Wilsons Abel Tasman Awaroa Pioneer Trail 2-4 Hour Walk

Discover why Māori and European explorers fell in love with this region and chose to settle here.

Follow in their footsteps along the coastal track, which replaced the horse trail from Awaroa to Onetahuti. Here, a unique board walk and bridge – designed by local Māori – leads from the forest to the burnished sands of Onetahuti Beach.

Walk along the spectacular beach and over a forested headland to historic Tonga Quarry.

Trip Route Map & Information

Walk 2 hours Awaroa to Tonga Quarry. Discover what attracted Māori and European settlement on the granite coast.

9.15am Depart Kaiteriteri to take a scenic cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve to see its resident seal colony

10.55am Disembark on the Awaroa sandspit – a long stretch of golden sand with panoramic views of the largest estuary on the coast. Explore this historic area, with relics from Māori and European settlement, then start your 5km (3 mile) walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti (gentle grade up to maximum elevation 85m/280ft)

Walk along the spectacular golden sands of Onetahti Beach. There is another uphill and downhill section (approx. 30 minutes walk, 90 m elevation) along the coastal track to picturesque Tonga Quarry cove.

3pm Depart Tonga Quarry

4.15pm Return to Kaiteriteri

For a beach stop at historic Awaroa see our Dine and Explore option.

What to bring

We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:

Extra clothing. New Zealand weather is renowned for providing four seasons in one day so quick-dry thermal fabrics are best
Sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in all weather. We enjoy the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. Our clear skies with no pollution result in a very high risk of sunburn, even on cloudy days
Insect repellent
Waterproof jacket with hood
Swimwear and towel (optional)
Drinking water
Lunch. If it has not been ordered the day before you travel, please bring your own
Camera. Remember to check the batteries!
Hand sanitiser. No hand wipes or paper tissues/towels please. They create litter and clog the toilet systems.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections. Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.

Download/print a full list of what to bring

We enjoy glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort.

Wear quick-dry, loose fitting clothing. You are walking beside the sea, so might have to roll up trousers and remove shoes for short tidal crossings.

The coastal track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track winds over headlands (max. elevation 150 metres - 500 feet) and comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and sheltered azure waters - ideal for swimming.

Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.

Not recommended: Cotton clothing (especially denim) is very heavy and cold if it gets wet. It takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.

Picnic Lunches

For a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please give us your order by 5 pm the night before your trip. (Not available in June, July or August). Standard, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free/Vegan options available.

Classic picnic lunch (NZ$27 per person)

Fresh Baked Baquette Roll
Salad Bowl - with sliced corned beef & swiss cheese (marinated Tempeh slices for vegan/vegetarian options)
Blueberry Muffin (Blueberry Chocolate Brownie for GF option)
Vegan Chocolate Bar
Cashew Nuts
Crisp Apple
Aioli & Dairy-Free Spread Portions
Wooden Cutlery Set, Napkin and Carry Bag

Onboard Menu

The Vista Cruise has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals. Click through to the Vista Cruise Menu.

Other Lunch Options

You are welcome to bring your own lunch. Takeaway food is available at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow extra time to choose your lunch. The shop can be busy when boats are departing.

There is one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge, open during the summer months. Please book directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

Click here for details of barbecue lunches available in the park.

Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections.They assist with balance, and relieve pressure on knee and ankle joints.

Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.

FAQ

New Zealand MetService puts the Nelson/Motueka region amongst the sunniest places in the country with over 2,350 bright sunshine hours per year. Average rainfall in the Nelson region is 988mm (38inches) per year. This rises to about 1800mm as you travel north to Totaranui.

For Nelson's daily weather forecasts, visit the New Zealand MetService website.

Average air temperatures and rainfall through the year

	Mean Daily Max. Temps (°C/°F)	Mean Daily Min. Temps (°C/°F)	Average Rain Days (>1mm)
Summer (Dec/Jan/Feb)	22/72	13/55	6
Autumn (Mar/Apr/May)	18/64	8/46	8
Winter (Jun/Jul/Aug)	13/55	3/37	10
Spring (Sept/Oct/Nov)	17/63	7/45	10

For day trips, the Better Bus provides Nelson-Kaiteriteri-Marahau bus connections. Schedules meet our 9.15 am Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri and the 4.15 pm return to Kaiteriteri. Please book on their website.

Go to Bus Connections for more details and costs.

Lodge-based overnight trips include transfers on our own coach. We pick up from main accommodation providers in Nelson city, and along Highway 60 between Nelson and Motueka.

Kaiteriteri has free, all-day parking. During the busy holiday season (Dec 20 to end February) it can be difficult to find a convenient parking spot. Please allow at least 30 minutes to find a park and walk back to check-in 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Overnight parking at Kaiteriteri Beach:
Available free except for the busy holiday season 20 December to 18 February. During this time, limited free overnight parking is available in the trailer park on Martin Farm Road, 15 mins walk (1 km) from check in at Kaiteriteri.
Parking is not secure. To avoid temptation please do not leave valuables in your car.

Your WEBSAVER discount is applied after you choose your trip and number of passengers.

Environmental Access Fee ($10 per Adult) is added to the fare displayed below at check-out.

Confirmation email can take 30 minutes. If not received, please check your junk mail.

Walk

Kayak

Lodges

Boats

Things to do

Plan & Prepare

Information

Deals

Awaroa Pioneer Trail #9

Trip Route Map & Information

What to bring

Picnic Lunches

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

FAQ

Awaroa Pioneer Trail #9

Trip Route Map & Information

What to bring

What to bring (day trip)

What to wear walking

Lunch options

Picnic Lunches

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

Do I need walking poles?

FAQ

What will the weather be like?

Bus Connections with Nelson and Motueka

Where do I park my car?