This beautiful 3 day/2 night guided walk on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track offers a unique way to experience the park for summer 2009/2010.
Renowned for its golden sands and pristine sea water the Abel Tasman National Park is situated as the divider between Tasman Bay and Golden Bay at the north of the South Island. The track itself is on the eastern shoreline of the park and stretches 38 kms between Marahau in south and Totaranui in the north.
Our trip begins at your accommodation in Nelson, Motueka or Marahau where we pick you up and head out to the track start. Once there we have the trip briefing and get to know each other. Before you know it you are walking through one of New Zealand’s very special landscapes. It may be New Zealand's smallest national parks but it rates as one of the best.
We have created an itinerary that enables you to expeience the park in small groups with accommodation in a Kiwi-style bach on the first night and a night in luxury to finish. The true essense of hiking with all the comforts of home!
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1
Walk from Marahau to Torrent Bay
Distance 13.5 kms which takes us around 4 hours
Accommodation – Fernbank Holiday Home – the Classic New Zealand Bach
Today offers our first taste of the expansive golden sands the Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for. Our walk today is easy and passes many special bays, Apple Tree Bay being amongst the most beautiful. Magnificent views, sandy beaches and native Beech and Kanuka forests create an ambience unique to this area.
Our accommodation tonight is Fernbank Holiday Home – a classic New Zealand Bach and we celebrate staying in true kiwi seaside style with a classic New Zealand BBQ dinner.
Day 2
Walk from Torrent Bay to Awaroa Lodge
Distance 17 kms which takes us around 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation – Awaroa Lodge – elegance in the wilderness
Our walk today is amazing, meandering past the Falls River, Bark and Onetahuti Bays before our destination at Awaroa Inlet. Again those inspiring land and seascape vistas abound - with a mix of forest and beach walking with historical highlights.
Awaroa Lodge is one of New Zealand’s premier remote lodges so it really is elegance in the wilderness and we enjoy dining in their restaurant this evening. Pure luxury!
Day 3
Walk from Awaroa Lodge to Totaranui
Distance 7.5kms which take us about an hour and a half.
Return to Marahau by water taxi then to your accommodation in Marahau, Motueka or Nelson
A shorter walk today which gives us a little flexibility – firstly it’s across Awaroa Inlet and then along past Goat Bay to Totoranui. There we meet the water taxi and return to Marahau.
Luggage transfers are all by water taxi – all we do is carry a daypack each day!
Detailed packing list and logistics are provided at time of booking.
This trip is operated by Wally Bruce – Concession holder Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Wally Bruce owner/operator/guide has been guiding clients around the world since 1979. “I first began my career as a raft guide and company operator based in Blenheim New Zealand. From there for 23 years I led hiking, biking and rafting trips all around the world – places like the USA, Scotland, Norway & Portugal. Each summer I returned home to interpret the New Zealand, flora, fauna and landscape to guests who always wanted to know more about this fascinating country I am passionate about. In 2009 I returned home permanently to New Zealand to continue to learn and enthuse all things New Zealand. I bring this wealth of experience and will be offering a limited number of trips on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track each year. I look forward to having you join me.” It is Wilderness Guides' pleasure to promote these tours as we have known Wally since we bought our business from him in 1999. Wally brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to each and every trip.
Price - $1299 per person, single supplement $250
Minimum 4 guests per trip
Departure dates for the summer of 2009/10
|
Month |
09/10 - 3 Day Walk |
|
November 2009 |
1, 8, 15 |
|
December 2009 |
7, 12 |
|
February 2010 |
23, 26 |
|
March 2010 |
2, 7, 15 |
To book contact Wilderness Guides info@wildernessguidesnz.com or phone +64 3 5735432 or 0800 266 266 within NZ