The Abel Tasman in New Zealand ranks as one of the world’s great walks. The track is a unique seaside walkway which enables you to feast your eyes on the clear turquoise waters and idyllic golden sand bays and granite rock formations as you pass through an unspoiled environment of native bush which descends to the shoreline. Home to birdlife such as oystercatchers and shags and sea animals such as seals and dolphins, the Abel Tasman is a highlight of any holiday to New Zealand.
This five day guided walk includes three days of walking the Coast Track and two days at the lodges en route giving you time to explore, canoe, swim, laze on the beach or hike inland to see parts of the park most visitors miss if they only do a three day hike. If you wish to include open-water sea kayaking, we can arrange this for you as part of your guided walk.
Day 1 Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park You are met at either your accommodation or Nelson Airport for your transfer to Kaiteriteri Beach, about 45 minutes’ away. Depart Kaiteriteri by launch. At Totaranui, relax on the beach or explore the picturesque Pukatea Loop, then walk through the lush forests and golden coves of the isolated northern coast to Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa. Approximate walking time four hours. You stay here for two nights. Bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 2 Abel Tasman National Park Enjoy a day at leisure to relax, hike or kayak independently.
Day 3 Abel Tasman National Park – Awaroa to Torrent Bay Leave Awaroa and walk over the Tonga Saddle. At Tonga Quarry your guide will give you the history of this abandoned granite quarry, pointing out some of the relics still to be found there. Depending on the tide, you can view the granite archways formed by the sea. Stop for lunch at Bark Bay with time to relax, explore, swim in the crystal clear lagoon water or sunbathe on the golden sand. Enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches and continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge. Approximate walking time five hours. You stay here for two nights. Bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 4 In the Abel Tasman National Park Enjoy a day at leisure to relax, hike or kayak on enclosed water independently.
Day 5 Abel Tasman National Park to Nelson On the final day you continue south with only one hill at the start. The final section of the track is well graded and weaves in and out of the coastline. Stop for lunch at one of the bays, and then walk the last leg to Marahau. Here you will be met by coach and returned to Kaiteriteri Beach and on to Nelson Airport.
Price from about £645 per person
More details about Nelson and Abel Tasman