3 DAY (NORTHERN) EXPRESS
The track along the Abel Tasman coastline is well graded making the walking fairly easy. For those who are fit and enjoy stretching their legs, it is possible to cover a good distance each day. This trip gives you the opportunity to walk the entire length of the Abel Tasman coastline in just 3 days!
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Overview
3 days walking 2 nights Total trip time
3 days / 2 nights (incl travel time) Kilometres 60 km
Price NZ$1250
Grade Advanced
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ITINERARY
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Day 1: Takaka pick up 8.30am, walk to Awaroa, stay in hut (or upgrade to glamping tent)
Day 2: Walk to Anchorage, stay on Aquapacker Day 3: Walk to Marahau, catch water taxi to Totaranui and return to Takaka 5pm |
FULL DETAILS
DAY 1
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We pick you up in Takaka at 8.30am and we drive to Wainui, the Northern start point for the Abel Tasman coast track. The trip begins with a magical walk along this peaceful coastline. With fewer people in this end of the park, there is a wonderful quietness that prevails. Depending on the timing of low tide, we either walk across the estuary to Awaroa, or catch the afternoon water taxi from Totaranui. Here we stay in the Department of Conservation (DOC) hut or you may choose to upgrade ($100) to a glamping tent.
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DAY 2
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This is our longest day. As the track climbs over the Awaroa headland, one gets superb views of the expansive Awaroa estuary below. The golden sands of the Onetahuti Beach are a delight to walk along and the historic Tonga Quarry makes for an interesting stop along the way. We stop for lunch at Bark Bay before continuing on over the next headland to Torrent Bay. Depending on the tide we can either take a 'short-cut' across the Torrent Bay estuary or walk the pleasant track around its perimeter. Once we arrive in Anchorage we board the Aquapacker, our floating accommodation for the evening. Once on board we can sit back and relax with a drink, and enjoy a tasty BBQ for our evening meal.
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DAY 3
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The walk from Anchorage begins with a short hill climb and then carries on down the coast to Marahau. We enjoy our lunch at Marahau before hopping on board the 1.30pm water taxi back to Totaranui. This water taxi ride is a great way to appreciate the distance we have walked and also gives us the chance to catch some wonderful views of the park and its gorgeous beaches and coves, from the sea.
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PACKING LIST
Carry less, enjoy more!
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To help you plan your trip, we offer the following list of what to pack You need to supply a pack, sleeping bag and comfortable footwear. The weather can change quickly on this track so you must be prepared for adverse conditions. It is a good idea to make your pack as light as possible for your own comfort. • 1 Comfortable day pack for walking (with waterproof inner pack liner) • 1 Bag for overnight belongings (with waterproof inner liner) • 1 Sleeping bag (in a plastic bag) • 1 Sleeping bag liner (optional) • 1 or 2 walking poles (optional) • 1 Good quality weatherproof jacket • 1 Good quality pair of weatherproof pants (optional) • 1 Pair of comfortable shoes • 1 Pair of gaiters (optional) • 1 Rain poncho (optional) • 1 Pair of lightweight sandals/jandals/crocs for evenings (and estuary crossings) • 1 Pair walking shorts (non denim) • 1 Woolen jersey or polar fleece • 1 Polypropylene/merino leggings/long johns • 1 Polypropylene/merino long sleeved walking shirts (non-cotton) • Spare socks • Spare underwear • 1 Spare shirt for evening • 1 Pair light trousers for evenings • 1 Head torch (with full batteries) • 1 Sunhat • 1 Simplified toilet bag (eg toothbrush + toothpaste) • 1 Small micro-fibre towel (optional) • 1 Pair swimming togs (optional) • 1 Sun block • 1 Insect repellant • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Travel pillow (optional) • Personal nibbles (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) |
