FITNESS GUIDE
It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.
The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.
DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE
Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.
Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.
Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE
Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.
If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.
If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
TERRAIN
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.
Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.
The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.
FLAT TERRAIN
Whilst training for walking on flat, hard terrain focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.
Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.
GROUP GUIDED
6 DAYS 
Moderate 
GROUP GUIDED
6 DAYS 
Moderate 
Carmel S
The entire walk went extremely well. Everything was well planned. Thank you!
Jennifer T
Abel Tasman walk exceeded my expectationsThe accommodation was excellent as was the foodThe aqua taxi trips added to the experience,. The walking was excellent with fabulous scenery and the tracks easily navigated .Would highly recommend this walk !
Pat M
Our trip went extremely well. Terry’s Transfers collected us at our B&B in Nelson on time. Great chat during the 1h drive to Marahau – we enjoyed. Abel Tasman Lodge under new ownership since late 2024. Tina was a wonderful host. Accommodation was excellent as was super “tray breakfast2 delivered to our room promptly every morning. The packed lunch was one of the best we’ve received over many years of hiking holidays – generally in European mountain ranges. The sandwich was tasty and sufficient. Tina always included some home baked items which were delicious. Awaroa Lodge was also lovely – setting is special. Team really friendly and helpful and food (breakfast and diner) was top notch. So we would highly recommend all current arrangements
Andrew McM
The whole trip ran like a well oiled machine, all the transfers, including the fabulous water taxi’s , all made our experience so easy, so much fun. Weather was amazing, accommodation was great, food (including packed lunches) was sensational. Loved every minute of the holiday.
Lisa M
I loved every minute, the weather, the scenery, the water, the food, even those tough up hills, knowing there was an even tougher downhill to follow. The beaches were AMAZING, and all of the staff, including the amazing water taxi drivers, were fabulous. I think the water taxi rides are definitely a highlight for me, random fun facts thrown in along the way. The delicious breakfasts, amazing packed lunches (the best) and the most wonderful meals every night. Slept like a baby every night. So much fun, I was sad when it was over . Until next time Abel Tasman x
James B
Our experience of walking the Abel Tasman New Zealand with Auswalks was beyond our expectations. Everything was so well organised from beginning to end, with no detail left to chance. The accommodation at Abel Tasman lodge was wonderful and restful! The food options are our first stop at Marahau, Hooked Restaurant and Park Cafe, were fabulous and highly recommend. We especially enjoyed Arawoa Lodge with an inhouse restaurant and cafe – all the food was wonderful and the service from the staff was exceptional. The walks themselves take you through beautiful forests and coastline, and we felt so refreshed from our time away. Early December was an excellent time to go as the weather was perfect for walking, and it wasn’t very busy on the tracks. This is our second walk with Auswalks, previously having walked the Three Capes Tasmania with them, and we are already planning many more! We highly recommend them.
Evelyn P
All we had to think about was walking. Eat, sleep, walk, repeat with confidence. Route well chosen and matched to tide timetables.
Janet W
The itinerary was very seamless and accommodation also was excellent in ensuring that the whole process was streamlined and enjoyable. We just loved every aspect of the Abel Tasman park.
Robert C
Very well organised guided tour with great pre tour information, hiking notes and apps.
Joan
Fabulous Auswalk guides who really understood us & were flexible & generous – together with the magnificent Abel Tasman Coast – made our 6-day hike a dream. It was a challenging walk though, training recommended! A great sense of achievement afterwards & memories for ever.