Much more than accommodation at the only lodges right on the beach in Abel Tasman National Park. Minimum 2 night stay.
This walking itinerary is only a suggestion for a lodge stay with us. You join walkers for meals and transfers and are welcome to relax or explore around the lodge each day.
Board our comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.
Disembark at Awaroa, or continue up the coast to Totaranui.
From Totaranui, 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’.
Note: there is no high tide track around the Awaroa Inlet. If you will not reach the Inlet within 2 hours of low tide, discuss the options for boat transfers with your hosts.
Approximate times
Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 mins from Motueka
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – 2.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip details
9.20am or *1.00pm Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri.
11.20am or *2.20pm Arrive Awaora.
From Totaranui, walk to the Awaroa Inlet through lush native forest featuring Pohutukawa and Nikau Palms. Walk across the estuary at low tide, or take a boat ride over the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast at high tide.
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.
Wake to breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Your walk today follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Choose how much walking you want to do; your host will arrange boat transfers if required.
Approximate times
Walk in 3 sections of 2 hours each
1. Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry –6km/3.5 miles; maximum elevation 85m/280ft
2. Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 4km/2.5 miles; maximum elevation 120m/400ft
3. Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 105m/340ft
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Recommended itinerary
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 rest a while.
11.30am Before climbing the low saddle out of Onetahuti, explore the site of Tonga Quarry with its unusual granite features and historic relics. Descend to Bark Bay via the Waterfall Trail featuring views of the cascade from a sturdy swing bridge.
1.30–2.30pm Stop for lunch at Bark Bay where there’s a shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. Relax in the shade, explore the bay or refresh with a swim. After lunch, you’ll walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through verdant gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and groves of fragrant manuka framing coastal vistas. Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue to Torrent Bay.
4.30pm (approx.) Arrive at beautiful Torrent Bay with its village of beachfront holiday houses including our Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits.
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s walk follows the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson.
Approximate times
* Walk 4–5 hours (depending on tides) – 13– 6km/8–10 miles; maximum elevation 110m/360ft
Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson
Meals included: breakfast & lunch
Recommended Itinerary
9am Depart Torrent Bay Lodge. The tides will determine whether you walk around the inlet taking in views overlooking Anchorage Beach, or take the fun short-cut across the inlet to reach the main coastal track.
12pm Stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island.
2.30–3pm Finish your leisurely walk at Marahau, at the end of coastal track, where our driver will meet you for the return journey to Motueka via Kaiteriteri where you’ll collect your overnight luggage from the boat.
4pm Arrive Motueka
5.30–6pm Arrive Nelson.
Start/Finish times
Other important information