Providing walking packages since 2008
Three Day Classic Package
Embark on your independent Abel Tasman Walk with complete peace of mind, knowing that every detail has been taken care of for you.
The Abel Tasman National Park stands as one of New Zealand's most prized possessions, offering sandy beaches, crystal-clear bays, and lush forests to explore. It's no wonder why visitors often choose to spend a minimum of three days immersing themselves in the beauty of this natural wonder.
Our self-guided Abel Tasman Walk allows you to traverse the trail at your own pace while providing essential information and logistical support. We craft personalized itineraries that include crucial tidal crossing schedules and handle a range of logistics, such as arranging transportation to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, securing accommodations tailored to your preferences, and managing luggage transfers. Additionally, you will receive comprehensive notes containing tide schedules, maps, packing recommendations, and optimal walking times.
By entrusting us to curate your bespoke journey, you can maintain your independence while maximizing your overall experience.
The Abel Tasman National Park stands as one of New Zealand's most prized possessions, offering sandy beaches, crystal-clear bays, and lush forests to explore. It's no wonder why visitors often choose to spend a minimum of three days immersing themselves in the beauty of this natural wonder.
Our self-guided Abel Tasman Walk allows you to traverse the trail at your own pace while providing essential information and logistical support. We craft personalized itineraries that include crucial tidal crossing schedules and handle a range of logistics, such as arranging transportation to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, securing accommodations tailored to your preferences, and managing luggage transfers. Additionally, you will receive comprehensive notes containing tide schedules, maps, packing recommendations, and optimal walking times.
By entrusting us to curate your bespoke journey, you can maintain your independence while maximizing your overall experience.
Includes:
- Transport from your Nelson accommodation to Mārahau and back to Nelson
- 2 nights accommodation during your walk
- Bag transfers between your accommodations (you only carry a daypack)
- Water taxi transportation
- Dinner and breakfast at Anchorage Camp (breakfast only for B&B option)
- Continental breakfast at Awaroa Lodge
- 3 packed lunches
- Personalised itinerary and maps for your trip
- 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 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, depending 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 18.8kms (6.5hrs) 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. Onwards from there a lovely walk along 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 and water taxi return to Mārahau
Approx. 3hours 8.1kms
About 30 minutes from Awaroa Lodge is a wide tidal crossing then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the final ascent over to the popular camping spot of 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 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, depending 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 18.8kms (6.5hrs) 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. Onwards from there a lovely walk along 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 and water taxi return to Mārahau
Approx. 3hours 8.1kms
About 30 minutes from Awaroa Lodge is a wide tidal crossing then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before the final ascent over to the popular camping spot of 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.
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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For those seeking an immersive experience of the breathtaking Abel Tasman Coastal Track, look no further. Embark on a journey to explore the entire length of this iconic New Zealand Great Walk in just 4 days! Treat yourself to exceptional accommodations and savor delectable dining options throughout your adventure. Delight in traversing both the well-known segments of the track and the lesser-traveled northern section.
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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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