Available Dates:
- Tuesday 28th September - 8 spaces available
- Tuesday 12th October - 8 spaces available
- Tuesday 26th October - 8 spaces available
Itinerary:
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
Take a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri.
Board the comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.
From Totaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead – a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.
If a boat is required to cross the Awaroa estuary at high tide, this will be arranged by your hosts.
Approximate times:
- Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – 1 hour from Nelson, or 20 mins from Motueka
- Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1 hour 40 mins
- Walk Totaranui to Awaroa – 2.5 hours (7km/4.5 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip details:
- *Early times apply to trips during the shoulder season (before December 20 and after 31 March)
- Pick up in Nelson: from 10.15am (from *7.00am)
- Pick in Motueka: from 11.15am (from *8.15 am)
- If you are self-driving please meet at their office by 11.30am (*8.30am)
- 11.30am (*8.15) Meet at the Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach
- 1.00pm (*9.20am) Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri
- 2.40pm (*11.20am) Arrive Totaranui
- Walk from Totaranui to the Awaroa Inlet. Continue the walk across the inlet if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast.
- 5.00pm (approx.): Enjoy a warm welcome at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet. Freshen up with a hot shower in your ensuite room while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. Local beer and wine is available for purchase at our in-house bar.
Day 2: Explore Awaroa
Relax over breakfast overlooking the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman's largest tidal estuary. Your hosts will help you create your perfect day whether you want to be active in Awaroa’s beautiful surrounds just savour the comfort and tranquillity of Meadowbank.
Optional activities:
- Explore Awaroa estuary on foot (up to 4 hours) or kayak (up to 2 hours; tides permitting)
- Visit early European and pre-European historical sites
- Unwind on the beach
- Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
Your walk today follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Wake up to another relaxing breakfast in Meadowbank’s lovely surrounds then choose how much walking you want to do; your hosts will arrange boat transfers to suit your needs.
Approximate times:
- Walk in 3 sections of 2 hours each
- Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry –6km/3.5 miles; maximum elevation 85m/280ft
- Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) – 4km/2.5 miles; maximum elevation 120m/400ft
- Bark Bay to Torrent Bay – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 105m/340ft
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Trip details:
- 9.30am: Depart Awaroa for the scenic walk to Onetahuti, which features a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by the ocal iwi (Maori tribe). Stroll along the golden sands
- Before climbing the low saddle out of Onetahuti, explore the site of Tonga Quarry. Descend to Bark Bay via the Waterfall Trail featuring views of the cascade from a sturdy swing bridge
- Best lunch spot: At Bark Bay there’s a shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. Rest in the shade, explore the bay or refresh with a swim. After lunch, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through verdant gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and groves of fragrant manuka framing coastal vistas. Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue to Torrent Bay
- 4.30pm (approx.): Arrive at beautiful Torrent Bay with its village of beachfront holiday houses including our Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
Your hosts will happily help you choose what to do today, whether you want to head off on adventures or just relax at the beachfront lodge
Optional activities:
- Walk through breathtaking virgin forest up to the waterfalls on Falls River
- Kayak 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 visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way
- Unwind on glorious Torrent Bay beach
- Relax and enjoy the comforts of the lodge
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri/Motueka/Nelson
Wake up to golden light over the water and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Today’s walk follows the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. This is a day rich in history, too, as your guide recount stories of how major landmarks were named by early explorers.
Approximate times:
- Walk 4–5 hours (depending on tides) – 13– 6km/8–10 miles; maximum elevation 110m/360ft
- Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson
Meals included: breakfast, morning tea, lunch
Trip details:
- 9am: Depart Torrent Bay Lodge. The tides will determine whether you walk around the inlet taking in views overlooking Anchorage Beach, or take the fun short-cut across the inlet to reach the main coastal track.
- Choose your lunch stop: Many side tracks lead off the main track to sheltered beaches with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island.
- 2.30pm–3pm: Finish your leisurely walk at Marahau, at the end of coastal track. Here, our driver meets you for the return journey to Motueka via Kaiteriteri where you’ll collect your overnight luggage from the boat.
- 4pm: Arrive Motueka
- 5.30pm–6pm: Arrive Nelson
Start/Finish Times:
Please confirm times with the merchant before you book connecting airline flights. After NZ Daylight Saving ends in April, all trips start early with pick up in Nelson 7.15–7.40am and Motueka 8.15am for the Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri at 9.20am. If Start/Finish times don't suit your itinerary, please contact the merchant to make alternative arrangements. All the itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule
Other Important Information:
Walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of the scheduled ferry services. The 5 Day Walks runs at the same time as the 5 Day Kayak & Walk, so members of your travelling party can book different options, meeting up at the lodges in the evening. They reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types. All travel is subject to weather and tides which may cause delay or cancellation.
About Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park:
Wilsons Abel Tasman five-day walk takes in all the wonderful scenic sights along the shoreline - everywhere you look there are attention-grabbing views. Travelling on the Abel Tasman Voyager, you'll be doing it in style and comfort. State of the art, it is specially designed for the needs of passengers. Experience the Abel Tasman from the best of both worlds - boat and by foot.
