September), days are often sunny and calm. This is the best time for photography and viewing the wildlife.

Our beachfront lodges have cosy fires in the living areas, and are centrally heated, so you can relax in comfort, year-round.

Let us know where you're staying the night before your trip with us so. We pick up from the main accommodation providers in Nelson city, and along Highway 60 between Nelson and Motueka.

Nelson has many wonderful B&Bs and private homes located in the hills around Nelson. It is not possible to access all of these properties and provide a timely service that suits all guests' travel itineraries. Please note pick up for Mapua is on Highway 60 at the junction with Mapua Drive.

For most departures we pick up at Nelson Airport if you arrive before 10 am. The exception is trips with early departure: most Wednesdays and all trips outside of daylight savings time (end of September to start of April).

Go to Multiday Coach Pickup for a Google Map showing pick up and drop off points around Nelson.

On the last day of your trip, our driver returns you to accessible locations in Motueka and Nelson, including Nelson Airport for flights departing after 6.30 pm.

We give you a complimentary lodge luggage bag for overnight gear to be transported to our lodges by boat. Bring your own day pack if you like, or borrow one of our specially designed 30 litre day packs, available at our office.

We have secure storage at our office for excess baggage. If you are staying at the same accommodation when you return from your trip, you may find it more convenient to store luggage there.

Click here for details and dimensions of your complimentary lodge luggage bag.

Packing for your trip
The start of your trip is more enjoyable if you pack as much as possible before your pick up.

Let us know where you are staying the night before your trip with us. We can deliver your lodge luggage bag to main accommodation providers in Nelson city and Motueka.

If delivery is not possible, or you are flying into Nelson on the day your trip starts, your lodge luggage bag will be available at our office. To arrange your luggage with ease and speed at the office please separate into two bags:

Overnight gear in one bag ready to transfer into your lodge luggage bag.
If you wish to borrow a day pack, have the day’s requirements separated into a small bag.

For more details, download our Pre-Trip Welcome Information (PDF file) or go to our What to Bring Pages:

Guided Multiday Trip What to Bring.

Self-Guided Multiday Trip What to Bring.

We welcome solo travellers. No extra charge if you can share a room with a person of the same gender.

To guarantee a single room we charge and additional 50% on standard rate during high season.

During shoulder seasons (1-31 October, 20-31 January or 1-30 April) the single supplement is standard rate plus 30%.

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 for your day trip, please click through to Kayak Day Trip Cancellation Conditions.

For a multiday trip with us, kayaking each day is optional and you're welcome to join the walking group or catch a boat if you're not enjoying the kayaking. For a gentle introduction to kayaking, our 5-Day Walk can include a taste of kayaking in the sheltered lagoons close to our lodges (no special booking or extra charge required).

If you self-drive to our Motueka office on the morning of departure, please meet at the time indicated on your itinerary and we will direct you to parking for the duration of your time in the national park.

Parking is off-street but not secured. Please do not leave valuables in your car. There is lock-up storage at our Motueka Office.

We provide coach transfers from most accommodation places in Nelson and Motueka.

We provide buoyancy vests so swimming ability is not essential.

If you follow your guide's instructions, it is highly unlikely that you will fall out of your kayak. If this does happen, your buoyancy vest will keep you afloat and your guide will safely rescue you.

Of course! All of our kayak trips use stable double kayaks, with the guide in a single kayak. If you are on your own, your guide will pair you with another single traveller, or your guide will share a double kayak with you.

Click here for Kayak Risk Disclosure.

Book online to pay in full and secure best available room. To pay deposit only, complete booking details then "cancel payment". Your booking is held for 7 days. We contact you to arrange payment of deposit. Read more...

Amazing Experience

Wow this trip was incredible! Highly recommend the five day trip. Knowledgeable guides, great food! Kayaking in the estuary was a highlight. Couldn’t recommend ... our guide and ... our chef more.

Ellie - Sep 2023

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