Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Day Walks

A park for all seasons, Abel Tasman National Park is spectacular year-round.

Sling on a day-pack and head out to meet paradise where gentle, evergreen beech forests give way to golden sands and glistening water.

Here, sunshine is in endless supply and the only sounds are made by azure waters moving with the tide.

Only one day in Paradise?

• Travel in style on the fast, safe, comfortable Vista Cruise to the beach of your choice. Relax or take a walk (options below). Time ashore varies depending on scheduled boat service chosen.

• Enjoy comprehensive commentary and interpretation to introduce you to this fascinating coast.

• Golden sand beaches, native forest, spectacular coastal views and swimming opportunities in calm, azure waters feature on every walk in Abel Tasman National Park.

• No need to take a full day. With three Vista Cruise sailings and two Vigour Water Taxi sailings per day (October to April), you can enjoy a Cruise & Walk in the morning or afternoon (reduced timetable May to September).

• Departures from Kaiteriteri with bus connections to Motueka, Nelson and Marahau.

Northern Cruise & Walk

Dine & Stride

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise along the magnificent Abel Tasman coast, view the seal colony on the way
• Enjoy lunch at the Awaroa Lodge & Cafe (additional cost, please book) or take your own picnic
• Stay put or walk 1.5 hours (4 kms) from Awaroa to Tonga Beach, (check times for tidal crossing)
• Pick up from Tonga Beach & Awaroa for cruise back to Kaiteriteri, time ashore 2.5 – 3.5 hours

Great Day Out

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise the length of the Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui
• View the seal colony along the way, then return to the golden expanse of Anchorage
• Walk an easy 3.5 hours (11.5kms) of the track to join your coach at 4 or 5.30 in Marahau

Southern Cruise & Walk

Bark Bay Falls

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise along the magnificent Abel Tasman coast to Medlands Beach
• Laze on the golden sands or walk 10 min’s to Bark Bay beach & then around the stunning estuary to Bark Bay Falls, 1 hour, return for your pick up at Medlands Beach, time ashore 1.45 – 5.45 hours

Seals & Beach

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise the magnificent Abel Tasman coastline to the golden expanse of Onetahuti
• Walk through native forest from Tonga Beach to Medlands/ Bark Bay 2.15 hours (5 kms) for your return cruise to Kaiteriteri, time ashore 3.4 – 5.45 hours

Pitt Head Walk

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise to the golden expanse of Anchorage Bay, you choose swim, relax, or walk
• If walking take a stroll to picturesque Te Pukatea Bay (30 min’s) and return or walk to Te Pukatea via the Pitt Head track (1.15 hours return), cruise back from Anchorage, time ashore 2- 7 hours

Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach

• From Kaiteriteri, cruise into the heart of the National Park
• Disembark at idyllic Medlands Beach/Bark Bay & walk to the long golden-sand beach of Anchorage, via Torrent Bay, cross the spectacular swing bridge at Falls River (3.5 – 4hours 9.5kms)
• Allow extra time (20 minutes return walk plus time to relax beside the pool) to take a short side track beside a crystal forest stream to visit tranquil Cleopatra’s Pool, time ashore 3.4 – 7 hours

Extended Southern Cruise & Walk

Choose a Southern Cruise and Walk (options above) staying aboard the boat as it cruises into the northern reaches of the park through Tonga Island Marine Reserve with its resident Fur Seal Colony and on to Totaranui. On the return journey, disembark for your chosen walk and pick up a later boat to return to Kaiteriteri.

Other Information

What to Wear: Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket (cotton clothing especially denim is not recommended), light, comfortable footwear, sunscreen and camera.

Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board the Vista Cruise. A substantial, delicious picnic lunch can be ordered the day before travel for an extra cost of $18 per person.

Location

Kaiteriteri waterfront, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman, New Zealand.