Day trip
Cruise to Awaroa, then walk to Tonga Quarry or continue to Medlands via the Bark Bay waterfall trail. Explore remote beaches, native forest and a coastline rich in Māori and European history.
Trip Overview
Cruise to Awaroa, then walk to Tonga Quarry or continue to Medlands via the Bark Bay waterfall trail. Explore remote beaches, native forest and a coastline rich in Māori and European history.
Best for
Book this trip
From
NZ$118
Includes standard departure and return boat travel.
Departure Location
Kaiteriteri
Sailing Options
Cruise Time
2hr
Walk time
2hrs or 5hrs
Walk distance
7km
Difficulty
Moderate
Highlights
A tidal inlet crossing with historic significance to both Māori and early European settlers.
One of the park's most remote and least-visited beaches, only reachable by boat or on foot.
Points of interest along the route tracing early Māori and European occupation of the inlet.
Gallery
Trip information
Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.
Check-in
Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office 20 minutes before your departure time. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat.
Cruise out
Relax and enjoy the journey into the national park as you cruise from Kaiteriteri through the Tonga Island Marine Reserve to Awaroa. Cruise: 1.5 hours.
Choose your walk
Walk from Awaroa to Tonga Quarry, or continue further to Medlands Beach (see Walking Options above).
Return cruise
Rejoin your cruise at Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay and relax as you cruise back to Kaiteriteri. Cruise: 1 hour.
Choose your pace
Choose your walk from Awaroa — a shorter option, or a longer route via Bark Bay.
Tonga Quarry
Moderate5 km · 2 hours · 90m elevation
A shorter option via the Onetahuti boardwalk, ideal if you'd rather keep more time free at Awaroa.
Medlands Beach
Active9.1 km · 4–4.5 hours · 120m elevation
Continue further via the Bark Bay waterfall trail and suspension bridge, for fit, active walkers wanting to see more of the coast.
FAQs
Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.
Use the category, highlights and practical details on this page to compare the pace and activity level against similar Wilsons experiences.
Peak dates can fill quickly. Use the booking window to check live availability for your preferred date and departure.
Operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Guests should check confirmation details and Wilsons advice before travelling.
Check-in location depends on the selected trip and departure point. Your booking confirmation will include the correct location and time.
No — your fare covers any of the listed departure and return sailings, not a fixed pair. Catch whichever crossing suits your day; the times don’t need to match.
Still not sure which trip is right for you?
Talk to our teamExtend your trip
Extended WalkInstead of the standard walk to Tonga Quarry, continue on to Medlands via the Bark Bay waterfall trail for a longer, more immersive day.
Guest reviews
The page made it clear what the trip included and how it compared with nearby options. A useful way to understand the park before booking.
Amelia
Australia
Transport, timing and expectations were easy to follow. The experience felt well organised without taking away from the freedom to explore.
Mark
New Zealand
A simple way to see more of Abel Tasman and still feel like the day had enough structure. The scenery was the highlight.
Sophie
United Kingdom
Related Trips
Other Wilsons experiences guests often combine with this trip.
Cruise & Walk
Cruise to Torrent Bay, then walk to Medlands via the impressive Falls River swing bridge. Cross one of the track’s highest bridges and enjoy coastal views before returning by boat.
From
NZ$104
Beach Stop
Cruise to Anchorage Beach, then enjoy up to 3 hours ashore to walk, swim or relax. A flexible option with scenic coastal tracks and golden beaches, before returning by boat with wildlife viewing.
From
NZ$74
Cruise & Walk
Cruise to Anchorage, then walk to Apple Tree Bay through coastal forest and golden beaches. A relaxed 2-hour walk with scenic views and a great-value day option.
From
NZ$85
