Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike Itinerary | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

DAY 1

Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa

Up to 7km (4.3 miles), 2.5 hours hiking, elevation +/- 100m (340 ft)

Explore Photo Sphere

Start your trip with a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. You can be collected from Nelson airport or your accommodation, or meet in Motueka.

The launch departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise north along the Abel Tasman National Park coastline to Tōtaranui. You can enjoy hot drinks on covered or open deck areas and there are bathroom facilities on board.

From Tōtaranui, you can relax on the beach or walk north to Anapai Bay (or further if you are energetic). Walk south approximately two hours from Tōtaranui through rainforest with magnificent specimens of nikau palm and rātā, cross the Awaroa estuary and be introduced to its fascinating history. Tonight you spend the night on the beachfront at Meadowbank Homestead, Awaroa. Includes lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Once a homestead in the late 1800’s, Meadowbank has been refurbished into an eco lodge which has minimal impact on the environment. Meadowbank provides all the comforts of modern living with stunning views of the beachfront from the spacious shared lounge. After a day of walking, sit back and relax with pre-dinner drinks while a delicious kiwi meal is prepared for you in the modern kitchen and dining area. Enjoy a morning coffee and home cooked breakfast outside on the sunny verandah to start your day.

DAY 2

Explore Awaroa

Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast and sweeping views across Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the lodge and perhaps a coffee on the verandah watching the movement of the tides over golden sand. Then, let your guide design your day to be as active or relaxed as you wish with another night at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Options include:

Explore Awaroa estuary on foot or by kayak (tide permitting)
Visit European and pre European historical sites
Unwind on the beach or enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead

DAY 3

Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Up to 20km (9.4 miles), 6 hours hiking, elevation +/- 310m (1020 ft)

Explore Photo Sphere

This morning, we depart Awaroa to walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Relax on the golden sand beach flanked by impressive granite headlands and visit Tonga Quarry historic site. The lunch stop at midday is at Bark Bay, where you can relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand beach. In the afternoon, enjoy a succession of magnificent views of headlands, estuaries and beaches, walking through native forest and crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Accommodation

Experience pure tranquility during your stay at Torrent Bay; the lodge is isolated from urban facilities and far from the meandering crowds. Relax on your private golden sand beach or take a dip in the warm ocean water out your bedroom door. Your hosts will prepare a home cooked meal while you soak in the relaxed atmosphere of your surroundings.

DAY 4

Explore Torrent Bay

A day of choices! Let your guide help you plan your day to be as adventurous or relaxing as you like, with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach. You may like to walk through breathtaking first generation forest up to the waterfalls on Falls River, canoe or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool, walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach and picturesque Te Pukatea Cove or relax on the beach at Torrent Bay and enjoy the comforts of the lodge. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 5

Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri

Up to 16 km (10 miles), 4 - 5 hours hiking, elevation +/- 110m (360 ft)

Wake up to another beautiful view and maybe a coffee on the deck before you head out on the well-graded track, which provides lovely views of the bays as you follow the coastline on the last day of your guided walk in the Abel Tasman National Park. Rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont d'Urville in 1827. You may stop for lunch at any one of the bays, and then walk the last leg to Marahau, where a coach awaits to return you to Motueka or Nelson. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike

Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa

Up to 7km (4.3 miles), 2.5 hours hiking, elevation +/- 100m (340 ft)

Explore Awaroa

Awaroa to Torrent Bay

Up to 20km (9.4 miles), 6 hours hiking, elevation +/- 310m (1020 ft)

Explore Torrent Bay

Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri

Up to 16 km (10 miles), 4 - 5 hours hiking, elevation +/- 110m (360 ft)

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