Abel Tasman Kayak and Hike

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. If you bring your own vehicle, it is possible to leave it at the Motueka office. The pick-ups are on the beachfront and you may get wet feet.

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.

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
Kayaking up to 5 hours.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 100m.
No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required.

Accommodation is in the park's only beachfront lodges, providing double or 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 homestead, Meadowbank, on the best site in the bay to catch the stunning panoramic views and the all-year-round sun. 110 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 modern conveniences 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-tour accommodation is required in Nelson or Motueka.