• Great Walk Bark Bay to Awaroa

    Great Walk Bark Bay to Awaroa


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Price

$127pp

Duration

1 Day

  • Adult: $121.00
  • Child (up to 14): $60.50
  • Child (4 & under): $0

Catch a water taxi and independently walk the track between Bark Bay to Awaroa before cruising home at the end of the day.

Highlights include: the Kaka population, Tonga Quarry, views of Tonga Island, Onethauti Beach, Onetahuti board walk and Awaroa wetlands.

Catch a water taxi to Bark Bay. Explore beautiful Bark Bay estuary and its forest fringed banks. Listen and look out for the distinctive call of Kaka. Kaka love to play and swoop across the valley, catch a glimpse of them up close or in the distance. These birds are a real testament to the conservation work being undertaken in the Abel Tasman.

Enjoy views from the top of the saddle before heading back down to the coast to learn about Tonga Quarry. A few minutes on from the Quarry set foot on Onetahuti Beach, this expansive semi circle beach offers stunning views of Tonga Island and the Tonga Island marine reserve.

Cross the impressive boardwalk before climbing Tonga Saddle which provides views back South.  At the top of the saddle the track splits into two. Staying right on the non-DOC track takes you down to Awaroa Beach and Awaroa Lodge. Stop in at the Lodge to experience the beautiful lounge or courtyard for a drink or bite to eat before heading out to the beach (any food or drinks purchased are at your own cost) to catch your water taxi.

  • We provide a map and a briefing outlining track highlights.

Side trips:

Explore Tonga Quarry and learn what famous New Zealand landmarks used Tonga granite in their construction.

Stop at Awaroa Lodge for a drink or snack (at your own cost).

The Abel Tasman is part of New Zealand’s great walk network and this premier track is designed for all levels of fitness. An outline of the journey is below in the itinerary section. DoC’s full track brochure can be downloaded here.

A guided walk option is available, please contact us to discuss.

  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
  • Age: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio
  • Food: Lunch can be provided for $25pp or bring your own
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
  • Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
  • Bus: $80 Nelson return, $40 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times

Departure Times

Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.

Itinerary

  • Day One

    8.15am
    Check in. One of our team will provide tips and a map for your days walk.
    8.45am
    Water Taxi to Bark Bay

    Highlights: Mārahau wetlands, views of Adele Island,Yellow Point, and the lookout at top of Anchorage.
    9.25am
    Arrive Bark Bay
  • Onetahuti Bay to Bark Bay (high tide track), 2 hr, 6.4 km
    Onetahuti Bay to Bark Bay (low tide crossing, Bark Bay estuary), 1 hr 45 min, 4.6 km

    Awaroa to Onetahuti, 1hr 30min, (4-5km)
    2.30pm
    Water taxi from Awaroa to Mārahau.
  • What to bring

    Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, walking shoes, cameras and any medication.

*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.

FAQS

  • Environment Access Fee

    Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

    A portion of your ticket price goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the National Park.  Fees are adjusted according to your trip, you can see your contribution when you purchase a ticket.

    Find out more on how we are looking after this special place including our commitment to the Mārahau Pledge.

  • Do I need hiking boots?

    For walking the track, firm footwear is required, but boots are not essential, walking sandals or sports shoes are fine.

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

What our customers say

Ik heb genoten van het eerste gedeelte, de eigen hike op de Abel Tasman Coast Track naar Observation beach, met al die prachtige viewpoints. Daarna een heerlijke lunch aan het water, om vervolgens na goede instructies van jonge guide Sam, met de Kayak langs de stranden en baaien terug te peddelen. We hadden ineens even slecht weer waardoor hij ons heel verstandig snel naar main land bracht. Gelukkig knapte het op en hebben we lekker in de zon verder kunnen kayakken. Misschien een beetje duur, maar het is zeer de moeite waard!


Mireille

Coastal scenery, everything organised for us.


Anon

Sam was an excellent guide - lot of fun!


Saavan

It was amazing


mathilde

Nature and guiding.


Anon

Had a great time! They supplied great equipment and we felt looked after by the briefing and helpful staff.


Ellen

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Even on the best adventures, you’ve gotta stop and eat!  Pretty mint lunch spot if you ask us 😎🌿
No @lucalaidelli its no dream! The Abel Tasman is real and waiting to be explored! 

📍@abeltasmankayaks 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
At high tide they rise like little islands; at low tide they reveal hidden channels and textures that make this coastline endlessly interesting.

#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Steady strokes ❤
Kayaks rafted up - a quiet moment to pause, connect, and take it all in before the adventure.
Summer days done right — kayak, swim, relax. 🌊☀️✨
As we head into a long weekend, the weather’s looking fab for exploring this part of the world — endless coastline, open space, and plenty of room to slow down and take it all in.
Whether you’re walking the tracks or kayaking the coastline, there are plenty of ways to explore the Abel Tasman - options for however you like to explore 🌊🚤✨
Raft up your kayaks, take a breather, and soak it all in - the calm, the colours, the coastline. 

Sometimes the best way to explore is to pause, appreciate, and let the adventure settle in around you.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the  excitement of what’s ahead.
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