Kayak & coastal walk
Stay longer, go slower, and immerse deeper over five days. Combine guided kayaking and walking with beachfront lodge stays, choosing from classic, extended or special northbound journeys.
Trip Overview
Stay longer, go slower, and immerse deeper over five days. Combine guided kayaking and walking with beachfront lodge stays, choosing from classic, extended or special northbound journeys.
Best for
Book this trip
From
$2,899
Includes standard departure and return coach travel, pp twin share.
What's included
Beachfront accommodation
All meals, hot drinks & snacks
Luggage transfers
Boat transfers
Expert local knowledge (Guided)
Guided or Self-Guided
Self-guided
Walk independently with the confidence of Wilsons' support behind you. Our exclusive app, knowledgeable lodge hosts and flexible boat transfers make it easy to explore at your own pace, while enjoying the comfort of two nights at each beachfront lodge.
Guided
Our experienced guides do far more than lead the way. They'll share the stories, history, wildlife and hidden places that make Abel Tasman so special, while taking care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Highlights
Combine paddling and walking across five days for a deeper mix of coastline and track.
Four nights at Wilsons' own beachfront lodges, positioned right on the coastline for easy stops between activities.
Choose the classic route or a northbound departure, depending on your preferred start and finish point.
Kayaking and walking sections can be adjusted to suit your group's fitness and pace.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all part of the trip, with no need to carry or plan your own food.
Accommodation
This trip is all-inclusive, with nights spent at our beachfront lodges inside the national park.
Gallery
Trip information
Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.
Your journey begins with a complimentary coach transfer, with standard departures from Nelson beginning at 8am or 10.15am, and returning to Nelson by approximately 5.30–6pm. Earlier or later departures may be available depending on the season or your travel plans.
All walking is optional, with boat transfers available throughout your journey. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family spanning different ages and abilities, everyone can enjoy the experience at a pace that suits them.
Day 1
A scenic drive through coastal orchards and vineyards brings you to Mārahau to start walking. Follow the gentlest grade on the track past pristine bays and headlands, stopping for lunch along the way, before arriving at Torrent Bay Lodge — the Wilson family's original holiday home, tastefully renovated while keeping its relaxed, beach-holiday feel.
Walk 4–5 hours · 13–16km · 110m max. elevation
Day 2
The most varied section of the coast track winds through native beech forest, fern grottos and manuka groves framing coastal vistas, crossing the swing bridge at Falls River. Walked in three two-hour sections with a break for lunch and a swim at Bark Bay, the day finishes at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa — a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the “finest site in the bay”.
Walk 3 sections · ~6 hours total · 105m max. elevation
Day 3
A free morning to explore the Awaroa estuary at your own pace or simply enjoy the tranquillity of Meadowbank Homestead. In the afternoon, cruise to Tōtaranui to meet the guided group, then walk south back across the tidal inlet to Awaroa.
Optional walk up to 3 hours · walk south 2.5 hours · 7km
Day 4
Walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti, where your guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full safety briefing. Paddle through Tonga Island Marine Reserve past the seal colony, Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, stopping for lunch and a swim at Bark Bay before paddling into Torrent Bay.
Walk 2 hours · kayak 4 hours · 85m max. elevation
Day 5
Paddle south past Te Pukatea Bay and the islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Kaiteriteri, with a guide sharing stories of early explorers and the wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island along the way. If you'd prefer a break from kayaking, your host can arrange a more relaxed final day. A driver meets you at Kaiteriteri for the return journey to Motueka and Nelson.
Kayak 4.5 hours · 12km
Why Choose Wilsons
Flexible by nature
Walking is always optional and boat transfers run throughout the day, so every guest can set their own pace, whatever their fitness or age.
Stay in the park, not just visit it
The only Great Walk operator that lets you stay inside the national park overnight while transporting you around it by boat, instead of shuttling you in and out each day.
Every detail taken care of
Accommodation, meals, luggage transfers and logistics are handled for you, so you can focus on being here rather than planning it.
Locals since 1841
Generations of family ownership and daily access to the park most operators only visit — local knowledge you can feel the whole way through.
FAQs
Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Still not sure which trip is right for you?
Talk to our teamGuest reviews
The page made it clear what the trip included and how it compared with nearby options. A useful way to understand the park before booking.
Amelia
Australia
Transport, timing and expectations were easy to follow. The experience felt well organised without taking away from the freedom to explore.
Mark
New Zealand
A simple way to see more of Abel Tasman and still feel like the day had enough structure. The scenery was the highlight.
Sophie
United Kingdom
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On request
