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
I had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the... read moreI had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the pace of the group which meant no one got left behind. We also got to go across to Adele Island, and see some seals!
The lunch was delicious (maybe one of the best tour lunches Ive had!).
The walk back was good as we could go at our own pace, and go in to the little bays along the way and explore. read less
briohnyp
Luisa was a fantastic guide! She was not only informative with the history & sites, she was fun to be with.
Also turned our kayaking adventure into a sailing one!
dstewartkmg365
3 day immersion at the Abel Tasman ,saw lots of seals and surrounded always by pristine park
Was a group tour
Guide super helpful with kayaks and paddling was enjoyable with a min to mod fitness level of middle aged person
gggerty
Originally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on... read moreOriginally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on briefing and guiding on the ocean. They are very well organized. The transportation they provide from Nelson’s hotels was on time and very comfortable. Will recommend this company if you want to kayak and walk in Abel Tasman. read less
TRyana
We did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach,... read moreWe did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach, it had fascinating kaka (cheeky native parrots recently released into the wild there). There is a cold (public) beach shower at both locations which was an unexpected bonus to freshen up after a dip in the sea. Anchorage was a grassed canpsite next to another stunning golden beach with interesting caves at the end, lovely for a quiet evening explore when the beach was almost empty despite being peak season. We were blessed with perfect weather and the trip was very well organised with high safety and environmental standards. Non kiwis might need to be aware the sea is not tropical island warm in early Jan, but is fine if you’re used to cooler sea swimming (and if not, take a deep breath and do it.)
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet. read less
Greer7
A must do!! Belvir (sp?) gave us a great safety briefing and information before we set off. It was helpful and entertaining. We went all the way to Anchorage, dropped off the kayaks and walked back. Also saw seals on the way. An amazing family experience we will never forget. So glad we did it, and highly recommend these guys to book with.
Bexselector