Your luggage: If you let us know where you are staying in Nelson, your complimentary Lodge Luggage Bag (to be transported to our lodges by boat) will be delivered to your accommodation. If you are arriving in the region on the morning of your trip with us, your Lodge Luggage bag will be available at our Motueka office, with time to repack.
Secure luggage storage for gear you don't want in the National Park, and a safe for valuables is available at our Motueka office.
On the morning of your departure we pick you up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car, we’ll direct you to safe parking from our office in Motueka. Day Packs are available to borrow here if you would like one.
Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui we echo the contours of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks and enjoy a hot drink from the cafe. From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa inlet. Here, a warm kiwi welcome awaits you at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family's original home on the "finest site in the bay".
Pick up Nelson (10.15 - 10.45 am) or Motueka (11.30 am) or if you are self driving please meet at our office by 11.30 am. Low season departures (19 April to 19 October) have an earlier start time. See Start/Finish Times (below) for more details.
Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
1.00 pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot & cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks and bathroom facilities on board.
From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa.
Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
At Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet, you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks and fine food. Here you’ll find comfortable accommodation full of history and kiwi charm.
pproximate Times:
Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri from Nelson (1 hour) or Motueka (20 mins)
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours
Walk - 2 hours (6 kms, 3.7 miles) including tidal crossing
Maximum elevation 60 m (200 ft)
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 2: Explore Awaroa
Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast and sweeping views across Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the lodge and perhaps a coffee on the verandah watching the movement of the tides over golden sand. Then, let your guide design your day to be as active or relaxed as you wish with another night at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.
Options include:
Explore Awaroa estuary on foot or by kayak (tides permitting)
Visit early European and pre-European historical sites
Unwind on the beach
Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead.
Approximate Times:
Walking time: up to 4 hours (optional)
Optional kayaking: up to 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
After a relaxing night’s sleep and home-cooked breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea at Meadowbank, you’ll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. If you're not feeling energetic, your Guide will arrange for a boat ride so can choose the amount of walking to suit.
Section 1: 5 km (3 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft)
9 am (approx.) leave Awaroa to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, then walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach.
Continue on to explore the historic sites and picturesque golden cove of Tonga Quarry beach.
Section 2: 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)
From Tonga Quarry, walk over a forested saddle and around the Waterfall Trail to Bark Bay.
Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands.
Section 3: 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)
From Bark Bay, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through shady gullies of mature Beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of Manuka framing coastal vistas.
Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue on to Torrent Bay.
Around 4.30 pm: A welcome awaits at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beachfront. This was the Wilson family’s holiday home, now tastefully extended and renovated to include all modern comforts whist keeping its relaxed, beach holiday atmosphere.
Leisurely options:
11.50 am, board the Vista catamaran at Tonga Quarry. Cruise to Bark Bay to join the rest of your group for lunch or continue on to Torrent Bay.
3.00 pm, board the Vista catamaran at Medlands Beach (Bark Bay) to cruise to Torrent Bay.
Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (16 kms, 10 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
A day of choices! Let your Guide plan a day to be as adventurous or relaxing as you like with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach.
Options include:
Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River;
Canoe 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;
Relax on the beach at Torrent Bay.
Approximate Times:
Optional walking: up to 5 hours (10 kms, 6 miles)
Optional canoeing: tide dependant
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Then on your final day, walk the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panaromic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Along the way you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'Urville in 1827.
Depart Torrent Bay Lodge at about 9.00 am
Around midday, stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views of the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
Our driver meets you at Marahau (or Kaiteriteri) to return you to Motueka (4.30 pm) or Nelson (5.30 - 6.00 pm)**.
For less walking time:
Join the Vista Cruise at Torrent Bay, Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay to cruise to Kaiteriteri.
Approximate times:
Walk 4-5 hours, depending on tides (13 - 16 kms, 8 - 10 miles)
Maximum elevation 110 m (360 ft)
Scenic drive Marahau/Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hour)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch
Start/Finish times
The direction of this trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson (7.15 - 7.40 am) and Motueka (8.15 am).
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.
Important Additional Information:
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