Unique Abel Tasman Experience

A unique Abel Tasman Experience.

Discover the remote heart of the Abel Tasman National Park in style on this amazing Hike & Cruise Experience. In this trip we combine the best that the Park has to offer, all in one excursion.

Your scenery for the day is untouched wilderness, recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the world. Besides the golden beaches, there are crystal clear waters, unique rata trees and spectacular rock formations.

This excursion starts in Totaranui. This beautiful little settlement (only Doc Centre and campground) is located in the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park. It is a 45min drive from our lodge. The first 12.5km of your car ride follows the beautiful coastline of Golden Bay (sealed road), passing little beach settlements like Ligar Bay, Tata Beach and Wainui. From Wainui the road is unsealed, very curvy and in places a bit rough. So, drive slowly and stick to the outer left in every bend of the road! Note that for this part of the trip an SUV or 4×4 is recommended for a comfortable and safe driving experience. Ten kilometers later (5km up and 5km down the hill), you will be rewarded for all your efforts with the golden sandy beach of Totaranui.

From here a water taxi will bring you in 15 minutes to Awaroa Bay, another slice of paradise! This Bay is an unbeatable place to unpack your picnic lunch or to relax for a while before starting your walk back to Totaranui. Nicely hidden in a coastal forest behind the beach, lies on top of that the Awaroa Lodge with a real island atmosphere and lovely lunch food and drinks for those who prefer to be served.

After crossing the estuary (only possible close to low tide), the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track will lead you back to your car in Totaranui. This is for sure the most beautiful section of this 4-day Great Walk with a nice combination of lush coastal forest and idyllic golden beaches.

You can go for a refreshing swim in one of the pristine waters or simply take your time absorbing this unique scenery. This part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is known for its unique photo opportunities and surprising wildlife encounters (weka’s, shags, stingrays, seals,…).

Your walk from Awaroa Bay to Totaranui is 2.5 to 3 hours long (9.5km walk). The climbs and descents are minimal (maximum 50 meters) and the track is well marked and maintained by the Department of Conservation. There is really no better way to experience the best of the Park in a minimum time!

Tour time
5-6 hours

• Departure time is tide dependent.
• The tide table will dictate the departure time and direction of the walk together with the route of the watertaxi (Totaranui-Awaroa or Awaroa-Totaranui).

Including
• Reservations and National Park Environmental Access Fee (EAF)
• 15min scenic boat cruise along the Abel Tasman coastline (Totaranui-Awaroa or vice versa)
• Walking map & information

Special Lodge price
NZ$ 50.00 per person