Wishbone Relay - Abel Tasman Hike & Kayak

Support Wishbone by kayaking and hiking in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

Wishbone NZ Logo

The beautiful Awaroa Bay from above. | www.nelsontasman.nz

Kayak the crystal waters of the Abel Tasman National Park

Low tide makes crossing easier at the Awaroa Inlet | Janet Oldham

The dramatic sands of Torrent Bay | Janet Oldham

Plenty of photo opportunities for the group along the way | Janet Oldham

Walking Awaroa Beach at low tide

Wishbone NZ Logo

The beautiful Awaroa Bay from above. | www.nelsontasman.nz

Kayak the crystal waters of the Abel Tasman National Park

Low tide makes crossing easier at the Awaroa Inlet | Janet Oldham

The dramatic sands of Torrent Bay | Janet Oldham

Plenty of photo opportunities for the group along the way | Janet Oldham

Walking Awaroa Beach at low tide

Introductory

Activities

Walk & kayak

Accommodation

2 nights private lodge

Meals

2 Dinners
3 Lunches
2 Breakfasts

3 Days$NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Trip Code: SOG7764

Trip highlights

Fundraising for Wishbone and promoting orthopaedic research
Golden sand beaches, rocky granite headlands, clear blue water, native coastal and beech forests of the Abel Tasman National Park
Boat cruise between Kaiteriteri and Totaranui with informative commentary
Hike and kayak the best sections of one of the Department of Conservation Great Walks with a knowledgeable guide
Enjoy all the home comforts of private lodges with charming local heritage and freshly prepared meals
Learn about Maori and early European history in the area

Join Wishbone's Perry Turner and Ian Galley on leg 6 of their Length of NZ relay. The Abel Tasman National Park on the northern coast of the South Island is well known for its picturesque vistas of golden sand and azure blue ocean. With options to kayak and walk, you can choose how much kayaking or walking to do on this fabulous combo trip, traversing the length of the Abel Tasman coastline from Totaranui to Kaiteriteri.

The tour meets in Nelson and transfers by bus to Marahau and water taxi to Totaranui, providing a great overview of the trail from an offshore perspective as well as a chance to spot seals, penguins, dolphins and other marine life. On day 1 you walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet where you’ll reach Meadowbank Homestead. On day 2, you'll start with a walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti where you transfer to your kayak. You’ll then paddle through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and explore hidden inlets on the way to Torrent Bay and your second nights luxury accommodation. On our 3rd and final day you kayak to Te Pukatea Bay and past the islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead to our final destination at Kaiteriteri.

Your accommodation is at private beachfront eco lodges, each one exuding charm and heritage. Fully serviced and fully catered, with all the comforts of home, these provide the perfect setting to relax after a day's walking or kayaking.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Transfer to start of Abel Tasman Coast Track, walk to Awaroa (9km, 2-2.5hrs)

You will be collected from your accommodation this morning (timing will be advised upon booking) and transferred to Motueka (approx 50 mins) for a short trip briefing and to meet your guide. Another short transfer (approx 25 mins) takes you to the seaside settlement of Kaiteriteri with its brilliant golden beach foreshore. Here you will board your scenic boat cruise, travelling northwards along the impressive granite coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui (approx 1 hr 40 mins). Watch out for seals and other marine life along the way as you pass by protected Marine Reserves. Totaranui is so named due to the large Totara trees originally found here by Maori inhabitants who used them to build 'waka' (canoes). Commence walking south from Totaranui, passing through lush forest that has regenerated after farming and saw milling activities from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Your guide will lead you across Awaroa Inlet, the largest tidal estuary in the National Park, or arrange a barge if the tide is too high. Not far from there Meadowbank Homestead appears, the private lodge where your friendly hosts will take care of you this evening.

