Itinerary
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Torrent Bay (approx. 4-5 hours, 13-16 km depending on tides)
Begin your journey with a scenic drive along a picturesque coastal highway, passing through orchards and vineyards between Nelson, Motueka, and Mārahau. Please allow approximately one hour to drive from Nelson and 20 minutes if you are based in Motueka.
From Mārahau, set out on the gentlest section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. As you walk, take in the crystal-clear bays and forested headlands first charted by French explorer Dumont D’Urville in 1827. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the beautiful bays along the way before continuing to Torrent Bay, where you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Torrent Bay Lodge.
Once a cherished Wilson family holiday retreat, the lodge has been thoughtfully renovated to offer modern comforts while maintaining its inviting, laid-back beach atmosphere.
Meals Included: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip Details – Day 1 Schedule
- 7:00–7:15 AM – Coach pick-up from central Nelson
- 8:15 AM – Coach pick-up in Motueka. Self-drive guests meet at our Motueka office
- 8:30 AM – Pre-tour briefing at the Motueka office, with time to organise any last-minute luggage
- 9:00 AM – Depart by coach for a scenic drive to Mārahau, the starting point of your walk
- 12:00 PM (approx.) – Pause for lunch at a sheltered beach, enjoying panoramic views across the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island
- Afternoon – Depending on the tides, either:
- 4:30–5:00 PM – Arrive at Torrent Bay Lodge for a warm welcome and time to settle in
Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa
Wake to the sound of waves and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with beachfront views at Torrent Bay Lodge. Today’s walk is a true showcase of the Abel Tasman, taking you through lush native forest, across swing bridges, and onto golden beaches ideal for swimming. Choose how much of the track you’d like to walk—your hosts can arrange boat transfers to suit your preferences.
Walking Sections (up to 3 optional segments):
- Torrent Bay to Bark Bay – 7 km (4.4 miles), approx. 2 hrs
Max elevation: 105 m / 340 ft - Bark Bay to Tonga Quarry – 5 km (3 miles), approx. 2 hrs
Max elevation: 120 m / 400 ft - Tonga Quarry to Awaroa (via Onetahuti) – 8 km (5 miles), approx. 2 hrs
Max elevation: 85 m / 280 ft
Trip Highlights & Schedule:
- 9:30 AM – Depart Torrent Bay and walk through some of the track’s most varied scenery—beech forest gullies, fern-filled grottos, and sunny manuka groves with sweeping coastal views. Cross the Falls River swing bridge.
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Enjoy lunch at Bark Bay, with shaded picnic areas, shelters, and modern facilities. Take a refreshing swim or explore the beach.
- After lunch, take the waterfall loop trail to admire cascading views from a swing bridge, then walk over a forested saddle to Tonga Quarry, a historic site once used for granite extraction.
- Approx. 2:30 PM – Continue across the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach, then stroll along a striking boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi. A final gentle climb offers panoramic views over the Awaroa Inlet.
- 4:30–5:00 PM – Arrive at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, a beautifully restored replica of the original Wilson family home, set in an idyllic beachfront location.
Meals Included: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Day 3: Awaroa to Motueka/Nelson via Tōtaranui
Your final day begins with a tidal crossing of the Awaroa Inlet—either on foot at low tide or via a custom-designed barge at high tide. From there, walk through peaceful native forest and along quiet beaches to the golden stretch of Tōtaranui Beach. In the afternoon, board our comfortable Vista Cruise and journey along the coastline you’ve just explored—relax with refreshments and enjoy views from open or enclosed decks.
Approximate Times:
- Walk Awaroa to Tōtaranui: 2 hrs 30 mins (7 km / 4.3 miles)
Includes estuary crossing. Max elevation: 100 m / 340 ft - Vista Cruise Tōtaranui to Kaiteriteri: 1 hr 40 mins
- Scenic Coach Ride: Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hr)
Trip Highlights & Schedule:
- 9:00 AM (Tide-dependent) – Cross the Awaroa estuary on foot or via barge. Begin your walk through the northern section of Abel Tasman National Park, rich with towering nikau palms and ancient rata trees.
- 11:20 AM or 2:40 PM – Arrive at Tōtaranui and board the Vista Cruise. Enjoy a relaxing journey back along the coast, with onboard facilities including bathrooms, hot drinks, and scenic viewing areas.
- If choosing the earlier cruise, you have the option to stop at Anchorage Beach to unwind or walk the Pitt Head Loop for one last stunning lookout before continuing to Kaiteriteri.
- 4:15 PM – Coach transfer from Kaiteriteri
- Arrival Times: Motueka by 4:30 PM / Nelson by approx. 6:00 PM
Meals Included: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch
2025/2026 Departure Dates:
Departs every Wednesday from October through to March
