Providing walking packages since 2008
Four Day All The Way Package
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the entire Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Over four days, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this renowned trail, venturing from Tōtaranui to Wainui Inlet, a path less traveled yet equally breathtaking. Discover the park's treasures, from its iconic golden sand beaches to its lush forests teeming with native New Zealand wildlife. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters, showcasing a spectrum of blues beyond imagination.
This self-guided package offers you the freedom to savor the Abel Tasman experience at your own pace. Benefit from comprehensive information, seamless organization, and efficient logistics to enhance your adventure. Unwind in charming hotel-style accommodations and authentic Kiwi holiday stays, ensuring a well-deserved rest in comfort after each day's exploration.
Over four days, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this renowned trail, venturing from Tōtaranui to Wainui Inlet, a path less traveled yet equally breathtaking. Discover the park's treasures, from its iconic golden sand beaches to its lush forests teeming with native New Zealand wildlife. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters, showcasing a spectrum of blues beyond imagination.
This self-guided package offers you the freedom to savor the Abel Tasman experience at your own pace. Benefit from comprehensive information, seamless organization, and efficient logistics to enhance your adventure. Unwind in charming hotel-style accommodations and authentic Kiwi holiday stays, ensuring a well-deserved rest in comfort after each day's exploration.
Includes:
- Transport from your Nelson accommodation to Mārahau and back to Nelson
- 3 nights accommodation
- All Luggage transfers – you carry just a daypack with your lunch etc
- 4 packed lunches
- Dinner and breakfast at Anchorage Camp (breakfast only for B&B option)
- Continental breakfast at Awaroa Lodge & Ratanui Lodge
- Transport from Tōtaranui to Ratanui Lodge and Ratanui Lodge to Wainui Inlet
- Water taxi transport from Tōtaranui to Mārahau
- Your personalised itinerary, maps and other information
- Arrival briefing from our team in Mārahau before your trip
- A single supplement will apply if single occupancy is required
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Mārahau to Anchorage
Approx. 4 hours – 12.4kms
Pickup from your accommodation (or nearby) in the Nelson area at approx. 7.00am.
Road transport to Mārahau arriving at the AquaTaxi base there at 8.30am. Or drive yourselves to Mārahau and receive a NZD$40 per adult/NZD$20 per child discount.
Here one of our team will meet you and help check-in bags for luggage transfers, hand out your lunch and give you a briefing before you head off.
Spend the day hiking, swimming and exploring the forest, the track, and the golden sand beaches on your way to Anchorage.
Accommodation in the Abel Tasman is limited and in high demand, so for this night we have two options that depend on availability and your preferences. Let us know which option works best for you:
Day 2 – Anchorage to Awaroa Inlet
Approx. 7.5 hours - 21.9kms or 6.5hrs - 18.8kms with available tidal shortcut at Torrent Bay
Begin walking along the wonderful beach at Anchorage, pass civilised Torrent Bay before heading up and over to the iconic Falls River swing bridge and further on to Bark Bay. From this lovely bay the track heads up one of the largest ascents on the trip ending up back at sea level at Tonga Quarry. A lovely walk along the crescent shaped Onetahuti Beach follows and then the last saddle sees you over to wonderful Awaroa Lodge. This is the biggest day.
Stay at Awaroa Lodge and enjoy dining in their restaurant for both dinner & breakfast (dinner not included in package).
All of our guests have the option of halving the walking distance on this long day by catching a water taxi from the half-way point of Bark Bay to your accommodation for the night. The additional water taxi is NZD$50 per adult & NZD$25 per child under 14 years of age.
Awaroa Lodge
Surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest, the Lodge has been constructed to make the most of its secluded location. The main lodge is warm, inviting and full of character with a comfy lounge, library, bar and restaurant. The rooms here are all hotel style and nestled in among native forest with plenty of local flora and fauna around. Each room has its own private ensuite bathroom and outdoor deck for you to enjoy while you soak up the magic that is out there.
Day 3 - Awaroa Inlet to Tōtaranui
Approx. 3 hours - 8.1kms Plus additional loop track walk of 1 hour (optional)
Today your walk begins with the wide tidal crossing about 30 minutes from Awaroa Lodge. Then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the ascent over to the popular camping spot of Tōtaranui. At Tōtaranui meet your land shuttle to the highly-rated Ratanui Lodge. For dinner enjoy dining in their restaurant onsite (not included in package).
Stay at Ratanui Lodge.
Ratanui Lodge
Situated in the heart of Pohara in the hidden gem that is Golden Bay, this beachside lodge is the perfect destination for some relaxation and refreshment. This newly refurbished lodge is contemporary, elegant and comfortable, and includes a welcoming restaurant and lounge bar. They also have a delightful patio area complete with saltwater pool and hot tub to soak away the day. The rooms here are stylish and tasteful, offering superior comfort. The spacious ensuite in each room includes a walk-in shower and handmade amenities using natural ingredients. Each room also has outdoor seating allowing you to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the lovely garden, a favourite with the local fauna such as our native Tui.
Day 4 - Wainui to Tōtaranui
Approx. 5 hours 15.5kms
After breakfast a short shuttle to Wainui Carpark takes you to the last section of your walk. From Wainui you are on the less travelled section of the track. The views of Wainui Inlet as you climb up into the native forest are stunning. The route today takes you up and over to Whariwharangi, then you’ll have the option of walking the Separation Point Loop track (an extra hour) before heading on to Mutton Cove and Anapai Beach before arriving at Tōtaranui. Once at Tōtaranui the AquaTaxi will pick you up and return you past all those golden sand beaches to Mārahau.
Our land transport to Nelson departs conveniently from the AquaTaxi base at 4.15pm, arriving at Nelson Airport around 5.45pm/Nelson City around 6pm.
