New Zealand Walking Tour:
Abel Tasman Walk / Kayak 3 Days
Where
Nelson to Nelson
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Fitness
Frm$1890
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- Start Date Status
- MondayNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Tuesday Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Wednesday Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Thursday Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Friday Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Shoulder Season Dates! September 1 to October 31, April 1 to 30.
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The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s legendary Great Walks—and it’s easy to see why! With golden beaches, native forest, and a sunny, mild climate, it’s a little slice of paradise on the South Island.
This walk & kayak tour is the perfect way to experience the national park by land and sea.
3 days of relaxed hiking and kayaking along the stunning coastline, and 2 nights in cosy lodges, where you can unwind, explore, or simply enjoy the view.
You’ll travel by scenic boat cruise to Totaranui, then walk south in the direction of Marahau, discovering gems like Awaroa Inlet and the golden sands of Onetahuti along the way. Along the coast, you’ll have the chance to kayak in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve ,spot seals, rare dolphins and even penguins, and on land, spot native birds like the tui and pukeko in their natural bush habitats. It’s the perfect way to enjoy nature at your own pace, with a touch of comfort, too!
Tour Itinerary
Frm$1890
Pre Tour
The night before your tour, we’ll drop off a black gear bag at your hotel or motel reception. Use it for your overnight items—it’s yours to keep! Pack only what you need each night; extra luggage can be stored at our walk office on departure day. If we are not able to get the bag to you the night prior, don’t worry, you will still have plenty of time to pack on the morning of your tour, once you arrive at the walk office.
On day one, we’ll pick you up or direct you to safe parking if you’re driving. Day packs are available to borrow, and valuables can be securely stored at the office.
Each day’s kayaking or walking is optional. You’re welcome to hop on any of our scheduled ferry services if you’d prefer a more relaxed journey. If you discover that sea kayaking isn’t quite your thing, feel free to join our 3 Day Walk group, which follows the same beautiful route on foot.
Please note that all itineraries, timetables, and vessel types are subject to change due to weather conditions and tides.
Day 1 Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
Distance:
7km
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead
Start the day with a welcome and tour briefing at the Motueka walk office, with time to organise your gear before departure.
Then we’re off on a scenic drive to beautiful Kaiteriteri (just 20 minutes from Motueka, or an hour from Nelson), where you’ll hop aboard the Vista Cruise. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a stunning 1 hour 40 minute voyage along the dazzling Abel Tasman coastline. Grab a drink from the onboard café, head to the deck, and take in the incredible views.
Arriving at Totaranui, it’s time to stretch your legs and dive into nature with a spectacular 2.5-hour (7km) walk through lush native forest and across golden-sand beaches, leading you to the jaw-dropping Awaroa Inlet. Depending on the tide, you’ll either wade across or catch a quick boat ride to complete this unforgettable journey!
End at Meadowbank Homestead, charmingly set on the edge of the inlet.
MEALS INCLUDED: L D
Day 2 Awaroa to Torrent Bay
Distance:
Walk 7km, Kayak 10km
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Fuel up with a relaxed breakfast, then enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour walk through native bush to Onetahuti Bay. After a quick briefing, jump into your kayak and hit the water.
Paddle through the stunning Tonga Island Marine Reserve—spot fur seals, explore hidden inlets, and cruise past Tonga Quarry and the impressive Arches. Your guide shares stories along the way.
Break for lunch at Bark Bay with time to swim or relax, then keep paddling along the coastline, beach-hopping past Falls River, Frenchman’s Bay, and more breathtaking spots.
Paddle into Torrent Bay Lodge, where a well-earned dinner awaits.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 3 Torrent Bay to Motueka / Nelson
Distance:
Kayak 12km
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before launching your kayak for the final leg of the journey.
Paddle south along the stunning coastline toward Kaiteriteri, passing hidden bays, golden beaches, and the wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island.
Stop for lunch at a peaceful beach, then glide through the clear waters of the Astrolabe Roadstead to the iconic shores of Kaiteriteri. From there, your driver will meet you for the return trip to Motueka and onward to Nelson between 5:30pm and 6pm.
MEALS INCLUDED : B L
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
Based on a twin share. Double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities. Communal lounge with tea and coffee making facilities
Night 1 Beachfront Lodge
Night 2 Beachfront Lodge
An experienced guide
The guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your lodge host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise us of details when you make your booking.
All meals are included in your tour cost. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners.
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders.
Luggage & Transfers
Your luggage is transported for the duration of the tour. All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch. An overnight bag is provided for you to pack your gear into.
All transport
Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
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