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Walk Awaroa to Onetahuti (7 km, 1.5hrs), Kayak Onetahuti to Torrent Bay (10km, 4hrs)

After a hearty breakfast, you will walk 5km over a forested saddle with panoramic views of the northern beaches. At the maximum elevation of 85m, descend to the long golden beach at Onetahuti where your Guide introduces you to your kayak with full instructions and safety brief. Then you will paddle 10km from Onetahuti to Torrent Bay, through the Marine Reserve to view seals on Tonga Island (weather permitting). Continue down the spectacular granite coast, past Falls River to Torrent Bay. Torrent Bay, where tonight's lodge is located, is a village of privately owned land with no road access. Areas such as this have historical links prior to 1942, when the Abel Tasman National Park boundaries were first established. Enjoy home comforts once again this evening while your hosts at Torrent Bay Lodge take care of all your needs.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Kayak to Marahau (12 km, 4.5hrs), transfer to Nelson

Another delicious breakfast at the lodge sets you up for your final day of kayaking. Launch your kayak from Torrent Bay and paddle southwards along the coast while your guide shares stories of early explorers, 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. Explore the idyllic coves and islands around Te Pukatea and the Astrolabe Roadstead, stopping at golden sand beaches for breaks, making ideal places for swimming and a picnic lunch. The bays, beaches and headlands are all named after Maori settlements, pioneering European landowners, ships of early explorers or natural features, again showcasing the fusion of natural and cultural history within Abel Tasman National Park. You will arrive in Kaiteriteri at the end of your paddle where your driver will meet you. From here you will transfer by bus back to Motueka and onwards to Nelson, where trip arrangements end around 5:30-6pm.

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

NZ$300 per person donation to Wishbone
2 nights private lodge in Abel Tasman National Park (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks along the trail
Drinking water
Daily luggage transfer - 1 bag only, must use the sports bag supplied (40L, 47x35x25cm)
Professional local guide
Commemorative Wishbone performance T-shirt
Kayak and top quality kayak gear and dry bags
Return transfers from Nelson hotel to meeting point in Motueka
Return transfers from Motueka to Kaiteriteri (boat launch)
Scenic boat trip between Kaiteriteri and Totaranui (trailhead) - one way
Excess luggage storage in Motueka if required
Access and Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation

What's not included

Travel to Nelson on Day 1 and onward travel from Nelson on Day 3
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks other than water - good drinking water is available at each night's accommodation and at marked locations along the trail
Optional activities, extras and upgrades (such as extra boat transfers)
Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
Daypack (30L daypacks are available if you need to borrow one; please request in advance)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

About Your Leader

Perry has set himself (often together with his family) the challenge of completing all the South Island legs (even adding in some great bits in-between) and Ian will be joining as many of the North Island legs as he & his family can. They are both pouring vast amounts of time & energy into organising this Wishbone Relay – Why?

“My main motivation was to bring all those involved in care of our patients together and share what orthopaedic surgery is achieving in NZ with the public. I want to help bring us together in a fun activity and common goal.” – Ian

“This is an opportunity for myself and my family to give back to a job and career that has given us so much.” – Perry

Health & Safety and Contracting Parties:

Take note that Wishbone Trust and the NZ Orthopaedic Association Inc are not organising the trips and they or their staff or officers have no role to play in providing the trips or managing any aspects of Health & Safety in relation to the trips. Wishbone Trust is only acting as the recipient of donations made by those choosing to participate in a trip.

You must follow all Health and Safety requirements of the trip organiser and any other provider of services or other organisations with any H&S responsibilities during the trip.

Accommodation

Private Lodge

These are original homes or holiday homes on private property within the National Park boundary. They are not open to the general public. They have beach frontage and have been refurbished to preserve their heritage values and character while also providing modern facilities. Rooms all have ensuite or private bathrooms, with all linen provided. Maximum capacity is 26 guests. Communal lounge and outdoor seating areas offer a comfortable homely touch. A resident chef prepares all meals and the lodges are powered by solar electricity. Mobile phone reception varies depending on your service provider. Wifi is available for a small donation that contributes to a local conservation organisation.

Trail Surface

Great Walks track

New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

Grading

Introductory
2

This trip involves hiking or kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. The trip involves walking along well graded undulating trails, with some sandy beach sections. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections that have loose surface and are slippery when wet. There may be some estuary crossings at low tide (depending on the tide times for your trip) which can be muddy, up to knee deep in water and/or have small pebbles and shells underfoot. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) three times a week. Hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.

Departure dates

Notes

Base Price

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Wishbone Relay - Abel Tasman Hike & Kayak trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.