Day 1 – Mārahau to Anchorage
Approx. 4 hours – 12.4kms
Pickup from your accommodation (or nearby) in the Nelson area at approx. 7.00am.
Road transport to Mārahau arriving at the AquaTaxi base there at 8.30am. Or drive yourselves to Mārahau and receive a NZD$40 per adult/NZD$20 per child discount.
Here one of our team will meet you and help check-in bags for luggage transfers, hand out your lunch and give you a briefing before you head off.
Spend the day hiking, swimming and exploring the forest, the track, and the golden sand beaches on your way to Anchorage.
Accommodation in the Abel Tasman is limited and in high demand, so for this night we have two options that depend on availability and your preferences. Let us know which option works best for you:
- A comfort camping experience in our large Kathmandu Retreat 280 tents at Anchorage Campground, complete with our own camp guide to look after you and prepare your meals. Sleep in comfort on our Kathmandu Cabana 75mm self-inflating air mattresses and Kathmandu Retreat Camp Stretchers complete with all bedding including a duvet and pillow. The camp site doesn’t have hot showers, just a cold water outside shower, but the location is simply stunning.
- A short water taxi ride back to Mārahau and stay in modern, comfortable & stylish B&B style accommodation. Requires a water taxi back to Anchorage again in the morning to continue your walk (included). No dinner is included in this option, with 2 local restaurants to choose from.
Day 2 – Anchorage to Awaroa Inlet
Approx. 7.5 hours - 21.9kms or 6.5hrs - 18.8kms with available tidal shortcut at Torrent Bay
Begin walking along the wonderful beach at Anchorage, pass civilised Torrent Bay before heading up and over to the iconic Falls River swing bridge and further on to Bark Bay. From this lovely bay the track heads up one of the largest ascents on the trip ending up back at sea level at Tonga Quarry. A lovely walk along the crescent shaped Onetahuti Beach follows and then the last saddle sees you over to wonderful Awaroa Lodge. This is the biggest day.
Stay at Awaroa Lodge and enjoy dining in their restaurant for both dinner & breakfast (dinner not included in package).
All of our guests have the option of halving the walking distance on this long day by catching a water taxi from the half-way point of Bark Bay to your accommodation for the night. The additional water taxi is NZD$50 per adult & NZD$25 per child under 14 years of age.
Awaroa Lodge
Surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest, the Lodge has been constructed to make the most of its secluded location. The main lodge is warm, inviting and full of character with a comfy lounge, library, bar and restaurant. The rooms here are all hotel style and nestled in among native forest with plenty of local flora and fauna around. Each room has its own private ensuite bathroom and outdoor deck for you to enjoy while you soak up the magic that is out there.
Day 3 - Awaroa Inlet to Tōtaranui
Approx. 3 hours - 8.1kms Plus additional loop track walk of 1 hour (optional)
Today your walk begins with the wide tidal crossing about 30 minutes from Awaroa Lodge. Then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the ascent over to the popular camping spot of Tōtaranui. At Tōtaranui meet your land shuttle to the highly-rated Ratanui Lodge. For dinner enjoy dining in their restaurant onsite (not included in package).
Stay at Ratanui Lodge.
Ratanui Lodge
Situated in the heart of Pohara in the hidden gem that is Golden Bay, this beachside lodge is the perfect destination for some relaxation and refreshment. This newly refurbished lodge is contemporary, elegant and comfortable, and includes a welcoming restaurant and lounge bar. They also have a delightful patio area complete with saltwater pool and hot tub to soak away the day. The rooms here are stylish and tasteful, offering superior comfort. The spacious ensuite in each room includes a walk-in shower and handmade amenities using natural ingredients. Each room also has outdoor seating allowing you to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the lovely garden, a favourite with the local fauna such as our native Tui.
Day 4 - Wainui to Tōtaranui
Approx. 5 hours 15.5kms
After breakfast a short shuttle to Wainui Carpark takes you to the last section of your walk. From Wainui you are on the less travelled section of the track. The views of Wainui Inlet as you climb up into the native forest are stunning. The route today takes you up and over to Whariwharangi, then you’ll have the option of walking the Separation Point Loop track (an extra hour) before heading on to Mutton Cove and Anapai Beach before arriving at Tōtaranui. Once at Tōtaranui the AquaTaxi will pick you up and return you past all those golden sand beaches to Mārahau.
Our land transport to Nelson departs conveniently from the AquaTaxi base at 4.15pm, arriving at Nelson Airport around 5.45pm/Nelson City around 6pm.
Experience the beauty of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track with a selection of accommodation options tailored to your preferences. Discover the renowned highlights of this iconic track as we handle the logistics, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey. Delight in leisurely strolls along pristine golden beaches, tranquil walks through lush native forests, and visits to some of New Zealand's most picturesque locations.
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Relax in the breathtaking beauty of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track by exploring its most popular sections. Take the time to unwind as you immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this stunning location. Spend three days walking the track, allowing yourself a day to rest and fully appreciate the pristine surroundings at the luxurious Awaroa Lodge. Enhance your experience with a guided kayak tour, offering a unique perspective of the park from the water.
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Wide Range of Packages Available
T E S T I M O N I A L S
Happy People
I would highly recommend Natural Encounters. Greg was so professional and very responsive. It was all organised for me, down to the fine details of luggage transfers, water taxis and lunch. The trip itself was unforgettable with beautiful accommodation along the way. I did the upgraded - all the relevant information was provided in an information pack and I had no issues. The walk was amazing, this part of NZ is so beautiful and there are so many photo opportunities! Go and book, you won't regret it. 
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Paddy Vine
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