Queen Charlotte & Abel Tasman - Guided

All daily distances are approximate and this itinerary is subject to change. RAW Travel reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes based on local conditions, group safety, extreme weather or unforeseen difficulties with local suppliers due to the effects of COVID-19.

Arrive into Nelson airport and make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this evening when you will meet your fellow trampers and our local guide for a briefing. Here you will be supplied with your lodge bag to pack your gear for the trek and your guide will assist you with what you need to take. Following this, your guide will provide you with suggestions for where to head for dinner.

• Walking: n/a
• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Early this morning after breakfast we will set off on the scenic coastal drive to Kaiteriteri, a beautiful little beach town and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. As we drive past picturesque vineyards to one side and golden sandy beaches with aqua blue waters to the other, you will get a taste of what you can expect on your hike through the Abel Tasman National Park in the coming days.

In Kaiteriteri we will board our boat for a relaxing cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman Coast to Totaranui. For the next hour and 40 minutes, sit back on the deck and watch the beaches, coves and islands of this spectacular stretch of coastline pass us by. We will cruise through the crystal clear waters of Tonga Island Marine Reserve, a wildlife haven where you might see little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals frolicking, before arriving at Totaranui and the start of your tramping adventure.

It all begins with a hike through an area of native forest and coastal scrub, weaving in and out to some tranquil beaches – such as Goat Bay which will have you feeling like you have stepped onto the shores of a Caribbean paradise. It’s a relatively short walking day today that includes a river crossing at the Awaroa Estuary. It’s important to be aware of the tides for this section, and your guide will be there to assist with this.

This evening we will stay in the first of our beachfront lodges where you will enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner, before retiring to your room to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

• Walking: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Spend the day exploring the area around Awaroa or simply relaxing on the beach and enjoying the comforts of the homestead. Your guide will assist in planning your activities for the day which could include exploring the Awaroa estuary on foot or by kayak. If you have an interest in history, an itinerary can be arranged to include early and pre-European historical sites.

• Walking: Optional up to 4 hours
• Kayaking: Optional up to 2 hours (shallow water)
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the beautiful garden setting that looks out across the bay, before we set off for the day.  Today’s walk is spectacularly scenic as we head deeper into the National Park through lush forest, interspersed with coastal views and beach walks alongside the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

Leaving Awaroa we ascend up and over the Tonga Saddle to Onetahuti Bay. Here, one of the longest expanses of beach in the Abel Tasman stretches before us in a crescent shape. Picture a long pristine beach separating crystal clear, brilliant blue waters from dense green mountainous forest backdrop – simply stunning!

Part of the walk here is along a boardwalk and bridge designed for conservation purposes by the local Iwi (Maori tribe) who have a strong connection to the area, as well as to assist with crossing the estuary during all tides. In particular of significance is Tonga Island which sits in a prominent position offshore and is home to a colony of fur seals. We will also spend a short time with our guide exploring Tonga Quarry and learning about the history and the granite which used to be quarried there before being shipped to Nelson.

The track then meanders through fern gullies and tall Manuka forests before a steep climb up and down to Bark Bay as we descend down the track passing a cascading waterfall which we can view from a sturdy swing bridge. Bark Bay, also called Wairima, is an idyllic place for our picnic lunch, offering sunshine for much of the year. Relax in the shade or perhaps with your feet cooling in the water, while you listen out for the Kaka; a colourful forest-dwelling parrot that was near extinction before being released in 2019 as part of a conservation effort. If you are lucky you might even see one!

Following lunch we walk through more groves of manuka and fern, before crossing the impressive 40 metre long swing bridge at Falls River – a highlight for most hikers. The track continues with steady climbs up and over two valleys before a steep descent to the sleepy summer holiday village of Torrent Bay and our second beachfront lodge accommodation for the night.

• Walking: Approximately 6 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge

Enjoy another day at leisure in the Torrent Bay area. Optional activities today might include a walk through breathtaking forest up to the waterfalls on Falls River, kayak or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra’s Pool, walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach and picturesque Te Pukatea cove visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way. Or simply relax and enjoy the lodge and surrounds, or on the wonderful Torrent Bay Beach.

• Walking: Optional up to 4 hours
• Kayaking: Optional up to 2 hours (shallow water)
• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Torrent Bay Lodge

Another morning waking to the sound of the ocean and breakfast with a view!

Our final walk today is the easiest, with the trail gently meandering towards Marahau. Along the way we will have panoramic views across the Tasman Bay towards Nelson – and our final destination at the end of the day.

As well as an abundance of coastal views, our day will also be enriched with historical tales of explorers and landmarks that we will pass by. The first section will be greatly determined by the tide – either around or across the inlet. The track then continues winding through small gullies, along streams and through lush beech forest. There are a few more beautiful beaches to visit, and at one of these we will stop once more for a picnic lunch. From this sheltered bay we can see out towards Adele Island  – a predator-free wildlife sanctuary home to penguins, seals and one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the Tieke.

