Get back to basics and hike in paradise
For those who just can’t get enough of this golden-sand paradise. Spend four days walking the track, taking time to explore some of the many side tracks to secluded beaches, inspiring viewpoints and forest fringed streams. Or why not experience the scenery from the water, and discover for yourself why the kayaking is famous in the Abel Tasman National Park?
This package is ideal for people with a reasonable level of fitness who want to carry their own gear and meet people in shared bunkhouse accommodation (DOC Huts) along the way.
You need to organise and carry your own pack, including food, sleeping bag, and cooking and eating utensils.
PRICE:
From NZD$449 per person
Includes:
- Transport from your accommodation in Nelson to Mārahau and back to Nelson
- 3 nights accommodation in DOC Huts
- Water taxi transport from Tōtaranui to Mārahau
- Your personalised itinerary and maps
- Arrival briefing from our team in Mārahau before your trip
Itinerary
These walks can be done in either direction – from South to North, or North to South along the Abel Tasman Track. The tides dictate the direction of each trip and so your departure date sets the direction of your trip. Never fear, either way you walk, it is an extraordinary experience!
Day 1 – Mārahau to Anchorage
Approx. 4 hours – 12.4kms
Start your trip by being picked up from your accommodation in the Nelson area and transported to Mārahau to meet our staff for a briefing. Then you are ready to head off to spend the day hiking, swimming and exploring the forest, track and golden sand beaches en route to Anchorage.
Spend the night at Anchorage Hut.
Day 2 – Anchorage to Bark Bay
Approx. 4 hours – 11.5kms
Begin your day walking along the wonderful Anchorage Beach and taking the high tide route around the tidal estuary so you can visit Cleopatra’s Pool, enjoy the cool clear waters and maybe have a go on the natural water slide. Pass the settlement at Torrent Bay before heading up and over to the iconic Falls River Swing Bridge and on to Bark Bay.
Spend the night at Bark Bay Hut.
Day 3 – Bark Bay – Awaroa
Approx. 4.5 hours – 13.5kms
Head up the largest ascent on the whole trip ending up back at sea level at the historical Tonga Quarry and carry on to Onetahuti Beach. Walk along the perfect crescent shaped Onetahuti Beach then head over the last saddle to wonderful Awaroa.
Stay at Awaroa Hut.
Day 4 – Awaroa – Tōtaranui
Approx. 2.5 hours – 7.1kms
This morning cross the tidal inlet at Awaroa before getting into some wonderful podocarp forest and then bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the final ascent over to the popular camping spot of Totaranui. From here you will catch a water taxi back to Mārahau where our transport will take you back to Nelson.
Day 1 – Marahau to Anchorage
Approx 4 hours – 12.4kms
Start your trip by being picked up from your accommodation in the Nelson area and transported to Marahau to meet our staff for a briefing. Then you are ready to head off to spend the day hiking, swimming and exploring the forest, track and golden sand beaches en route to Anchorage.
Spend the night at Anchorage Hut.
Day 2 – Anchorage to Awaroa
Approx. 8.5 hours – 25kms
Begin your day walking along the wonderful Anchorage Beach and taking the low tide route to Torrent Bay before heading up and over to the iconic Falls River Swing Bridge and on to Bark Bay. From here head up the largest ascent on the whole trip ending up back at sea level at the historical Tonga Quarry and carry on to Onetahuti Beach. Walk along the perfect crescent shaped Onetahuti Beach then head over the last saddle to wonderful Awaroa.
Stay at Awaroa Hut.
Day 3 Awaroa – Whariwharangi
Approx. 5.5hours – 16.9kms
This morning cross the tidal inlet at Awaroa before getting into some wonderful podocarp forest and then bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the ascent over to the popular camping spot of Totaranui. From here continue your walk north on the less well travelled northern section of the track taking you to Anapai Bay and Mutton Cove. Then it is up and over the hill to the historical site of Whariwharangi.
Spend the night at Whariwharangi Hut
Day 4 Whariwharangi – Tōtaranui via Gibbs Hill
Approx. 3.5 hours – 9.9kms
Set out for Wainui Inlet with magnificent views of the Inlet at the top of the ridge. Take the Inland Track to Gibb’s Hill and enjoy the almost 360 views from the top of the Hill. Follow the track back to Tōtaranui. Catch a water taxi back to Mārahau and then your transport will return you to Nelson.