Wilsons Abel Tasman 3 Day Guided Kayak and Walk
$1,595
per personKayak the sheltered southern coast. Walk the isolated northern beaches.
You choose how much kayaking or walking you want to do on this Wilsons Abel Tasman 3 Day Guided Kayak and Walk.
Call us on to talk to one of our New Zealand Experts
Tour Inclusions
The following are included in your package tour:
*If you have extra luggage you are sure will not be needed on your trip, and you are staying at the same accommodation before and after your trip, you might prefer to leave your luggage there.
Start/Finish Times
The direction of this trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick-up in Nelson (7.15-7.40am) and Motueka (8.15am).
The earlier pick-up applies to most Wednesday departures and all departures after NZ daylight savings time finishes at the beginning of April.
If start/finish times don’t suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All the itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.
Please confirm the start/finish time with us before you book connecting airline flights.
Important Additional Information
Day prior: The day before your trip begins, please phone the Wilsons Abel Tasman office toll free on 0800 223 582 (0800 ABELTAS) to confirm your pick-up point and time, dietary requirements, and let them know where to deliver your complimentary lodge luggage bag (to be transported to the lodges by boat) and information pack.
Walking/kayaking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups with different interests and abilities.
We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types. All travel subject to weather and tides which may cause delay/cancellation. This itinerary is reversed for Wednesday departures.
* From May to November this itinerary might be altered to make the most of our winter sunshine, with two nights’ accommodation at Torrent Bay Lodge. Contact us if you need the low season itinerary.
Conditions: Prices are per person, twin/double-share and subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of submission (Jul 18) but are subject to change without notice. Valid for travel 1 Nov 18 to 19 Jan 19 ex Nelson. Blackout periods may apply.
Click here for our full terms and conditions.
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka – Awaroa via Totaranui
- Pick up Nelson (10.15-10.45am) or Motueka (11.30am), or if you are self-driving please meet at our office by 11.30am. Wednesday departures and some low season departures have an earlier start.
- Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
- 1.00pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the national park coastline. Hot and cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks, and bathroom facilities on board.
- From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa.
- Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
- At Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet, you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks and fine food. Here you’ll find comfortable accommodation full of history and kiwi charm.
- Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – from Nelson 1 hour, from Motueka 20 mins
- Vista Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours
- Walk - 2.5 hours (7km / 4.5 miles) including tidal crossing
- Maximum elevation 60m (200ft)
Day 2: Awaroa – Torrent Bay
- 9.30am: Depart Awaroa for the scenic walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Here, your guide will settle you into your kayaks with full training and safety brief. Don’t worry, you won’t leave the beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast in your kayak. (If you are a travelling on your own, your guide will find a suitable paddling partner for you.)
- Weather permitting, there’s the opportunity to visit the seal colony on Tonga Island where New Zealand fur seals breed. It’s often possible to spot new-born pups here in December and January.
- Enjoy the sensation of paddling through the clear turquoise waters of the park as we cruise past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, where your guide will explain the history of this granite area, pointing out some of the unusual natural features and relics from the historic quarry.
- Midday: Stop for lunch at sheltered Bark Bay, where you can take time out to explore, swim, or relax on the golden sand
- After lunch we continue our paddle, beach hopping along the coast with picture-postcard views, including the Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay.
- At around 4.30pm, paddle into Torrent Bay to be welcomed with refreshments and a hot shower in your ensuite room.
- Walk Awaroa to Onetahuti – 1.5 hours (5km / 3 miles)
- Max elevation 85m (280ft)
- Sea kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay – 4 hours (10km / 6 miles)
Day 3: Torrent Bay – Kaiteriteri
- Around 9.30am we leave Torrent Bay by kayak and glide southwards along the coast, to discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French explorer Dumont D'urville in 1827.
- Paddle the idyllic waters of Te Pukatea Bay. In the sheltered Astrolabe Roadstead, paddle along the picturesque coast of Adele Island, now a predator-free sanctuary ringing with birdsong.
- If the wind is with you, your guide will help you hoist a specially designed sail so you can ride the sea breeze.
- We’ll stop for lunch and a rest at any one of the bays, before we continue our journey through azure waters to the famous Kaiteriteri Beach, where our driver will be waiting to meet you for the return journey to Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30-6.00pm).
- Sea kayak Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri – 4.5 hours (12km)
- Scenic drive Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hour)