At a Glance

• Complete Route –Wainui Bay to Marahau (or reverse)

• 4 nights boutique lodge accommodation at Pohara, Awaroa and Marhau

• Unhurried schedule with time to linger, swim and take it all in!

• 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 the tides to allow for crossing the Awaroa Inlet.

Day One – Cruise to Totaranui then walk to Wainui Bay

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 the less frequented northern section of the Park. This place has something of a tropical feel, with Nikau palms and peaceful, idyllic beaches. The day finishes with views over Wainui Bay and the site where Abel Tasman had his fateful encounter with a local Maori tribe. You will then take a short shuttle to Pohara and your accommodation for the night. 

Walk: 15.5km/9.6 miles, approx 5.15hrs
Accommodation: Ratanui Lodge
Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day Two – Walk Totaranui to Awaroa 

Following breakfast, your hosts will drop you off at Totaranui ready to start your walk. From here, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breath-taking expanse of Awaroa Inlet, where you cross the estuary and head to the idyllic Awaroa Lodge. Here you will enjoy a warm welcome and hot shower in your ensuite room before tucking in to a well-earned three-course meal. After dinner, enjoy drinks in the bar or take an evening stroll along one of the Park’s most beautiful beaches. 

Walk: 10km/6 miles, approx 3.15hrs including tidal crossing
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge
Meals included: lunch, dinner  

Day Three - Walk Awaroa to Bark Bay 

After watching the sunrise over Awaroa beach and a lingering breakfast, 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 peaceful beach at Onetahuti featuring a beautiful boardwalk and waka-shaped bridge designed by local iwi (Māori tribe). After climbing the low saddle out of Onetahuti, pause at the site of Tonga Quarry where stone was once taken for landmark buildings in Nelson and Wellington. From here you head inland to the stillness of the bush and through serene tree fern groves. Then descend to Bark Bay via the waterfall trail where you can view the cascade from a swing bridge. Relax here for a while and pause for a swim before hopping on your water taxi to Marahau, and your accommodation for the evening. Settle into your boutique lodge, and wander through this picturesque village choosing between three dining options.

Walk: 9.7km/6 miles, approx 3hrs
Accommodation: Abel Tasman Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch 

Day Four - Walk Bark Bay to Anchorage 

Today starts with water taxi back to Bark Bay to pick up where you left off. Walk the most varied section of 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. Then wind around the Torrent inlet and take an optional 20 minute detour to Cleopatra’s Pool for a swim and slide down the pool’s natural water slide. From here, head down to the wonderful crescent-shaped beach of Anchorage. A short ride on a water taxi, takes you back to Marahau and your second night at your lodge there. 

Walk: 11.5km/7 miles, approx 4hrs
Accommodation: Abel Tasman Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch 

Day Five - Walk Anchorage to Marahau 

Another short hop on the water taxi takes you back to Anchorage to continue your trek. Today’s walk follows the easiest section of the coastal track through to Marahau, with panoramic views of bird sanctuary islands and across Tasman Bay to Nelson. This section is rich in the history of early explorers, including landmarks named by Dumont d’Urville - some with a very French flavour! Stop for lunch at Appletree Bay, one of our favourite beaches in the Park, and the perfect place for a swim. Finish your Abel Tasman adventure by walking the through the waharoa (Moari gateway to the Park) and a well-earned, celebratory drink at the Park Café. Your transport back to Nelson and luggage will be waiting for you. 

Walk: 12.4km/7.7 miles, approx 4hrs
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Price

$1,400pp twin share
(Min booking 2 people)
(Available 1 Oct to 14 Apr)

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.