Abel Tasman Walk & Kayaking - 6 Days

Abel Tasman Walk & Kayaking - 6 Days

6 Days
Moderate

Abel Tasman Walk & Kayaking - 6 Days

from $2,795 / person

Overview

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal walks, tracing pristine golden beaches and crystal clear waters through a region that enjoys more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the country. Deep freshwater pools, running streams, and secluded beaches invite walkers to stop and swim throughout.

This itinerary adds a day on the water, kayaking with a local guide through coves and inlets that the track alone cannot reach. Four-star accommodation and excellent meals at Awaroa Lodge feature throughout, along with private transfers from Nelson.

Highlights

  • Walk the stunning Abel Tasman Great Walk from Marahau to Totaranui
  • Split Apple Classic kayaking adventure
  • Spectacular coastline including one-of-a-kind views over gorgeous golden coves, sparkling waters, and native forest
  • 5 nights accommodation in beautiful lodges, including 4-star Awaroa lodge
  • A la carte meals at Awaroa Lodge, including 3-course dinners
  • Forests filled with birdsong and lush rainforest gullies filled with majestic tree ferns
  • Boat transfers to gain full access to the Abel Tasman National Park
  • Many opportunities to take a swim in crystal clear waters

Itinerary

Day 1

Abel Tasman Track
1 -2h

The trip starts with a private transfer from Nelson to Marahau. Alternatively, if you are driving you can choose to start in Marahau. Relax in comfort in lovely accommodation directly adjacent to the park. Take a stroll along the beach, explore the boardwalk at the southern end of the track, or venture up in the hinterland behind the village. Or just sit and relax and enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings.

Accommodation

4-star Lodge in Marahau

Meals

Dinner

What's Included

Accommodation

4-star Lodge (5 nights)

Meals

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners

Transfers

  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Boat Ride

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Auswalk Walking Grade

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

3

Days on the trail

10-16 km

Daily distance range

313-539 m

Daily ascent range

4/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation across five nights includes two nights at a four-star lodge deep inside Abel Tasman National Park, and staying here is one of the highlights of this walk. The lodge has a long history and staff who are always on hand to help, and with the park on your doorstep, there is plenty of opportunity to explore beyond the daily routes. An extra day at the end can easily be arranged for those who want more time to take it all in.

What You'll Eat

Meals at the park lodge are prepared by professional chefs, with five cooked breakfasts, three two-course à la carte dinners and four walker's lunches included throughout this walk. Breakfasts are a solid start to each day, dinners are relaxed and well prepared, and the walker's lunches keep you going on the trail and the water.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Marahau and finishes in Nelson, on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island. Nelson Airport (NSN) is served by domestic flights from all major New Zealand centres. A private transfer from Nelson to the start of the walk in Marahau is included on the first day. Those self-driving can leave their vehicle safely at the accommodation in Marahau.

The walk ends with a morning ferry back to Marahau, arriving at the terminal at around 12.00pm, with an estimated arrival at Nelson Airport of no earlier than 1.00pm. Please do not book a departing flight before 3.00pm on the final day to allow sufficient time for this journey.

This walk is available from 1 October to 30 April, with no fixed start days. Spring and autumn are excellent times to walk, with long sunny days, comfortable temperatures and quieter trails. October and November offer pleasant conditions with the park coming back to life after winter. December through February brings warm, settled weather and excellent swimming from the golden beaches, though this is the busiest period and early booking is strongly advised, particularly for January and February during the school holidays.

A peak season supplement applies from 22 December to 7 January. March often brings the most stable weather of the year, with warm days, little rain and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere on the track. Pack insect repellent whatever the month; sandflies are a feature of the Abel Tasman year-round.

This walk is graded moderate. Daily walks average 13 kilometres with around 558 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 6 out of 10. The track is smooth and well-graded, with mostly gentle ascents and descents, and plenty of time to explore the many isolated beaches along the way. Good walking boots are recommended, and a regular training routine of three to four times per week is advisable preparation.

Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Nelson is the natural base before and after the Abel Tasman. The Bishop Suter Art Gallery holds a strong collection of New Zealand art with a busy program of contemporary exhibitions. The Nelson Provincial Museum holds permanent exhibitions on the Maori and settler heritage of Te Tauihu (top of the South Island). The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum is a distinctly New Zealand attraction celebrating design, fashion and over 150 beautifully restored vehicles.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

October 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
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Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Abel Tasman reviews

5.0
39 reviews
5 Star
38
4 Star
1
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0

Dianne T
2 months ago

We were picked up in Nelson and found the process and people involved wonderful. Entire walk went extremely well.

