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5 Days Walking and Kayaking Tour Package
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights Priced From: Contact Travelwizard Departures: Tuesday & Fridays (Southbound).

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
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.
Price
Please request the current prices for the dates you wish to travel.
Hotels
Meadowbank Homestead-Awaroa, Torrent Bay Lodge.
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: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/09
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