Kayak & coastal walk
Combine guided kayaking and walking over three days in Abel Tasman National Park. Paddle the coastline, explore on foot and stay at beachfront lodges, with flexibility to tailor your level of activity.
Trip Overview
Combine guided kayaking and walking over three days in Abel Tasman National Park. Paddle the coastline, explore on foot and stay at beachfront lodges, with flexibility to tailor your level of activity.
Best for
Book this trip
From
$1,295
Includes standard departure and return boat travel.
What's included
Beachfront accommodation
All meals, hot drinks & snacks
Luggage transfers
Boat transfers
Expert local knowledge (Guided)
Guided or Self-Guided
Self-guided
Walk independently with the confidence of Wilsons' support behind you. Our exclusive app, knowledgeable lodge hosts and flexible boat transfers make it easy to explore at your own pace, while enjoying the comfort of two nights at each beachfront lodge.
Guided
Our experienced guides do far more than lead the way. They'll share the stories, history, wildlife and hidden places that make Abel Tasman so special, while taking care of the logistics so you can simply enjoy the journey.
Highlights
Combine two ways of experiencing the coastline, paddling one day and walking the next.
Two nights at Wilsons' own beachfront lodges, positioned right on the coastline for an easy stop between activities.
Kayaking and walking sections can be adjusted to suit your group's fitness and pace.
Guided sea kayaking gives access to bays and coastline you won't see from the walking track.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all part of the trip, with no need to carry or plan your own food.
Accommodation
This trip is all-inclusive, with nights spent at our beachfront lodges inside the national park.
Gallery
Trip information
Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.
Your journey begins with a complimentary coach transfer, with standard departures from Nelson beginning at 8am or 10.15am, and returning to Nelson by approximately 5.30–6pm. Earlier or later departures may be available depending on the season or your travel plans.
All walking is optional, with boat transfers available throughout your journey. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family spanning different ages and abilities, everyone can enjoy the experience at a pace that suits them.
Day 1
Meet your complimentary coach transfer and take a scenic drive through orchard and vineyard country to Kaiteriteri. Board the Vista Cruise north along the golden Abel Tasman coast to Tōtaranui, then walk through native forest and along secluded beaches — including a tidal crossing — to Meadowbank Homestead on the edge of Awaroa Inlet.
Walk 7km · 2.5 hours · 100m max. elevation
Day 2
Walk over a forested saddle from Awaroa to Onetahuti, where your guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full instructions and a safety briefing. Paddle through Tonga Island Marine Reserve past the seal colony and the historic Tonga Quarry, stopping for lunch at Bark Bay before continuing on to Torrent Bay Lodge.
Walk 7km (1.5 hours) · Kayak 10km (4 hours)
Day 3
Paddle south from Torrent Bay past Te Pukatea Bay and the islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead, skirting the predator-free wildlife sanctuary of Adele Island, before a scenic drive returns you to Motueka and Nelson.
Kayak 12km · 4.5 hours
This itinerary is reversed for most Wednesday departures and during low season, with kayaking from Kaiteriteri on Day 1 and the scenic cruise from Tōtaranui on Day 3.
Why Choose Wilsons
Flexible by nature
Walking is always optional and boat transfers run throughout the day, so every guest can set their own pace, whatever their fitness or age.
Stay in the park, not just visit it
The only Great Walk operator that lets you stay inside the national park overnight while transporting you around it by boat, instead of shuttling you in and out each day.
Every detail taken care of
Accommodation, meals, luggage transfers and logistics are handled for you, so you can focus on being here rather than planning it.
Locals since 1841
Generations of family ownership and daily access to the park most operators only visit — local knowledge you can feel the whole way through.
FAQs
Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
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Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Answer pending — to be provided by Wilsons.
Still not sure which trip is right for you?
Talk to our teamGuest 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
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