Price
$112pp
Duration
1 Day
- Adult: $112
- Child (up to 14): $56
- Child (4 & under): $0
Catch a water taxi and independently walk the track between Bark to Anchorage before cruising home at the end of the day.
Highlights include: the Kaka population, Pou whenua of Hohaia Rangiauru, Falls River suspension bridge and the Torrent Bay lagoon.
Wander 10 minutes from Bark Bay beach to experience the spectacular viewing platform overlooking Medlands beach. A pou whenua of Hohaia Rangiauru, past Maori chief of Te Ātiawa, is located at the platform, take the time to learn the relationships Māori have with the area and be awed by the first of many inspiring views of the day.
Listen and look out for the distinctive call of Kaka. Kaka love to play and swoop across the valley catch a glimpse of them in the distance or up close. These birds are a real testament to the conservation work being undertaken in the Abel Tasman.
Continue along the track checking out viewpoints and lookouts before crossing Falls River swing bridge. The 47-metre suspension bridge is sure to bring a smile when crossed, take a sneek preview below, video produced by Bare Kiwi. Enjoy the gentle descent down into Torrent Bay with expansive views of the tidal lagoon. Take the high or low tide route through or around Torrent Bay lagoon before arriving at Anchorage to catch the taxi home.
- We provide a map and a briefing outlining track highlights.
Side trip:
Cleopatras Pool
A natural rock pool is a great place to explore and also has a beautiful swimming hole.
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.
Print Itinerary
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Any age, under 18’s need to be accompanied by at least 1 adult
- 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: $70 Nelson return, $30 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.
Itinerary
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Day One
8.15amCheck in. One of our team will provide tips and a map for your days walk.8.45amWater Taxi to Bark Bay.
9.25amArrive Bark Bay. -
Walk from Bark Bay to Anchorage (high tide track), 4hr, 11.5km
Bark Bay to Anchorage (Low tide Torrent Bay estuary), 3hr, 8.4km4.00pmWater taxi from Anchorage to Marahau.4.30pmArrive back in Marahau. -
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
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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.
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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.
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More FAQ’s
A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.
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What our customers say
Fantastische ervaring met zeer betrokken gidsen, die weten waar ze het over hebben en dicht bij de natuur staan. Een droom dag gehad!
jaccovputten
My wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other... read moreMy wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other lovely family in for a reunion, and the endlessly talented guide Isaac, who had us all feeling like Whānau by the end of the trip. The thing that really impresses me about this tour is how meticulously they have figured out to time the various side quests, swims and meal breaks so that it lines up with the tide. In terms of sights, the highlights for me would have to be:1) Tonga island, where we saw dozens of young seal pup-mum pairings and learned about the impressive comeback this species has made over the last several years. 2) Shag Harbour, a beautiful inlet accessible only during high tide with crystal clear water and a symphony of cicada song3) Mosquito bay (reportedly named this to reduce foot traffic - not at all buggy), a beachhead campground accessible only by kayak 4) Watering cove near Te Karetu point - where you drink delicious, crystal clear & cool spring water directly from the sourceIf you are reading and thinking “but I am not an experienced kayaker”, this is NOT a necessity for this trip. If you are in reasonable shape, eager to learn and put in effort you’ll get through the ~30km of ground with no problem. My wife and I were lagging a bit behind because of some motion sickness and Isaac seamlessly built in breaks and sightseeing to keep us caught up and feeling good. The food is excellent and abundant - I won’t spoil the particulars. Finally, I’d be woefully remiss if I didn’t emphasize again just what an incredible guide Isaac was for our group. He is kind, outgoing, thoughtful and has a deep knowledge and love for NZ, Abel Tasman Park, and Maori culture. The depth of his knowledge for the flora & fauna, natural and human history of the area would be impressive for a guide 10 years his senior. He carries all of it off with such nonchalance - and always with a smile and a laugh (and a piece of ginger candy when my wife was worse for wear on the mad mile)Go on this trip, with this group. We will be back, and we hope he’s there to show us another adventure read less
Tim R
Wel vroeg verzamelen. Maar dat maakt de dag alleen maar mooier. Na een goede uitleg over de veiligheidsregels, kon er niets fout gaan. Het kajakken duurde 3 uur maar was meer dan de moeite waard en ging op een gemakkelijk tempo. Veel dieren gezien waaronder kleine zeehonden en bijzondere vogels. Na aankomst op het strand als eindpunt, kregen we een super lunch aangeboden. Hierna volgde een redelijke wandeling langs de... read moreWel vroeg verzamelen. Maar dat maakt de dag alleen maar mooier. Na een goede uitleg over de veiligheidsregels, kon er niets fout gaan. Het kajakken duurde 3 uur maar was meer dan de moeite waard en ging op een gemakkelijk tempo. Veel dieren gezien waaronder kleine zeehonden en bijzondere vogels. Na aankomst op het strand als eindpunt, kregen we een super lunch aangeboden. Hierna volgde een redelijke wandeling langs de kust terug met hoogteverschillen en prachtige uitzichten. Een dag om niet te vergeten! read less
Hans vd Nieuwendijk
Friend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear... read moreFriend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear that we hired was good condition and all accounted for. We arrived at Anchorage and unpacked the kayak, setup our camp site. Kayaks were picked up off the beach where we were instructed to leave. Next day we left our camp gear at site and continued north to Onetahuti (recommend walking extra distance for beautiful beach. Otherwise end at Barks Bay). Water taxi (company owned) collected us right on schedule. Super friendly and considerate boat driver. We had amazing weather and can’t fault the experience! We did two day walk that doesn’t include meals.
Suggest the company does a departure checklist for visitors. Things like how much we can fit in kayak/what types of bags can fit and how to pack food would be helpful for first-timers. Even meal suggestions would be great idea. In case reader is wondering: suggest a medium sized backpack per person plus a bag for meals. On day two you have to carry all your personal gear including food containers and rubbish - think about what and how you’re willing to carry these things on your walk the next day.
Recommend this experience and the company 100%. Thanks team! read less
L7624ZLadrianm
Well organised and friendly company with good equipment and attention to safety. We really enjoyed the water taxi ride up to a beach along the Abel Tasman track for lunch , followed by a unhurried kayak over to Adele island to visit the seal colony and then a kayak back to base.
Des T
Very good briefing to ensure safety etc. Guide was clear and humorous and had lots of knowledge of natural history to make things interesting. Lunch on beach very good, coffee and fruit too. Beautiful coastline and weather was great. We walked back along Able Tasman path, really good. Great way to spend 4-5 hours! Would fully recommend.
11prusom