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Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike

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  • Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike

Tour Details

Start

Pick up in Nelson: from 10.15am (from *7.00am)
Pick in Motueka: from 11.15am (from *8.15am)
If you are self-driving please meet at 409 High St, Motueka by 11.30am (*8.30am)

*All tours that depart on a Wednesday or during the shoulder season depart early, and the itinerary is operated in reverse.

Finish

Finishes Motueka (4:30pm) or Nelson (6:00pm).

DEPARTURE DATES

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September, 2025
7, 14, 21, 28 October, 2025
4, 11, 18, 25 November, 2025
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 December, 2025
6, 13, 20, 27 January, 2026
3, 10, 17, 24 February, 2026
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March, 2026
7, 14, 21, 28 April, 2026

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $2,990.00
Child NZD $2,090.00

Days

5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
("Soft Adventure" with an element of challenge)
Book now

Shoulder Season Rates Apply: September, October and April (save NZ$100 per person)

Optional single room supplements are available at point of booking.

Departures are available on request May to August (minimum numbers required; please contact us for availability or to book).

Child rates apply to 8 - 14 years inclusive. 

Maximum 26.

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Transport

You will be picked up at your accommodation in either Nelson or Motueka and driven by coach to the start of the hike or launch cruise (either Marahau or Kaiteriteri) and be returned to your accommodation at the end of your hike. It is possible to leave your own vehicle at the Motueka office. While on the Abel Tasman Track, there is an option to take a launch to your next stop. The pick ups are from the beach front and you will get wet feet.

Additional Costs

You will not need any extra money at the lodges. Local beer and wine is available to purchase so an account can be kept for you to be paid at the end of your trip when you return to the office. There may be time to visit a local bar or cafe on the edge of the National Park at the end of your trip. You will need a small amount of money if you wish to buy anything there. Tea and coffee on board the Vista Cruise is free of charge for overnight guests. Soft drinks are available to purchase on board.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required

Keep in mind that walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of the scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each day's departure. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park, some preferring to walk, and others to take the boat between lodges.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in the park's only beachfront lodges, providing twin room accommodation with ensuites (each lodge has 13 twin rooms).

Sitting on the edge of a golden beach, Torrent Bay Lodge has been the Wilson family's (your hosts) holiday home for over 30 years. Their home has been continually extended and remodelled to be shared with visitors. The latest upgrade provides private rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, for 26 travellers. This realises a dream of 20 years - to provide one of New Zealand's best outdoor experiences.

In 1884 William Hadfield built the original two-storeyed home, Meadowbank, on the best site in the bay in order to catch the stunning panoramic views and the all-year-round sun. One hundred and ten years later, his great-granddaughter, Lyn Wilson, and her family built a replica homestead on the same site. It is set amongst the original camellia and rhododendron trees, which were brought from England as a memory of a homeland left behind. The character of Meadowbank has been brought back to life through the extensive use of period windows, doors and timbers, yet all the conveniences of today have been included. Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa is filled with memories of the earlier homestead, Meadowbank. Thirteen comfortable twin rooms with ensuites have been named after William, Adele and their children, and features photographs of them as they grew up.

Pre- and post-track accommodation is required in Nelson. We can book this for you or you can book yourself.

What to Take

One of the highlights of this holiday is that the bulk of your luggage carried by boat. You walk or kayak with only your lunch and personal requirements for the day.

Day Requirements:

  • 30 litre day pack with plastic liner to keep everything dry
  • Sports sandals (with strap or water boots) which will get wet
  • Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
  • Swimming wear and towel
  • Lunch and water bottles (supplied)
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand steriliser (please no wipes)
  • Handkerchiefs (please no tissues)
  • Camera and film, memory sticks
  • Waterproof parka with hood
  • All medical supplies (please carry in your day pack)

Overnight requirements are transferred by boat.

It is recommended the following items go in your Lodge Luggage Bag.

  • Underwear, including socks and sleepwear
  • Spare set of hiking clothes
  • Casual evening clothes
  • Flashlight/torch
  • 1 pair shoes/slippers for inside the lodge
  • Toilet and bathroom requirements
  • Spare pair of Thermal top and bottom (if not in kayak)


All clothing should be put in waterproof plastic bags (which will be provided) for extra protection should it rain.

