Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike

We loved the five day hike and more: three days of hiking with two layover days. We spent two nights each at the properties, both very comfortable and located near the beach. The hiking was manageable if you’re relatively fit although the second hike is long and more challenging. However there’s an option to take a ferry. On the layover days you can go on hikes, kayak, hang on a beach or just relax in a beautiful setting.
The guides take care of all the logistics: they provide a duffel for the trip, pick you up, etc. All participants need to bring is casual active wear, a water bottle and toiletries. Bedding, towels, shampoo and so on were provided. The lodges were homey and had plenty of indoor and outdoor furniture for relaxing. The food ranges from standard -breakfast- to bagged lunch while dinners were plentiful and delicious. Special diets were accommodated.
In addition to the lodge staff , two guides were with us throughout the trip. Both were personable, lively and knowledgeable about Abel Tasman.
Being able to enjoy Abel Tasman in a leisurely way and take in the atmosphere was special and well worth doing.

What an amazing experience!

Lodge bags delivered to our accommodation in Nelson the day before, and as we self drove there was excellent arrangement for safe off-site parking of our hire car.
Safes provided at the offices if required for any valuables etc.

All staff and guides were absolutely wonderful, and the group size of 22 was perfect - a variety of ages from 40's upwards. Our guides (Phil & Lucas) had the perfect ability to know when to engage and when to allow personal space (a good skill to have).

There was absolute flexibility in each days actviites, with the option to walk, kayak (or both) on the main walking days, along with the option to take the boat to the next destination if preferred. On the 'lay days' there was again complete freedom to do as you pleased, with kayaking and/or walking options throughout the day.

Walking was excellent and not too challenging, though enough to earn you your drink at the end of the day!

Each of the two lodges were fantastically welcoming and comfortable, each amazingly positioned on the beach with spectacular ever changing views of the estuarys as the tide came in and out throughout the day.

Meals were excellent, particularly considering we had some dietary (Gluten Free) requirements. Cooked or continental breakfast and a packed lunch for the day with the option to mix and match what you preferred. Evening meals were of a very high restaurant quality standard each night.

I could write for days about our experience but could never do it justice. The scenery, the sounds of the bird song, eagle rays in the tidal estuarys and even the weather (we got extremely lucky).

My wife commented at the end of the last day that she could turn around and do it all again immediately.

The guides must be commended all round for a genuinely 5 star experience. My wife and I have it at the top of our holidays along with our a honeymoon (and that is high praise).

If you are thinking of booking, DO NOT HESITATE, you will not regret it. Already trying to work out how and when we can return to do it all again.

We have just finished the 5 day guided tour I cannot thank all of the staff we meet and who made our trip amazing A big shout out to Sarah who made the walks interesting, her knowledge and enthusiasm and great humour, even on the days we had at the lodges she had us walking and learning. Also to Krystal who took us kayaking again her passion to keep us on track. The lodges were amazing, beds were really comfortable and the meals great. Well done guys you made our trip great we will be back

Super well organised, perfectly located and appointed accommodation and the best guides each with their personal insights and connections. We had never been on an organised tour let alone hike or kayak trip so were a bit unsure but It could not have been a better experience. Each day we had flexible itinerary options, food and luggage were taken care of and all we had to do was enjoy the stunning environment. The walking and kayaking was easy enough - we certainly weren’t super fit but turned out we were fit enough. The 5 day option is a great itinerary, two nights in each of the lodges, with plenty of time to actively enjoy or hang out.

A great way to see this beautiful National Park... our guides were knowledgeable, safety conscious, willing to make everyone’s journey unique and above all happy and friendly. The accomodation complemented the trip with sustainability a priority. The food abundant and way too good to resist. Lots of surprises on our adventure along with beautiful scenery and wild life... a top 10 on my list!

Very well organised and efficient staff. The Hike exceeded all expectations. Accommodation had breathtaking views. Food Top Rate.

I had an amazing time - great scenery, wonderful weather, lovely lodges and very helpful guides.

Great trip, great guides and support staff to let us enjoy just another part of our beautiful country. We did the 4-night/5-day trip and even though there was 1 day of solid rain, that wasn't too much of a problem as, there were welcome hot showers and drying facilities at the days end. Well formed tracks and terrain very manageable... we had a 79yr old in our group!!! Easy to see why it rates so well.

The staff on the Abel Tasman were fantastic, their professionalism was superb. Thank you again for all your help in making our trip just wonderful. The accommodation in Nelson was superb too. The guides were very helpful and professional too. Can't speak more highly of them.

The whole trip was so well organised and we were looked after very well. The guides were lovely, the accommodation was great and my gluten free needs were well taken care of. It is beautiful everywhere, the weather is better than ours and you have so much space in which to relax.

Abel Tasman was very nice and well organised. Sunny weather and good walks, fantastic lodges and food. Very luxurious for me! Thank you once again.