Stay in Luxury Accommodation while walking the less-travelled Northern Section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
With the incredible history and the rugged beauty of the Northern section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track you will feel like you’ve entered another world and will find it hard to leave.
On our 3 Day North self-guided walk you will get to enjoy the track independently at your own pace while having everything organised for you. We create your customised itinerary that makes it all seamless. This includes critical tidal crossing timelines, organising all the logistics including transportation from Nelson to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, all accommodation bookings and luggage transfers. We also provide detailed trip notes, including tide times, maps, and advice on what to bring and the sites you will see along the way.
PRICE:
NZD$1449 per person Share Twin
Includes:
- Transportation from your Nelson accommodation to Mārahau and back to Nelson
- 2 nights accommodation
- All bag transfers (you only carry a daypack)
- All water taxi transfers & land shuttles
- Continental breakfast at Awaroa Lodge & Ratanui Lodge
- 3 packed lunches
- Personalised itinerary and maps for your trip
- Arrival briefing from our team in Mārahau before your trip
- A single supplement will apply if single occupancy is required
Itinerary
NOTE – There are areas on the track that can only be crossed at low tide. The tide times change by approximately 1 hour a day which means your itinerary may go in the opposite direction to the itinerary detailed below.
Approx. 6-7 hours walking – 17.9kms
The trip begins when we pick you up in Nelson area and transport you to Mārahau. Check in your bags, collect your lunch and have a briefing from our team before boarding your water taxi to Torrent Bay to start your walk.
On the trail, you will spend the day hiking, swimming, and exploring forests and golden sand beaches en route to Awaroa Lodge. Bark Bay is a great place to enjoy lunch and have a swim. From this lovely spot you’ll head up a fairly large ascent through stands of Mānuka and Beech forest before descending to sea level at Tonga Quarry. A little further on you will discover Onetahuti Bay where an almost perfectly crescent shaped beach awaits you. Take off your shoes and enjoy walking barefoot along the beach before heading over the last hill to the exquisite Awaroa Lodge.
After a rejuvenating shower in your room you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious dinner and a glass of wine (not included) at one of the most secluded lodges in New Zealand.
Approx. 3 hours walking – 8.1kms
Today you can head out to explore the area before making your way to the Awaroa Inlet Tidal Crossing. After completing the crossing you walk through a breathtaking podocarp forest that leads to the golden sands of Waiharakeke and Goat Bays. Linger awhile on these perfect beaches before making the final ascent over to the popular camping spot of Totaranui. If time permits enjoy one of our favourite short walks like the Pukatea Loop track, before meeting your land shuttle to the highly-rated Ratanui Lodge across from Pohara Beach.
Stay an extra night at Ratanui Lodge.
Explore Pohara & Golden Bay
We can organise a rental car for the day and you can take in the vibrant arts scene of Golden Bay, check out Takaka township and maybe stop by the massive Pupu Springs. Perhaps a short kayak trip from Tata Beach could be how you’d like to spend your day. Or take the whole day and check out Collingwood and take a tour out to the end of Farewell Spit.
Price for additional Day – $480per person includes luxury room, a car for the day, breakfast and a fine dining gourmet evening meal.
Approx. 5.5 hours walking – 15.5kms
After breakfast a short shuttle takes you to Wainui Carpark to continue your walk on the less travelled section of the track. The views of Wainui Inlet as you climb up into the native forest are stunning. The route today takes you up and over to Whariwharangi and you’ll have the choice to walk out to Separation Point on a loop track on your way to Mutton Cove and Anapai Beach before arriving at Tōtaranui. Meet your water taxi on the beach here for the journey back to Mārahau. Once in Mārahau our transport takes you back to your Nelson accommodations.