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5 Days Walking and Kayaking (Abel Tasman National Park Walks And Kayaking) Tour Package
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights (3 Days also Available) Priced From: Call Travelwizard Departures: Monday (Southbound) Wednesday and Saturday (Northbound)

Grab a paddle and head out to meet paradise. Where gentle beech forests give way to deserted golden beaches and glistening bays, where sunshine is in endless supply. And where silence was invented.
Your bags will be carried, your meals will be cooked and you will be accommodated at two beachfront lodges, Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge. Twin room accommodation with ensuites - the best the park has to offer.
You will be picked up from your hotel on the morning your adventure begins, or you can leave your car at the office along with any excess luggage. You will be fully briefed and given your complimentary lunch and day pack.
No heavy packs are required, as your overnight luggage is transported to each lodge by boat.
When sea and weather conditions are calm, sea kayaking is easy, and very little skill or strength is required. Abel Tasman is renowned for it's protected coastline, but it is impossible to guarantee the conditions. It might be necessary to paddle against the wind to the nearest beach.
Our guides provide full training and if their instructions are followed, kayaking is safe and fun. Double kayaks are used for stability and the advantage of having two people sharing the paddling effort.
Please remember that kayaking each day is optional. If you are not enjoying the experience you are welcome to join the guided walk or travel on one of our launches. Discuss this option with your guide prior to each day's departure.
Tour Itinerary (5 Days)
This leisurely holiday combines the best of both: Two days of kayaking along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a walk along part of the track, and two "free" days at our beachfront lodges, Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge. To explore, canoe, swim, kick back on the beach, or hike inland to see parts of the park most visitors miss when they walk the track in only three days. This is most relaxing way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer, including a scenic cruise along the coastline. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
Day 1. Get Your Feet Wet! (Walking time: approximately 4.5 hours.) Pick up at your hotel in Nelson or Motueka. Coastline cruise from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui. Walk north from Totaranui to Anapai Bay - or further if you are energetic before heading south to the Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa. LD
Day 2. Explore Awaroa. (Walking time: approximately 4 hours or kayaking - tide dependent) This day can be as relaxing or as energetic as you like. Take advantage of the largest tidal estuary in the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore it by canoe if tides allow or on foot, visiting the various early European and pre-European sites, or just unwind on the beach. BLD
Day 3. Walk from Awaroa to Onetahuti. (1.5 hour (5 Km).) Leave Awaroa and walk over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti. Here your stable sea kayak awaits. Kayak to Torrent Bay. (4 hours paddling.) Your guide will give you a full training briefing on the beach. Then spend the rest of the day beach-hopping to Torrent Bay, with plenty of time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe. BLD
Day 4. Explore Torrent Bay. A day of choices! Our guides offer a wonderful walk inland among breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River. There are many other beautiful short walks available, including one to Cleopatra's Pool, a favorite swimming hole. Or get back on the water and explore the Torrent Bay estuary and river by canoe, if tides allow. BLD
Day 5. Kayak from Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri. (4.5 hours paddling.) This section of the coast boasts many little bays. Most were named by French Explorer Du'mont Durville during his expedition in 1827. A coach awaits at Kaiteriteri to return you to Motueka (4:30) or Nelson (5:30). BL
Note: The direction of the trip will be reversed on some departures, depending on the tides.
Keep in mind that kayaking or walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each days departure.
A final thought - if you do not enjoy kayaking for whatever reason you have the option of joining the walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park together but don't all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or boat between lodges.
Hotels
Meadowbank Homestead-Awaroa, Torrent Bay Lodge.
Tour Itinerary (3 Days)
2 days kayaking and 1 day walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Enjoy luxury accommodations and gourmet meals at our beachfront lodges, Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge. Includes a scenic cruise along the coastline. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. For a more leisurely experience, take a look at the 5 Day Kayak & Trek.
Day 1. Kayak from Marahau to Torrent Bay. Approximately 4.5 hours paddling. You'll have a full training briefing before spending the rest of the day beach-hopping to Torrent Bay. LD
Day 2. Kayak from Torrent Bay to Onetahuti. Approximately 4 hours.Walk from Onetahuti to Awaroa. Approximately 1.5 hours, (5 km). Explore the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries and rivers of the best kayaking area of the park. If the conditions are right, you can also visit the seal colony on Tonga Island. Then it's a short walk from Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) to our Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, where afternoon tea awaits you. BLD
Day 3. Walk from Awaroa to Totaranui. Approximately 2 hours. Launch Cruise from Totaranui to Kaiteriteri. You have the option of exploring the Awaroa inlet or walking to Totaranui. Either way, you join our launch cruise to return to Kaiteriteri. Here you will be met by coach and returned to Motueka or Nelson. BL
NOTE: The direction of the trip will be reversed on some departures, depending on the tides. Keep in mind that kayaking or walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with your guide prior to each days departure.
A final thought - if you do not enjoy kayaking for whatever reason you have the option of joining the walk group that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park together but don't all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or boat between lodges.
Hotels
Meadowbank Homestead-Awaroa, Torrent Bay Lodge.
What To Bring
One of the highlights of our holidays is that we carry the bulk of your luggage by boat - You walk or kayak with only your lunch and personal requirements for the day.
We recommend you bring the following:
Day requirements
- Sports sandals (Tevas) or sand shoes for estuary crossings
- Swim wear and towel
- Lunch (we supply)
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (very important)
Insect repellent
- Handkerchiefs (please no tissues)
- Change of clothing including a warm sweater or polar fleece. (even in summer) (NO DENNIMS)
- Water bottle (minimum 1 litre) (we supply 750 ml bottle with lunch)
- Camera and film
- Waterproof parka with hood (can be purchased from us for $3)
- All medical supplies (you should not be separated from them)
- DO NOT bring any expensive jewellery, watches etc.
Overnight requirements are transferred by boat. We recommend the following go in your Lodge Luggage Bag.
- Underwear 2 x sets
- Two shirts or T-shirts
- 3 pairs of socks
- Warm and cool clothes for evening wear
- Toilet and bathroom requirements
- Thermal long underwear
- All clothing will be put in waterproof plastic bags (which we will provide) for extra protection should it rain.
- We supply ALL food, bedding and towels at the lodges
Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our New Zealand Adventure vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820
12/07
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