This active trip gives you maximum kayaking & walking opportunities between Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui.
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Torrent Bay
Take a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Mārahau. Walking the gentlest grade on the track, rediscover the pristine bays and headlands named by French explorer, Dumont D’Urville in 1827. Stop for lunch at any one of the bays then continue on for your welcome at Torrent Bay Lodge.This was the Wilson family’s holiday home, now tastefully extended and renovated to include all modern comforts whilst keeping it’s relaxed, beach holiday atmosphere.
Approximate times
Scenic drive from Nelson (1 hour) or Motueka (20 minutes)
Walk 4-5 hours (depending on tides) – 13-16km/8-10 miles; maximum elevation 110m/360ft
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Trip details
7.00 – 7.15am Coach pick up from Nelson
8.15am Coach pickup Motueka. Self-drive guests meet at our Motueka Office.
8.30am Pre-tour briefing at our Motueka office with time for last-minute luggage organisation
9am Our coach departs for a scenic drive to Mārahau to start your walk.
12 noon (approx.) Stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views over the Astrolabe Roadstead to Adele Island.
Tides will determine whether you walk around the Torrent Bay inlet taking in views overlooking Anchorage Beach, or take the fun short-cut across the inlet to Torrent Bay village.
4.30–5.00pm Welcome to Torrent Bay Lodge where your ensuite room and evening meal awaits. Celebrate with a pre-dinner drink available to purchase from the in-house bar.
Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa
Your walk today follows the coastal track through cool native forest and reaches golden sand beaches, perfect for swimming. Start with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the beach from Torrent Bay Lodge then choose how much walking you want to do – your hosts will arrange boat transfers to suit your needs.
Approximate times
Walk in 3 sections of 2 hours each
1. Torrent Bay to Bark Bay – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 105m/340ft
2. Bark Bay (Medlands Beach) to Tonga Quarry – 4km/2.5 miles; maximum elevation 120m/400ft
3. Tonga Quarry and Onetahuti to Awaroa – 7km/4.4 miles; maximum elevation 85m/280ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Trip details
9.30am Depart Torrent Bay to walk the most varied section of the coastal track as it winds through verdant gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of fragrant manuka framing coastal vistas. Cross the swing bridge at Falls River.
11.30 - 12.30 Take time out for lunch at Bark Bay. Facilities include shelter, picnic tables, filtered drinking water and modern toilets. Rest in the shade, explore the bay or refresh with a swim.
Take the waterfall trail around Bark Bay featuring views of the cascade from a sturdy swing bridge. Then, walk over a forested saddle to the historic site of Tonga Quarry.
Approx 2.30pm Walk along the stretch of golden sands on Onetahuti beach leading to a beautiful boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi (Māori tribe). From the boardwalk a last gentle climb takes you to spectacular views over the Awaroa inlet.
4.30 - 5.00pm Welcome to Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, a faithful recreation of the Wilson family's original home on the ‘finest site in the bay’.
Day 3: Relax and Explore the Northern Beaches
Take your time over breakfast served with stunning views across the Abel Tasman's largest tidal estuary. Then, your hosts help create your perfect day whether you want to be active in Awaroa’s beautiful surrounds, or simply savour the comfort and tranquillity of Meadowbank Homestead. You can choose to take a boat cruise to Tōtaranui to meet with the guided group who join you on your return journey, south to Kaiteriteri.
Approximate times
Optional walking around the Awaroa Estuary - up to 3 hours
Cruise Awaroa to Kaiteriteri – 20 mins
Walk Tōtaranui to Awaroa - 2.5 hours (7km/4.3 miles) including tidal crossing; maximum elevation 100m/340ft
Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Trip details
The morning is free for you to choose time to yourself, or join an exploration of the Awaroa inlet.
2.20pm Depart Awaroa beachfront on the Vista Cruise meet your kayaking guide and group as you cruise to Tōtaranui.
2.40pm Arrive Tōtaranui and commence your walk south to Awaroa Inlet. Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanse of the largest inlet on the coast
5.30pm (approx.): Back at Meadowbank Homestead, freshen up in your room, with a hot shower while your hosts prepare a delicious evening meal. Swap stories with fellow travellers over pre-dinner nibbles accompanied by a local beer, wine or soft drink available for purchase at our in-house bar.
Day 4: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
Wake to breakfast and birdsong overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens by the sea. Walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti where your guide settles you into your stable, double kayak with full instructions and safety briefing. You’ll then kayak through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and explore hidden inlets on the way to Torrent Bay.
Approximate times
Walk from Awaroa to Onetahuti – 2 hours (8km/5 miles); max. elevation 85m/280ft
Sea kayak from Onetahuti to Torrent Bay – 4 hours (10km/6 miles)
Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, morning & afternoon tea, lunch, dinner
Trip details
9.30am 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.
11am After instructions and safety brief, your guide leads 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 shares stories about the unusual granite features and relics from the historic quarry.
12 noon 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.
4.30pm (approx.) Paddle into beautiful Torrent Bay and your welcome at Torrent Bay Lodge.
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri/Motueka/Nelson
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and a hearty breakfast to set you up for paddling to Te Pukatea Bay and past the islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Kaiteriteri.
If you prefer a break from kayaking, your guide will arrange a day to suit your desire for relaxation or walking.
Approximate times
Sea kayak from Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri – 4.5 hours (12km)
Scenic drive from Kaiteriteri – 20 mins to Motueka or 1 hour to Nelson
Meals included: breakfast, morning tea, lunch
Trip details
9.30am 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.
12 noon Stop for lunch and a rest at a sheltered beach, then continue your journey through azure waters to the famous Kaiteriteri beach.
3.30pm Arrive at Kaiteriteri where our driver meets you for the return journey to Motueka and Nelson.
4pm Arrive Motueka.
5.30–6pm Arrive Nelson.
Start/Finish times
- Please confirm times with us before you book connecting airline flights.
- If Start/Finish times don't suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.
Other important information
- Kayaking and walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. This flexibility is ideal for couples of groups with different interests and abilities.
- We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types.
- All travel is subject to weather and tides which may cause delay or cancellation.
