Trail running at its finest along the well-formed Abel Tasman Coast Track with comfortable lodge accommodation.
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Wainui
Join our coach service from Nelson, or self-drive to meet us in Motueka. Leave excess baggage at our office in Motueka and pick up your lunch.
In Motueka, board our coach to take in the panoramic views on the drive over the Takaka Hill to Wainui.
Run the isolated northern section of the Coastal Track through groves of Nikau palms and along secluded golden-sand beaches. The track from Wainui to Totaranui is well-marked and easy to follow but there is no boat back-up and cell phone coverage is patchy.
From Tōtaranui, run 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 and distances
Scenic drive to Wainui – 2 hours from Nelson, or 1 hour 20 mins from Motueka
Run Wainui to Tōtaranui - 15.5kms (10 miles); maximum elevation 200m/650ft
Run Tōtaranui to Awaroa – 9km (5.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: Dinner
Trip details
Pick up in Nelson: from 6am
Pick in Motueka: from 7am
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 7.30am
7.30am Welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, and pick up your lunch before departing to Wainui by coach. Check if a barge transfer will be required at the Awaroa inlet - this will depend on tide times for the day.
9.30am Start your run from Wainui. You can add extra mileage by taking the Separation Point track (steep, narrow, and includes rocks and tree roots to negotiate).
Arrive by 5.00pm (approx.) to 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: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
Wake to breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Your run today follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Choose how much running you want to do; your hosts will arrange boat transfers if required.
Approximate distances
Run in 3 sections
1. Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry –8km (5 miles); maximum elevation 85m (280ft)
2. Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 5km (3 miles); maximum elevation 120m (400ft)
3. Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km (4.4 miles); maximum elevation 105m (340ft)
If you want more running, your hosts will have details and maps for trails around the Torrent Bay inlet
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri/Motueka/Nelson
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s run can follow the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. For more of a challenge, run the inland track from Torrent Bay to Marahau.
Approximate distances
Main coastal track: 13– 6km (8–10 miles); maximum elevation 110m (360ft)
Inland Track via Holyoake Clearing: 25 kms (15 miles); elevation 590m (1,900ft)
Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson
Meals included: breakfast & lunch
4pm: Arrive Motueka
5.30–6pm: Arrive Nelson.
Other important information
- 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.