Jo N
3 months ago

We had a great walk in Abel Tasman Park. The notes and app were extensive and full of helpful pointers. Before we left home, it looked a bit daunting, but once we started it all fell into place and made perfect sense. We would certainly do more trips with AusWalks again

Rachelle G
3 months ago

Everything was wonderful, from the transfers, accommodation, food and directions. As a solo walker, Auswalk did everything and I could just relax and enjoy one of the most spectacular walks I have ever done. Thank you!!

Pauline M
3 months ago

Sarah’s shuttle transfers from Nelson to Marahau and return were very good. The Abel Tasman Track walk was wonderful. The scenery is magnificent: pristine beaches, forests, waterfalls, etc. The 6 days were perfectly orchestrated; everyone encountered was helpful and efficient. Nothing but good memories!

Karen M
4 months ago

We had the most wonderful experience from start to finish. The Accommodation was absolutely five star - Comfortable, beautifully presented, and perfectly located. One of the highlights was the stunning walk. the scenery was breathtaking as was the aqua blue ocean, wildlife. A memorable moment was being taken out to the ocean by tractor whilst onboard the water taxi - Such a unique experience. The team at Abel Tasman water taxi were fantastic, so friendly, fun and full of helpful information. The notes and instruction for our self-guided walk were spot on- easy to follow and very thoroughly prepared. Our guide for the half day kayaking adventure was also incredible, kind, patient and supportive. We would highly recommend this walk and location to anyone looking for a beautiful, well organised and truly memorable getaway.

Barb C
4 months ago

Accommodation was excellent, transfers went well. Information provided was excellent. Walk was harder than l had anticipated but l did it and was pleased l did

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about walking the Abel Tasman Track

Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations by water taxi. Bags must weigh no more than 20kg and be clearly labelled with your name and mobile number using the luggage tags provided. You will carry only a daypack on the track each day.

Phone coverage is limited within Abel Tasman National Park. Do not rely on mobile signal alone. Auswalk provides a walking app with GPX files that can be downloaded and viewed offline, making navigation straightforward even without reception. We also recommend downloading the Abel Tasman National Park app before you go, which provides additional maps and information for use offline.

Yes, toilets are located at regular intervals along the track. There are also water points, however the water must be treated before drinking, as Giardia has been detected in some sources. We recommend bringing water purification tablets and checking signage at each water point, as some provide filtered water that does not require treatment.

Yes. The Awaroa Estuary and Onetahuti Beach are only passable at low tide. Your walk notes include tide timetables and crossing advice — please read these carefully and plan your days accordingly.

Yes. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can inform your accommodation hosts. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended as options can be limited in remote locations.

Key items include good waterproof walking shoes, rain gear, sunglasses, a water bottle of at least two litres, insect repellent for sandflies, water purification tablets and any personal medications. Walking poles are not necessary on this walk. A full packing list will be included in your information pack sent six weeks before departure.

Abel Tasman is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. Native birds, including bellbirds, tūī and weka, are commonly spotted along the track, while little penguins, New Zealand fur seals and various seabirds frequent the coastline. The water taxis often pass the Adele Island bird sanctuary, where fur seals can usually be seen.

New Zealand dollars are used throughout. While credit and debit cards are accepted at both properties, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or incidental expenses. ATMs are not available within the national park, so we recommend withdrawing cash in Nelson or at a major airport before your walk begins.

Want to Know More?

The Abel Tasman Experience

Wonder
Enjoy the green spaces & blue spaces as you walk via forest from Marahau to Wainui Bay past golden coves & sparkling waters
Epic views across Golden Bay, Farewell Spit and the open ocean
Totaranui, Place of Big Totara Trees, and Separation Point lighthouse all add to the story.
Wellness
Wilderness immersion as you walk off the beaten path end to end on the Abel Tasman Track
Be pampered with Four-star stays with chef-prepared meals and three-course dinners
Pack free wellbeing walking with seamless water taxis, light day packs and smooth coastal tracks
Nature
Connect with nature: Massive tree ferns, temperate forest and rainforest gullies alive with birdsong
Long-nosed fur seals, dolphins and gannet breeding sites on wilder shores
Golden beaches, crystal-clear swims at Cleopatra's Pool & quiet estuary beaches