Supplied:

  • All food
  • All linen (bedding and towels) at the lodges
  • 750ml water bottles
  • Waterproof plastic liners for bags
  • For kayakers, all technical and safety equipment, including stable double kayaks, water resistant paddling tops, buoyancy vests, dry bags
  • Lodge Luggage Bags to keep and Day packs to borrow 

Food

From morning tea on Day 1 to lunch on your final day, all meals are included: full breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, packed lunch and three course dinners. Local beers and wines are available to purchase at the lodge (a bar tab is run for you, so there is no need to carry cash).

Guides & Safety

All Abel Tasman guides must have current First Aid qualifications and Sea Kayak guides hold a New Zealand recognised sea kayaking qualification. Each guide brings his or her unique personality and history to the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the weather like?
The Abel Tasman region enjoys one of New Zealand's highest number of sunshine hours - about 2350 hours per year. Summer temperature range approximately 13-25 degrees C. In winter, temperatures average 4-15 degrees C. The National Park is accessible year round. Winter days are usually very calm, sunny, crisp and clear - ideal for both walking and kayaking.
How hard will it be?
Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track is well formed and well graded (refer to the details in the itinerary section). No experience is necessary for Sea Kayaking. Some strength is required but your guide provides full training. You can adjust the amount of walking or kayaking you do each day. Perhaps a few training walks or paddles would be helpful if you are out of practise.
Do I have to carry a pack?
You carry only a day pack with lunch, water and your personal requirements for the day.
What happens to my luggage?
Your overnight luggage is transported to the lodges by launch. Therefore it is required that you re-pack your luggage into the overnight bag supplied for you to keep (a sports bag 47cm x 35cm x 25cm). Any luggage not required on your trip (including valuables) can be left in secure storage at the office in Motueka. If you let us know where you are staying in the Nelson/Motueka area the night before you travel, your overnight bag, plastic liners and clothing list will be delivered to your accommodation. On the morning of your departure, you stop at the Motueka office where you can store luggage (there is time to repack your bags) and you can borrow a day pack if required.
What happens to my car?
Safe storage of cars and any excess luggage will be arranged on the morning of departure.
What meals are included?
From morning tea on Day 1 to lunch on your final day, all meals are included: full breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, packed lunch and three course dinners. Local beers and wines are available to purchase at each lodge (a bar tab can be run for you).
Can I walk independently?
We are happy to cater for guests who choose to walk alone, planning their own day, but who require the comfort of a lodge at day's end. We can provide you with a comprehensive set of track notes and maps to guide you along the way, show you points of interest and provide whatever support you need. Should your partner not wish to walk, we will arrange interesting activities for them to experience.
What if my partner doesn't want to walk/kayak?
Walking or kayaking each day is optional. All guests are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled launch cruises to shorten the day's activity. This flexibility allows couples or groups to experience the park together although interests and fitness levels may vary.
Is there cellphone or WiFi reception?
WiFi and cellphone coverage is limited.

Cellphone coverage can be found on headlands or high points in line-of-site to transmission points. Coverage varies depending on your service provider.
I am a solo hiker - is a single room compulsory?
Single rooming for solo hikers is not compulsory. You can opt to twin share with another person of the same gender.
I have children under 8, can they join too?
Sure! Please reach out to the team to discuss rates and hiking options for under 8 year olds.
Can I fly out of Nelson on the last day?
Yes, you can – just make sure to book a flight that departs after 6:30pm. While we always aim to get you back in good time, please note that travel delays can happen due to unforeseen circumstances (like weather or road conditions), so onward travel is at your own risk

Booking Conditions

Please contact the Motueka office the day prior to your departure.

The operator reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour should the weather or any other situation demand this. The operator finalise all tour arrangements upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned, either by reason of weather, or any defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or though the acts or defaults of any company or persons engaged in conveying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. 

Payment

For bookings four or more months before the departure, a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations

Over 90 days: refund less $200 deposit per person, or change travel date for no additional cost but seasonal rate increases will apply. 
89 - 60 days: 50% refund of full ticket price
59 - 0 days: no refund*

*The operator will endeavour to resell the trip space and may be able to then provide a refund. Note, no part of the cancelled party's cancellation fee can be used to supplement any further payment required of the remaining party members.
Wilsons Abel Tasman will endeavour to resell the trip space and may be able to then provide a refund. Note, no part of the cancelled party's cancellation fee can be used to supplement any further payment required of the remaining party members.

No refund on any portion of a Guided package can be made after the departure of tour.

 

 

Travel Insurance

We suggest clients take out comprehensive travel insurance.

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