Learn all you need to know to get into trail running and complete the entire Abel Tasman Coast Track at the same time! Set amongst the backdrop of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful Great Walks, this trip equips you with all the knowledge and skills you need to get into trail running, but still allows time to enjoy the amazing landscape and views of the Abel Tasman National Park. We weave our way through native bush, across golden beaches with turquoise seas, and take in breath-taking views round every corner. We run to a soundtrack of bellbirds, tuis and weka, and we pause to look at grand old northern ratas, and hear stories of the history and culture of the area.

We have teamed up with the very cool Nat Gallant, The Trail Run Physio, to bring you a wealth of trail running and coaching experience. The pace of the running is aimed at beginners, and is more of a walk/run technique. All we ask is that you can cover the distances stated each day. Whilst moving, we average around 6kmh, and take regular stops for micro coaching sessions. Those that want to travel a little faster can do so, but are asked to wait for the group to catch up for the coaching sessions.

Nat will draw on her background of physiotherapy and lessons learnt from years of trail running, to provide mini skills sets throughout the day. Her aim is to teach you the right skills, and provide you with numerous nuggets of information, so you don’t have to learn the hard way like so many runners do! Coaching sessions will include: running technique, skills on the hills, strength and mobility, choosing equipment, preventing and dealing with injuries, selecting events that are right for you, tips on training, race prep and looking after your feet, to name but a few. There will also be time to address those nagging questions like, does magnesium spray really work, what shoes are best for me and what’s all that about gels and electrolytes?

You will leave invigorated, inspired and ready to enter the challenging and rewarding world of trail running and adventure racing.

What’s included

1 x night in hotel in Nelson
2 x nights in lodges in the Abel Tasman National Park
2 x dinners, 3 x lunches, 3 x breakfasts
Shuttle to Abel Tasman and return
2 x scenic water taxi rides
2 x overnight bag transfers to lodge by water taxi
Evening presentation - Running the Te Araroa Trail
Full coaching throughout

What’s not included

1 x dinner at Marahau (there are two cafe options)
Accommodation on last day of trip

Accommodation

If you are travelling alone, we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If we cannot match you up, we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single room supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive Nelson and settle into your hotel. Your guides will meet you after your evening meal at 7pm and will give you a full briefing on your trip. This will be followed by an interesting talk on a trail running adventure to whet your appetite!
Accommodation: Hotel Nelson or similar
Meals: Dinner

Day One - Run Wainui Bay to Awaroa

Following a relaxing breakfast, we head off around Tasman Bay on a two-hour scenic drive to Wainui Bay in the North of the National Park. Following a good warm-up, we run through the lesser-travelled northern section of the Park. This section of the track has something of a tropical feel, with nikau palms and tucked away golden beaches. We finish the day by crossing the Awaroa Estuary before arriving at the idyllic Awaroa Lodge, our accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Run: 22.6km

Day Two - Run Awaroa to Anchorage

Today takes us deep into the heart of the park through cool native forest and across golden beaches. We run 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 pause at 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 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 run 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 Anchorage where we hop on a water taxi back to Marahau and to our accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: Abel Tasman Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Run: 25km

Day Three - Run Anchorage to Marahau

Today’s run follows the easiest section of the coastal track through to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. We catch a water taxi from Marahau back to Anchorage and start our run. This is a section rich in history, and your guide will recount stories of how major landmarks were named by early explorers. The track is mostly downhill and we stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead towards Adele Island. We finish our run at Marahau, the end of this New Zealand Great Walk. We then collect our bags and take a one hour shuttle back to your accommodation in Nelson or the airport depending on your travel plans.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Run: 12.4km