Abel Tasman Relaxed Adventure Tour Itinerary

Our launch departs from beautiful Kaiteriteri beach, sit back, have a hot drink and enjoy a leisurely cruise North along the bush clad coastline. This is a great way to orientated to the layout of the Abel Tasman National Park. Your destination, Totaranui is a 1 km (½ Mile) golden sandy beach at the northern end, the top of the park. Your southbound journey starts here.

In keeping with our flexible philosophy you can either stay and chill on the beach or follow the golden sands north to Anapai Bay before heading to your home for the night Meadowbank Homestead in Awaroa. The two-hour walk is spectacular and the trail takes you through rainforest with lush specimens of rata and Nikau palm before crossing over the Awaroa estuary while hearing its fascinating history.

Approximate Times

• Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – from Nelson 1 hours, from Motueka 20 mins
• Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours.
• Walk - 2 hours (6 kms, 3.7 miles) plus tidal crossing
• Maximum elevation 60 m (200 ft)

Meals: Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Beachfront Lodge in Awaroa Inlet - 2 Nights

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 the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman by kayak or foot (tides permitting)
• Take the day off -  sunbathe at the beach
• Visit interesting early pre-European & European historical sites
• Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead in Awaroa

Approximate Times

Walks: up to 4 hours
Optional kayaking: up to 2 hours (tides permitting)

Meals: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

Another day, another picture postcard setting. Today you have 3 great ways to get to Torrent Bay... 

1 - Walking

This morning enjoy the short walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti where you can again relax on another sandy beach; this one however, is flanked by impressive granite headlands surrounded by unusual rock formations - perhaps a side trip to the Tonga Quarry historic site is in order. Bark Bay for lunch – relax or explore, sunbathe or swim. Your afternoon stroll enjoys a succession of magnificent views of headlands, beaches, estuaries, walking through lush native forest and even crossing a classic New Zealand swing bridge at the Falls River.

Section 1:  6 km (3.5 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.

2 - Kayaking and Walking 

Enjoy the best of both worlds with the option of both kayaking and walking. Walk from Awaroa to Onetahuti (as above). Kayak to the Seal Colony on Tonga Island where fur seals breed. Kayak through clear waters as you cruise past Tonga Quarry and Arches, A lunch stop at sheltered Bark Bay before continuing you continue beach hopping along the coast into Torrent Bay to be welcomed with refreshments and a hot shower in your ensuite room. Note: Training and safety brief included.Traveling solo is not a problem, your guide will find a suitable partner for you.

• Walk to Onetahuti 1.5 hours, 4 kms (2.4 miles), Sea Kayak to Torrent Bay 4 hours 10 kms (6.2 miles)

3 - The Leisurely Options  

Perhaps you could split the day and Sail & Walk - or Just take it easy and take the afternoon departure sailing to Torrent Bay

• Sail & Walk: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.
• Sail: 3.00 pm, board the Vista catamaran at Medlands Beach (Bark Bay) to cruise to Torrent Bay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Beachfront Lodge, Torrent Bay - 2 Nights

A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an active or relaxing day to suit you.

Options include:

• Walk through first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River
• Canoe in the estuary and swim in the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool (tides permitting)
• Walk to the calm golden beaches of Anchorage, visit historic Maori sites at Pitt Head

Approximate Times:

Optional walking (up to 5 hours, 10 km) and canoeing (tide dependant)

Meals include: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner.

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.

• Walk 4-5 hours, depending on tides (13 - 16 kms, 8 - 10 miles)
• Maximum elevation 110 m (360 ft)

For less walking time: Join the Vista Cruise at Torrent Bay, Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay to cruise to Kaiteriteri.

Return Transfer: Our driver meets you at Marahau (or Kaiteriteri) to return you to Motueka (4.30 pm) or Nelson (5.30 - 6.00 pm)

Meals: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch.

As well as a wonderful holiday experience, your adventure includes:

• All top quality kayaking gear, with full instructions and safety brief: stable double kayak, buoyancy aid, spray jacket and dry bags to keep gear dry. (We cannot guarantee to keep delicate cameras or electronic gear dry so these are taken at your risk in the kayak).
• Delicious fresh meals prepared by our skilled Lodge Hosts (dinner, breakfast, picnic lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, morning and afternoon teas).
• Accommodation in share twin/double room with ensuite bathroom, including wonderful hot showers and all bedding
• No worries about lugging around heavy luggage. Lodge luggage bag and use of a daypack, with transfer and storage of luggage is included.* 
• You choose how much walking or kayaking you want to do each day as you can join any scheduled boat service operated by us.
• Track notes, maps and advice from our expert guides to help you design each day to be as active or relaxed as you wish.
• All scheduled coach transfers from and to Motueka or Nelson

*If you have extra luggage you are sure will not be needed on your trip with us, and you are staying at the same accommodation before and after your trip, you might prefer to leave your luggage there.