Itinerary
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Tōtaranui (walk time approx. 2.5 hours- 7km)
Begin your journey with a scenic drive through the picturesque coastal orchards and vineyards that stretch along the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Please allow a 1 hour drive if you are based in Nelson, or 20 minutes from Motueka.
From Kaiteriteri, step aboard our comfortable Vista Cruise and enjoy a relaxing voyage along the golden coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, heading north to Tōtaranui, which should take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Take in the views from the open decks and treat yourself to refreshments available at the onboard café.
Upon arrival in Tōtaranui, set out on foot through lush native forest and peaceful, hidden beaches. Your walk concludes at the stunning Awaroa Inlet, where you'll arrive at Meadowbank Homestead—a lovingly restored replica of the Wilson family’s original home, located on what they called ‘the finest site in the bay’.
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip Details
Nelson pickup: from 10:15am
Motueka pickup: from 11:15am
Self-drive check-in: Please arrive at our Motueka office by 11:30am
11:30am – Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a warm welcome and trip briefing. You'll have time to organise any last-minute luggage before departing for Kaiteriteri by coach.
1:00pm – Board the Vista Cruise at Kaiteriteri and begin your scenic journey along the golden coastline of Abel Tasman National Park.
2:40pm– Arrive at Tōtaranui. Begin your guided walk through native forest and along remote beaches to the Awaroa Inlet. Depending on the tide, either continue walking across the inlet or enjoy a short boat ride across this beautiful stretch of water—the largest inlet on the coast.
Around 5:00pm – Arrive at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, located right on the edge of the inlet. Settle into your ensuite room, take a hot shower, and unwind while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. A selection of local wine and beer is available for purchase from our in-house bar.
Day 2: Discover Awaroa
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the serene waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Your guide will be on hand to help tailor the day to your interests—whether you’re keen to explore the area’s natural beauty or simply soak up the peace and comfort of Meadowbank Homestead.
Optional activities include:
– Walk through the Awaroa estuary and surrounding landscapes (up to 4 hours)
– Paddle a kayak through the estuary, conditions and tides permitting (up to 2 hours)
– Visit historical sites from both early European and pre-European times
– Lounge on the beach and enjoy the sunshine
– Unwind in the welcoming atmosphere of Meadowbank Homestead
Meals included: Breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
After a relaxed breakfast at Meadowbank Homestead, set off along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, passing through lush native forest and along golden beaches—ideal spots for a swim. Today’s walk can be tailored to your preferences, with your guide arranging boat transfers if you’d like a shorter walking day.
Walk details (approximate timings):
The walk is divided into three sections of around 2 hours each:
Awaroa to Onetahuti & Tonga Quarry – 8km (5 miles); max elevation 85m (280ft)
Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 5km (3 miles); max elevation 120m (400ft)
Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km (4.4 miles); max elevation 105m (340ft)
Trip Itinerary
9:30am – Depart Meadowbank for the scenic walk to Onetahuti. Cross a beautiful boardwalk and footbridge built in partnership with local iwi (Māori tribe), then continue along the beach while enjoying light refreshments from your guide.
11:30am – Pause at Tonga Quarry to learn about the area’s unique granite formations and historical significance. Climb a low saddle and descend to Bark Bay via the Waterfall Trail, where a swing bridge offers great views of the cascade below.
1:30–2:30pm – Enjoy lunch at Bark Bay with picnic tables, shelter, and modern toilet facilities. Take time to relax, explore the bay, or go for a refreshing swim.
After lunch, tackle one of the most diverse sections of the track as it winds through lush gullies filled with beech forest, fern grottos, and fragrant manuka, offering stunning coastal views. Cross the Falls River swingbridge and continue to your destination.
Around 4:30pm – Arrive at Torrent Bay, a charming village of beachfront holiday homes. Settle into your ensuite room at our Torrent Bay Lodge and unwind before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
Wake up in paradise and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the beachfront Torrent Bay Lodge. Today is all about doing as much—or as little—as you like. Whether you're in the mood for adventure or prefer to relax and take in the scenery, your guide is available to help plan the perfect day.
Optional activities include:
– Hike through untouched native forest to the stunning waterfalls on Falls River
– Kayak or walk around the tranquil estuary and discover the hidden gem of Cleopatra’s Pool
– Stroll to the wide sands of Anchorage Beach and the sheltered beauty of Te Pukatea Cove, stopping to explore Māori history at Pitt Head
– Unwind on the golden sands of Torrent Bay Beach
– Simply relax and enjoy the comfort and views from the lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri / Motueka / Nelson
Wake up to golden morning light dancing on the water and enjoy a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s walk takes you along the most gentle section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, from Torrent Bay to Mārahau. Along the way, soak in sweeping views across Tasman Bay to Nelson as your guide shares the fascinating stories behind the names of bays, headlands, and other local landmarks.
Walk details:
Duration: 4–5 hours (13–16km / 8–10 miles), depending on tides
Maximum elevation: 110m / 360ft
Return travel: 20 minutes to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson from Kaiteriteri
Trip Itinerary
9:00am – Depart Torrent Bay Lodge. Depending on the tides, you’ll either walk around the estuary with views over Anchorage Beach or take the fun shortcut directly across the inlet to join the main coastal track.
Around 12:00pm – Pause for lunch at a sheltered beach with a view over the Astrolabe Roadstead and across to Adele Island.
2:30–3:00pm – Arrive at Mārahau, the official end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Your driver will meet you for the return trip to Motueka via Kaiteriteri, where your overnight luggage will be waiting.
4:00pm – Arrive in Motueka
5:30–6:00pm – Arrive in Nelson
Meals included: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch
Walking is optional each day. You’re always welcome to travel by ferry instead.
Travel Conditions:
All itineraries are subject to weather and tide conditions, which may result in changes, delays, or cancellations.
2025/2026 Departure Dates:
Departs every Tuesday from October through to March.
