Day 1: Nelson to Awaroa
This morning you will be picked up from Nelson or Motueka.
Take a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Here you will board the comfortable Vista Cruise to travel the length of the golden Abel Tasman coast north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe.
From Totaranui, walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead – a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.
Day 2: Explore Awaroa
Relax over breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the beautiful waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Your guide will help you create your perfect day whether you want to be active in Awaroa’s beautiful surrounds or just savour the comfort and tranquility of Meadowbank.
Choice of activities
– explore Awaroa estuary on foot (up to 4 hours) or kayak (up to 2 hours; tides permitting)
– visit early European and pre-European historical sites
– unwind on the beach
– relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead
Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
Wake to breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Depart Awaroa for the scenic walk to Onetahuti, which features a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi (Maori tribe). Stroll along the golden sands and enjoy refreshments supplied by your guide.
After instructions and safety brief, your guide will lead the way to Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Weather permitting, kayak to the seal colony where New Zealand fur seals breed. Floating on clear, turquoise waters paddle past Tonga Quarry and the Tonga Arches, where your guide will share stories about the unusual granite features and relics from the historic quarry.
Stop for lunch at sheltered Bark Bay, where you can take time out to explore, swim or relax on the golden sand. After lunch, continue beach hopping along the coast with picture-postcard views, including the Falls River and Frenchman’s Bay.
Paddle into beautiful Torrent Bay with its village of beachfront holiday houses including our Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits.
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
Your guide will happily help you choose what to do today, whether you want to head off on adventures or just relax at the beachfront lodge.
Choice of activities
– walk through breathtaking virgin forest up to the waterfalls on Falls River
– kayak or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool
– walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage beach and picturesque Te Pukatea cove visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way
– unwind on glorious Torrent Bay beach
– relax and enjoy the comforts of the lodge
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Nelson
After breakfast launch your kayak from Torrent Bay and paddle southwards along the coast while your guide shares stories of early explorers, shows you bays and beaches, and introduces you to the predator-free wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island. If the wind is with you, you may get to hoist a specially designed sail to ride the sea breeze.
Stop for lunch and a rest at a sheltered beach, then continue your journey through azure waters to the famous Kaiteriteri beach.
Once you arrive at Kaiteriteri a driver will meet you for the return journey to Nelson.