The last section sees us walking through some open country before finishing with a few boardwalk crossings over the Marahau Estuary and into Marahau settlement where our transport is waiting to take us back to Nelson.

Your distance walked today is dependent on the tides.

• Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel Nelson

This morning you are at leisure to go out and explore Nelson (Whakatū) – a lively town located on the Tasman Bay and renowned for its art scene – from traditional Maori to contemporary – visit some galleries or shop for local crafts and some presents to take home with you. Try some delicious local produce – if you like a tipple you can visit the home of the hops or see why National Geographic dubbed it the Top Cider City in the world!  From vineyards to breweries, orchards to art galleries and boutique shops the options are endless – or you may just want to relax on the nearby Tahunanui Beach and soak up the sunshine. In the early afternoon you will be transferred to Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.

• Driving time: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Meals: B
• Accommodation: Jasmine Court, Picton

After breakfast we meet our trekking guide for the Queen Charlotte Track. The journey begins on the water as we cruise to Motuara Island before being dropped at the scenic Ship Cove – one of Captain Cook’s favourites during his explorations in the 1770s. As you cruise, your guide will share their knowledge of the local marine life, before a short walk on Motuara Island sanctuary to learn about the rare birdlife recolonised there.

In Ship Cove we will spend a little time exploring the Captain Cook Memorial, as well as gaining an understanding around the significance of the area in the Maori culture, before setting off on our walk. As we climb away from the beach, we will be passing through a large section of beautiful beech forest where the high canopy is complemented by a diversity of native shrubs and small trees. After about a good hour of hiking we will come to a lookout point offering up stunning views of both the inner and outer Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui. From here the track descends into Resolution Bay and follows a well-graded old bridle path over a ridge, winding downward to the shoreline of Endeavour Inlet.

On the descent, we start to catch glimpses of our lodge accommodation for the evening. Nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds and only accessible by boat or foot, our lodge offers a true immersion in nature surrounded by 2000 acres of pristine forest. It is the ideal location to relax and enjoy a fresh, local and seasonally inspired menu for dinner.

• Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the stunning blue-green waters before heading out the back gate and onto the track once more, starting with a walk to the nearby waterfall.

Our easy walk today mainly takes us along the shoreline, winding through beautiful regenerating indigenous forests rich in native birdlife. The track meanders through lush bushland before crossing over a small swing bridge at the head of Endeavour Inlet. We then set off following the main track walking our way towards Camp Bay and Punga Cove. As you walk listen out to some of the unique bird calls that you will only hear in this part of the world.

Sister property to the previous night’s accommodation, you can expect more of the natural beauty and the best of the Marlborough cuisine and beverages this evening. You will need to fuel up for tomorrow’s big day.

• Walking: Approximately 4 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Punga Cove Lodge

It’s an early morning today as we set off on the most difficult, yet equally as rewarding sections of the trail. At various times throughout the walk you will see both the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, making it a truly breathtaking section of the track.

Our challenging day begins navigating the ridgeline between Camp Bay & Torea Saddle as we climb out of Camp Bay to the Kenepuru Saddle. As you stop to catch your breath from the iconic Eatwells Lookout, gaze out at the 360 degree views over sunken river valleys of the Marlborough Sounds in awe – it’s well worth the climb.

From here, the ridgeline separates Queen Charlotte Sounds from Kenepuru Sounds offering stunning panoramic views. As we walk the undulating track, grand vistas abound and will certainly help to take your mind off the challenge underfoot.

Eventually, the track will descend to Torea Saddle, between Torea and Portage Bays. Our walk ends at our waterfront hotel for a well deserved rest for the night, located just ten minutes off the track.

• Walking: Approximately 8 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Portage Hotel

Another early start for your final day on the Queen Charlotte Track as we ascend to continue following the ridge line, enjoying stunning views back towards Picton as well as into the turquoise waters of the Kenepuru Sound. After Mistletoe Bay, where the track follows old bridle paths high above the water, we will descend down into Umungata (Davies Bay). The final half hour’s walking is on an easy path through mature beech forest as we arrive at Anakiwa.

Our water transport collects us and, as we travel back to Picton, we can relax and reminisce on the magic of the last days on the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track.

• Walking: Approximately 7 hours
• Driving time: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Jasmine Court Picton

Your trip finishes today after breakfast, time to say farewell to your guide and fellow trampers. We have included a transfer from Picton to Blenheim airport.

