3 DAY (SOUTHERN) 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! Our Southern express package begins in Marahau and we walk North finishing in Wainui. For those that are interested in starting in Wainui in the North and walking south to Marahau, check out our 3 Day Northern Express package. As this walk finishes in Wainui, you may like to consider staying on a few extra days in this before returning to Nelson. Golden Bay Kayaks are based near the Wainui end of the park and have many great kayaking packages available.
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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$1350
Grade Advanced
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Included
Tasty meals, homemade snacks, beverages Nelson pick up and return 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 Awaroa, stay in hut (or upgrade to glamping tent) Day 3: 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 walk 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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This is our longest day. Depending on the tide, we can either take a 'short-cut' across the Torrent Bay estuary, or walk the pleasant track around its perimeter. We stop for lunch at Bark Bay Hut before continuing on along the bays until we arrive into Awaroa. Here we either spend an enjoyable evening together with other trampers in the Department of Conservation (DOC) hut, or you may like to opt for an upgrade ($100) to stay in a glamping tent.
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DAY 3
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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 watertaxi to Totaranui before continuing on our way around the coast track to Wainui. 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. We arrive in Wainui approximately 4.30pm and you can either return direct to Nelson, or you may opt for a few more days in the Golden Bay area.
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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 repellent • 1 One litre drink bottle • 1 Camera (optional) • Ear Plugs • Travel pillow (optional) • Personal nibbles (optional) • Personal medicines (if required) |