Itinerary

Day One – Cruise to Totaranui then walk to Awaroa

We meet you at your accommodation in Nelson, Motueka or Kaiteriteri at 10:00am and prepare for our trip. We then drive to Kaiteriteri where we catch our boat and set off on a cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the café as we go. From Totaranui, we walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breath-taking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where we cross the estuary either on foot or by small boat depending on the tide. We then enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead, our home for the night. Our hosts will prepare a delicious evening meal, and local beers and wines are available for purchase at the in-house bar.

Walk: 7km/4.5 miles, approx 2.5hrs including tidal crossing
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Timings:

• 10:00am meet at your accommodation in Nelson, Motueka or Kaiteriteri

• 1:00pm cruise to Totaranui

• 2:40pm begin walk to Awaroa

• 5:00pm (approx) arrive at Meadowbank Lodge

 
Day Two - Walk Awaroa to Torrent Bay

We start with a relaxing breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the beautiful waters beyond, then set off on our day’s walk. The walk today takes us deep into the heart of the park through cool native forest and across golden beaches, perfect for swimming. We stroll along the beach at Onetahuti featuring a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi (Māori tribe). After climbing the low saddle out of Onetahuti, we explore the site of Tonga Quarry and hear stories of the unusual granite features and historic relics. We descend to Bark Bay via the waterfall trail where we can view the cascade from a sturdy swing bridge. We relax over lunch at Bark Bay where the facilities include shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. After lunch, we walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and groves of fragrant manuka. We cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue to Torrent Bay with its village of beachfront holiday houses including the Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits.

Walk: 17km/10.4 miles, approx 6hrs
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day Three - Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau

Wake up to golden light on the sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s walk follows the easiest section of the coastal track through to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. This is a day rich in history, and your guide will recount stories of how major landmarks were named by early explorers. As we leave Torrent Bay Lodge the tides will determine whether we walk around the inlet taking in views overlooking Anchorage Beach, or take the fun short-cut across the inlet to reach the main coastal track. We stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead towards Adele Island. We finish our leisurely walk at Marahau, the end of this New Zealand Great Walk. We will then board our transport for the return journey to Motueka and Nelson via Kaiteriteri where we will collect your overnight bags from the boat and left luggage from secure storage.

Walk: 13-16km/8-10 miles (depending on tides), 5-6hrs
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Timings: Return Motueka 4:00pm and Nelson 5:00pm

Other important information:

• We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types

• All travel is subject to weather and tides which may cause delay, changes in itinerary or cancellation

Price

$1,595pp Twin share
(2-6 people)

NB: this trip is dependant on the availability of the accommodation at the time of booking. Please use the ENQUIRE button below or call us on 020 400 500 40 and we’ll confirm availability within 24 hrs.