Stay longer, slow down, and immerse yourself deeper into Abel Tasman National Park. Choose to walk or relax.
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 most Wednesday departures and low season trips.
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 (9km/5.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip details
*Early times apply to 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 *8.15 am)
If you are self-driving please meet at our office by 11.30am (*8.30am)
11.30 (*8.15)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.
Walk from Tōtaranui 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.
Relax over breakfast overlooking 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
Your walk today follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Wake up to another relaxing breakfast in Meadowbank’s lovely surrounds then choose how much walking you want to do; your guide will arrange boat transfers to suit your needs.
Trip details
9.30am Depart Awaroa for the scenic walk to Onetahuti, which features a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by the ocal iwi (Maori tribe). Stroll along the golden sands and enjoy refreshments supplied by your guide.
11.30am Before climbing the low saddle out of Onetahuti, explore the site of Tonga Quarry and hear stories of the 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 Relax over lunch at Bark Bay where there’s a shelter, picnic tables, and modern toilets. Rest 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.
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
Wake up to golden light over the water 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. This is a day rich in history, too, as your guide recount stories of how major landmarks were named by early explorers.
Trip details
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.
12 noon (approx.) Stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island.
2.30–3pm Finish your leisurely walk at Mārahau, at the end of coastal track. Here, our driver meets you for the return journey to Motueka via Kaiteriteri where you collect your overnight luggage from the boat..
4pm Arrive Motueka
5.30–6pm: Arrive Nelson
Start/Finish times
Other important information