At a Glance

• Classic Route –Totaranui to Marahau (or reverse)

• 2 nights beachfront lodge accommodation at Awaroa and Torrent bay

• Carry only a small daysack, with overnight bag delivered to your accommodation

• Pick up from Nelson included

• Full brief, trip notes and map provided

• All arrangements taken care of

Itinerary

Please note: the itinerary may be reversed depending on day of departure.

Day One – Cruise to Totaranui then walk to Awaroa

We meet you at your accommodation in Nelson or Motueka and set off on a scenic one-hour drive to Kaiteriteri to start your adventure. When we arrive at Kaiteriteri, we will give you a full briefing on your trip, along with a map and trip notes, and answer any last-minute questions. You will then 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 you go. From Totaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breath-taking expanse of Awaroa Inlet, where you cross the estuary either on foot or by small boat depending on the tide. You will then enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead, your home for the night. Your 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

Day Two - Walk Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Start with a relaxing breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the beautiful waters beyond, then set off on your day’s walk. The walk today takes you deep into the heart of the park through cool native forest and across golden beaches, perfect for swimming. 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, explore the site of Tonga Quarry and unusual granite features and historic relics. Descend to Bark Bay via the waterfall trail and view the cascade from a sturdy swing bridge. Relax over lunch at Bark Bay where the facilities include shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. After lunch, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and groves of fragrant manuka. 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 section of the track rich in history with major landmarks named by early explorers. As you leave Torrent Bay Lodge the tides will determine whether you 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. Stop for lunch at the pretty perfect Apple Tree Bay with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead towards Adele Island. Finish your leisurely walk at Marahau, the end of this New Zealand Great Walk. You 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

Price

$1,445pp twin share
(Min booking 2 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.