About the trip
Bask in sunshine and endless coastal views on our Abel Tasman & Marlborough Sounds Explorer adventure tour. Explore, relax and indulge in the finer things in life on our 5-day Abel Tasman & Marlborough Sounds Explorer hiking tour. Starting and finishing in Nelson, you'll experience the Abel Tasman Great Walk, the Queen Charlotte Track, as well as kayaking in Marlborough Sounds. Along the way, sample some delicious food and wine, water taxi to remote locations, and stay in some of the regions best accommodation, hand-picked for their hospitality, comfort and uniqueness. Let us take care of the details while you relax and enjoy the sunny pace at the top of New Zealand's South Island.
Highlights
- Abel Tasman Great Walk
- Queen Charlotte Track
- Marlborough Sounds
Meals
Accommodation
Included in the price
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Arrive, Head To Abel Tasman National Park, Water Taxi To Awaroa Lodge
Today we'll meet you either at the pick-up hotel or the airport, and tell you all about what our 5-day escape involves, in case you need a refresher! Once we're up to speed we'll make our way to a local winery and enjoy some outstanding New Zealand fare. The Nelson region is renowned for its boutique wineries, and grapes such as riesling, pinot gris, gewurztraminer flourish here in the lime-rich soils, and complemented by stunning natural backdrops. Once we’ve filled up on a sumptuous lunch, we’ll head to the small seaside resort of Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri we’ll jump in a water taxi and make our way to our accommodation in the heart of the National Park, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Day 2: Water Taxi To Tonga Quarry, Hike Back To Awaroa Lodge
This morning we'll hop on another water taxi, this time to Tonga Quarry, along the Abel Tasman Track, where our first Great Walk experience of the trip begins. Boasting lush native bush, refreshing coastal air, crystal clear water and unique rock formations, this track is an absolute must-do. Under our own steam we’ll make our way from Tonga Quarry back to our accommodation, taking our time to appreciate the views, flora, and fauna, as well as enjoying a scenic lunch trailside. The track is diverse, sweeping along stunning coastline before making its way under a dense canopy of native forest. It's a great idea to throw your togs in your day pack today, as there'll be ample opportunities for a refreshing dip in the Tasman Sea! Tonight we'll dine in style back at our accommodation.
Day 3: Head To Marlborough Sounds, Kayak Marlborough Sounds
Today we’ll be hopping back into the water taxi and retracing our journey from Awaroa Lodge to Kaiteriteri. From there we'll make our way to the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. On our way we'll stop for a leg stretch at the Pelorus River. In its entirety, this is a 3-4 day wilderness experience making up part of the Te Araroa trail and punctuated with backcountry huts along its route. Today though we'll keep to the river's edge and explore the native bush, the river water is amazingly clear, and winds its way through this enchanting reserve to Pelorus Sound, where it meets the sea. From here it's on to our home for the next two nights - Lochmara Lodge, and we'll get there by kayak! This beautiful spot is nestled amongst beautiful native ferns, overlooking Lochmara Bay, and boasts incredible views to go alongside the warm hospitality of the hosts.
Day 4: Hike Queen Charlotte Track, Or Relax In Lochmara Bay
This morning, after breakfast, you'll have the option to head out on a day hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, or you can simply relax at Lochmara Bay and enjoy the scenery! If you opt for the hike then we'll head out on a section of the trail from the lodge and explore the beautiful scenery. Our knowledgeable guides will be with us every step of the way, and will share the knowledge they've cultivated of this unique environment, as well as point out any marine life we may be able to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins (terehu) and blue penguins (kororā)! We'll regroup back at the lodge afterward enjoy a delicious and well earned dinner together!
Day 5: Head Back To Nelson, Depart
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and today we’ll be wrapping up our time together. After our final breakfast as a group, we’ll say goodbye to Lochmara Lodge before getting back into our kayaks and paddling back to Anakiwa, then onwards back to Nelson. We’ll drop you at either the airport or your accommodation. We promise to leave you recharged - with great memories and new friendships, rejuvenated by the great New Zealand outdoors! If you’re continuing your South Island adventure after you leave us, we’ll be happy to help you out with lots of ideas.
Terms and Conditions
Expand- Cancellation and Postponement BY YOU
- In the event you need to cancel your trip, the following cancellation charges will apply:
- Cancellations outside 60 days of departure: full refund, less transferable deposit and any non-refundable expenses incurred by Active Adventures
- Cancellations within 60 days of departure: no refund is given
- Any deposits not transferred to future trips are non-refundable and will be forfeited. All refunds are less any non-refundable expenses incurred by Active Adventures.
- Requested changes to your trip and/or date must be made prior to 60 days before your departure. In the event you need to change your trip and/or date, the following will apply:
- One change (trip and/or date): free of charge
- Second and subsequent changes: A fee of 300 per person per change consistent with the currency in which your booking was made (USD $300, CAD $300, NZD $300, GBP £300, EUR €300, AUD $300)
- New trip pricing (where applicable) will apply for all changes
- A cancellation or postponement will take effect from the date which Active Adventures receives written notification of the cancellation or postponement. This cancellation policy includes voluntary or involuntary early departure from a trip. No refunds will be given for missed or unused services such as accommodation, activities or meals. We strongly recommend travel insurance which covers cancellation fees at the time of booking.
- BY ACTIVE ADVENTURES
- We occasionally may have to cancel any trip at any time before departure for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum numbers required to operate the trip are not reached. If we do have to cancel your trip, you can transfer the fare to an alternate departure date for no additional fee or alternatively opt for a refund, including your deposit.
- BY FORCE MAJEURE
- In circumstances where the cancellation is due to any conditions or event outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism or political instability, Active Adventures will re-book you on an alternative trip or will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months.
- If you’re re-booked to a new departure, as a result of your booking being cancelled by us or force majeure, the cancellation terms in effect on the date when your booking was changed will apply for your new booking.
- All credits and refunds resulting from cancellations for any reason will be less any non-refundable expenses incurred by Active Adventures. Active Adventures is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred as a result of your booking, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, medical expenses, clothing, equipment, testing, quarantine, travel insurance excess or non-refundable flights.
