5 DAY (NORTHERN) 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 Wainui 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. With your luggage transferred by boat and your meals lovingly prepared, all you need are some comfortable walking shoes and a day pack and you are ready to explore the Abel Tasman with us!
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Overview
5 days walking 4 nights Total trip time
5 days / 4 nights (incl travel time) Kilometers 60 km
Price NZ$1850
Grade Medium
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ITINERARY
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Day 1: Takaka pick up 8.30am, walk to Wharawharangi, stay in hut
Day 2: Walk to Awaroa, stay in hut Day 3: Walk to Bark Bay, stay in hut Day 4: Walk to Anchorage, stay on Aquapacker Day 5: Walk out to Marahau, catch 1.30pm water taxi to Totaranui and return to Takaka 5pm |
FULL DETAILS
DAY 1
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We pick you up in Takaka 8.30am. As this is a short day (only 2 hrs walking), we like to take this opportunity to take you to Wainui Falls before we enjoy our picnic lunch and then begin the track. We start with a gentle climb to the top of the Wharawharangi saddle, with magnificent views overlooking Wainui Bay, before dropping down to the Wharawharangi (DOC) Hut. This historic hut used to be an old farm homestead and has been renovated beautifully. It is a delight to stay in.
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DAY 2
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The coastline between Wharawharangi and Totaranui is incredibly peaceful. 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 in Awaroa we enjoy an evening with other trampers in the Department of Conservation (DOC) hut.
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DAY 3
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The walk to from Awaroa to Bark Bay is a favourite for many. 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 spend the evening in Bark Bay hut.
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DAY 4
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One of the classic pictures one sees of the Abel Tasman is looking down into the sparkling turquoise waters of Frenchman's Bay from the track between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay. The long wooden swing bridge over the Falls River is also a highlight for many on this walk. We enjoy an early lunch at Torrent Bay before taking the lovely walk around the estuary's 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 5
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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/boots • 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 repellant • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Travel pillow (optional) • Personal nibbles (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) |