5 DAY (SOUTHERN) EXPLORER
For those that have the time, there is nothing more relaxing than 5 days exploring the Abel Tasman coast track. We begin the walk in Marahau and take our time to walk the entire length of the track, so we can fully appreciate all the sights and experiences the Abel Tasman has to offer. As this walk finishes in Wainui, you may like to consider staying on a few extra days in this area before returning to Nelson. Golden Bay Kayaks are based near the Wainui end of the park and have many great kayaking packages available. If you would like to start this walk in the North, please check out our 5 Day Northern Explorer package.
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Overview
5 days walking 4 nights Total trip time
5 days / 4 nights (incl travel time) Kilometres 60 km
Price NZ$1850
Grade Medium
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Included
Tasty meals, homemade snacks, beverages Pick up & delivery to/from Nelson Luggage transferred by water taxi |
ITINERARY
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Day 1: Nelson pick up 8.30am, walk to Anchorage and stay on Aquapacker
Day 2: Walk to Bark Bay, stay in hut Day 3: Walk to Awaroa, stay in hut Day 4: Walk to Wharawharangi, stay in hut Day 5: Walk out to Wainui and return to Nelson (via Takaka) arriving approximately 6.30pm |
FULL DETAILS
DAY 1
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We pick you up in Nelson at 8.30am and we drive to Marahau. The trip begins with a lovely walk along the coast before we stop for a picnic lunch at the picturesque Appletree Bay. The track then climbs gently up to a saddle with a view over the Anchorage bay. In this bay, our accommodation for the night is anchored, the Aquapacker. 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 2
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We begin this day by walking around the perimeter of the Torrent Bay inlet – a wonderful walk with some stunning views over the estuary. We take a short side trip to Cleopatra's pool, a gorgeous spot where we can sit and enjoy our morning tea next to these fresh, clear waters. We head to Torrent Bay for lunch before the track heads inland towards Bark Bay. We spend an enjoyable evening together with other trampers in the Department of Conservation (DOC) hut.
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DAY 3
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We wind our way up and over a bush covered headland and drop down into the historic Tonga quarry where granite rock was once extracted and shipped out to other parts of the country. From here we can look out across to Tonga Island, part of the Abel Tasman Marine Reserve and home to one of the parks seal colonies. We enjoy lunch and a walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti beach and then it's over to Awaroa lodge for a drink before choosing our bed at the Awaroa (DOC) Hut.
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DAY 4
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The Awaroa estuary can only be crossed 2 hrs either side of low tide. Depending on the times of the tide (and the weather) we can either walk across the estuary, or catch a water taxi to Totaranui before continuing on our way around the coast track to Wharawharangi. The Northern section of this walk has a completely different feel to the Southern end, the most obvious differences being the absence of noise from motor boats and the lower numbers of people. The beaches along this coast are beautiful. We often stop for swims along the way and truly take time to enjoy this magnificent area. The old historic farm homestead at Wharawharangi has now been converted into a Department of Conservation hut, a great place to spend the evening.
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DAY 5
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It is a short walk out over the Wharawharangi saddle and down to the Wainui carpark. The views over the Wainui Bay are fantastic from the top of the saddle. We like to finish with a short (optional) walk to the impressive Wainui waterfall and a picnic lunch, before returning you to Nelson.
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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 • 2 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 Pair gloves (optional) • 1 Warm hat (optional) • 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 repellent • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Travel pillow (optional) • Personal nibbles (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) |