Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park 1-5 Day Walks (Guided or Independent)

Walks in Abel Tasman National Park offer freedom and flexibility in this gentle, paradise where lush native forests give way to golden sands and azure water.

The highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand with sea breezes in summer and calm, crisp days in winter makes walking a pleasure, year-round.

You can choose to walk independently, or explore the Abel Tasman with one of our, knowledgeable, friendly, guides who will have many stories to tell of the fascinating cultural and natural history of Abel Tasman National Park.

A minimum of 2 nights/3 days is recommended to experience the full length of the spectacular coast from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui, staying one night in each of the Wilson’s two Beachfront Eco Lodges.

Stay two nights at each Lodge for the most relaxing way to experience everything the Park has to offer. Itineraries are flexible and can be designed to suit your interests, abilities and schedules.

2 Day, 1 Night Guided Walk

• If you are on a tight schedule, we can design the best overnight experience to suit you. Laze on a golden beach, walk, sea kayak or take a boat cruise, the choice is yours.

Departures: Daily on request.

3 Day, 2 Night Guided Walk

• Ideal for people short on time, wanting to walk the length of the 38 km Abel Tasman Coast Track. Stay one night at Torrent Bay Lodge and the other at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa.
• The itinerary is the same as days 1, 3 and 5 of the 5 Day/4 night trip (below), noting that the trip may be reversed on some departures.

Departures: year round, departing Monday (Southbound), Wednesday and Saturday (Northbound).

5 Day, 4 Night Guided Walk

Take five days to be as active or relaxed as you wish with three days walking the 38 km Coast Track and 2 extra days at each of your Beachfront Lodges – relax or explore parts of the park most visitors don’t get to see.

Day One: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

• Depart from Wilsons Office, Motueka or accommodation pickups, Nelson 7.30am, Motueka 8.30am
• Bus to Kaiteriteri and cruise along the National Park coastline from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui (2 hours)
• Relax at Totaranui, or take a walk through rainforest on the Pukatea Loop (approx 1.5 hours)
• Walk south approximately 2 hours from Totaranui to the fascinating Awaroa estuary
• Spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa
• Includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Explore Awaroa

• Let your guide design your day to as active or relaxed as you wish, options include:
  • Explore the largest tidal estuary in the Park 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 – Awaroa
  • Includes breakfast morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

• Depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti
• Relax on the beach flanked by impressive granite headlands & visit Tonga Quarry historic site
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and take time out to relax, explore or swim
• In the afternoon, enjoy the views as you walk through native forest, cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront
• Walking time 6-7 hours (17 kms), includes breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch & dinner

Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay

• A day of Choices! Let your guide plan an adventurous or relaxing day to suit you, options include:
  • Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River
  • Canoe in the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra’s Pool (tides permitting)
  • Walk to the protected beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit historic Maori sites
  • Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson

• Well graded final section of Abel Tasman coast track, Torrent Bay to Marahau – 4 hours (13 kms)
• Stop for lunch at any one of the bays, then walk the last leg to Marahau
• Your coach meets you to return to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm)
• Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon tea and lunch

Departures: year round, departing every Tuesday and Friday.

Other Information

• Day packs and safe excess luggage and car storage available
• The direction of the Guided Walk may be reversed on some departures
• Keep in mind walking each day is optional, you are welcome to travel on scheduled ferry services
• If start/finish times do not suit your itinerary, contact us to make alternative arrangements

Location

Wilsons Head Office, Main Road, Motueka, New Zealand.