Wilsons Abel Tasman kayak and walk trips 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. At day’s end, enjoy the comfort of twin/double en suite accommodation.
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 schedule.
When sea and weather conditions are calm, sea kayaking is easy and very little skill is required. The Abel Tasman is renowned for its protected coast, but it is impossible to guarantee calm conditions. Guides provide full training, if their instructions are followed, kayaking is safe.
Abel Tasman Kayak & Walk Activity Options
3 Day Abel Tasman Kayak & Walk Trip
Two days sea kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush northern Abel Tasman Coast Track. Includes a scenic cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast.
Day One: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa
- Depart from Wilson’s Office, Motueka or accommodation pickups, Nelson 7.30 am, Motueka 8.30 am
- Bus to Kaiteriteri, cruise from here for a fast, safe and comfortable cruise along the National Park Coastline
- From Totaranui, walk through the mature beech and rata forest and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa
- Either walk or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
- Stay the night at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and fine food.
- Includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner
Day Two: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
- Leave sea kayaks at Awaroa & walk over the Tonga Saddle to the Onetahuti
- Here you will settle into your kayak, weather permitting paddle to the Seal Colony on Tonga Island
- Enjoy the sensation of paddling through the clear turquoise waters as you cruise past Tonga Quarry and Tonga Arches
- Midday stop for lunch at the shelter Bark Bay, continue the paddle into Torrent Bay
- Includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner
Day Three: Torrent Bay to Nelson/Motueka via Totaranui
- Leave Torrent Bay by kayak and glide southwards along the coast
- Paddle the idyllic waters of Te Pukatea Bay, if the wind is with you the guide will help hoist the specially designed sails so you can ride the seas breeze
- Stop for lunch before continuing the paddle to Kaiteriteri beach
- Meet the coach for the return journey to Motueka (4.30 pm) or Nelson (5.30 pm)
Departure: Year round, departing Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (Southbound), Wednesday (Northbound). This trip is reversed on some departures.
5 Day Abel Tasman Kayak & Walk Trip
The ultimate Abel Tasman National Park experience. Relaxed or adventurous – your choice.
Two days sea kayaking the protected southern coastline and one day walking the lush northern Abel Tasman Coast Track with an extra day at each of your Beachfront Lodges to relax.
Day One: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
- Depart from Wilson’s 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 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 be 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, 1.5 hours (5 km’s)
- Here your guide will settle you into your kayaks with full training and safety brief
- Sea Kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay 4 hours (10 km’s), visit the Seal Colony (weather permitting)
- Cruising past Tonga Quarry & Tonga Arches, your guide will explain the history
- Stop for lunch at Bark Bay, take time out to explore, swim or relax on the golden sand
- Continue beach hopping, to Torrent Bay Lodge, visit Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay
- Includes breakfast morning and afternoon tea, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
- Let your guide plan an adventurous 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 visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra’s Pool
- Walk to the protected beaches of Anchorage and Te Pukatea and visit Maori sites
- Includes breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch & dinner
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri
- Leave Torrent Bay for Kaiteriteri, paddling along the coast, discover the pristine bays
- Cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead, visit the bays of Te Pukatea and Appletree, or paddle along the coast of Adele Island, stop for lunch at a bay, then continue to Kaiteriteri
- Sea Kayak – Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay – 4.5 hours, 12km
- Your coach meets you at Kaiteriteri 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 (November through to March) and every Tuesday (April to October).
Other Information
- Day packs and safe excess luggage and car storage available
- Overnight bags are provided, which are transported to your lodges by boat
- The direction of the Guided Kayaking Trips may be reversed on some departures
- Keep in mind kayaking & walking each day is optional, you are welcome to travel on scheduled ferry services, please discuss this option with your guide
- If you find that sea kayaking is not for you, you have the option of joining the walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary
- You do not leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak
Seasons
- Shoulder Season Prices available for the following periods:
- 1 – 31 October: come and witness the lush new growth of Spring time
- 20 – 31 January: for travellers not committed to traditional holiday times
- 1 – 30 April: when crisp, clear days provide the best light for photographs
- All other dates outside of these periods are standard pricing
Location
Wilson’s Head Office, Main Road, Motueka, New Zealand.
Book Abel Tasman Kayak & Walk Tours
You can book Abel Tasman tours separately or as part of one of our New Zealand holiday packages. We bundle activities, accommodation, and transportation together for convenient, affordable New Zealand holidays.
Popular New Zealand holiday packages with a stay in Abel Tasman include:
Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to plan your Abel Tasman activities.