Meals: B

• 7 nights boutique lodge accommodation with private ensuite
• 3 nights hotel accommodation
• Experienced local walking guide
• Scenic cruise along the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coast.
• 11 breakfasts (full cooked and continental)
• 9 excellent picnic lunches (local produce) while on trek
• 7 dinners:
  • 4 x 3-course lodge dinners sourced from environmentally responsible providers on the Abel Tasman
  • 3 x wholesome, high-quality meals (with a glass of wine) on the Queen Charlotte Track
• Hot drinks and fruit juice at your trek lodge accommodation (Abel Tasman)
• Snacks and fresh fruit on trek (Abel Tasman)
• Lodge luggage bag (yours to keep) – 40 litre, sports-bag style with waterproof liner (for Abel Tasman section only)
• Luggage transfers and luggage storage
• Boat backup along the trail
• Water transport to and from Queen Charlotte Track
• Queen Charlotte Track Land Co-op Pass
• Transport between Nelson to Kaiteriteri / Marahau to Nelson / Nelson to Picton / Picton to Ship Cove / Anakiwa to Picton
• 15% NZ GST
• Carbon offset for your trip and for every walker, we plant an indigenous tree on your behalf

• Flights to/from destination
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks and carbonated soft drinks at the lodges (except where mentioned)
• Blenheim arrival airport transfers
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Expenses and items of a personal nature 
• Single supplement: please enquire; limited single rooms available

The terrain on the Queen Charlotte is varied and the itinerary mixes easily manageable sections with more challenging days. While more of a long track rather than a steep one, a moderate level of fitness is recommended to make the most of this exhilarating experience.

The track’s terrain is undulating and mostly on wide clay soil paths. This means in the dry sections it is quite firm underfoot however in wet conditions may prove to be quite slippery. 

All major streams have been bridged so there are no water crossings on this itinerary. 

The Abel Tasman coastal track is an intermediate trail which is mostly well formed, meandering through dense native forest, along lush gullies and beside streams. At regular intervals the trail leads you to some idyllic secluded beaches, coves and inlets which will involve a bit of beach walking. 

Some sections may be muddy or rough, and while there are some boardwalks and suspension bridge crossings over most major waterways, there are some sections that require knowledge of the tides to complete the section. The trail is steep in areas with some climbs, however they don’t feel too steep or long.

We have graded the Queen Charlotte Track and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track  as a moderate walk and so a good level of fitness is ideal, preferably with some multi-day trekking experience. There are some ascents and descents over uneven terrain, along with some clay soil paths  which can be slippery underfoot after any rain. There are also some sand walking and tide crossings. Training and preparing on hills with your equipment (particularly with the footwear you’ll use on the hike!), and walking several hours over varied terrain (4-7 hours a day), will help prepare you. The better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy this beautiful walk.

This region of New Zealand is renowned for its quality food and drink – the consistently sunny region combined with fertile land, produces delicious goods from cheese, conserves/honey, berries and olive oils through to alcoholic beverages (wine, beer and the world class cider). On this trip you will get to experience some gastronomical delights as you walk.

Breakfast is included daily (cooked or continental) and you will get a packed lunch to take with you on each day’s walk, which includes food such as Ploughman’s sandwich (roll, croissant or wrap), fresh fruit, quiche, muffin/banana bread, salad, cheese and crackers, trail mix, energy bars, free range hard boiled eggs and so on. On days where you have a free day at the lodge, you may be treated to a classic Kiwi barbecue prepared by the chef.

Your lodge dinners on the Abel Tasman are three-course meals sourced from environmentally responsible local providers and on the Queen Charlotte you will experience more high-quality food accompanied by a  glass of Marlborough wine.

At the lodges you also have the following available to help yourself; Fresh fruit, homemade biscuits, fruit juice, hot drinks including Nelson organic loose-leaf teas and fair trade coffee & hot chocolate.Dining on the Queen Charlotte track is a similar experience. The lodge accommodation has a reputation for serving fresh, local and seasonal cuisine.

Most dietary requirements can be catered for, please ensure you discuss your requirements with your consultant at the time of booking.

The Tasman region of New Zealand is fortunate to be one of the country’s sunniest areas making it a perfect year round destination. Even in winter, though cooler in temperatures, you will often find you are walking under blue skies and sunshine.

If you are particularly keen to do some swimming along the Coastal Track, then the warmer months are best – though trying to avoid the summer school holidays will be more enjoyable along the trail.

It can be quite windy on the coast but rainfall is quite evenly distributed throughout the year and so repeated days of rain are pretty rare. Although Summer time is the most popular season to visit the national park, the locals firmly believe that the shoulder months of Spring and Autumn are the optimum periods in which to visit. During these months the crisp, cool mornings along with calm ocean waters and quiet beaches will equate to a wonderfully peaceful and serene experience.

RAW Travel supports and welcomes solo travellers. Our guided group departures are based on twin share. If you are a solo traveller, we will match you up with another traveller of the same gender. Due to the lodge sizes single rooms are very difficult to obtain, however we can request this for you, for a supplement cost. Please enquire with your consultant at the time of booking for further details.