Australian Multi-day Tour

Abel Tasman Pack-Free Hiking

Discover the magic of Abel Tasman National Park on this six-day pack-free hiking adventure. Wander golden beaches, paddle turquoise bays and explore lush native forest before unwinding each evening in comfortable lodges with great food and even better company.

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Destination New Zealand

Duration 6 Days

Price From $3,990

Departs 01 Dec 2027

Group Size 14 Max

Overview

Explore the Abel Tasman Trail with AW

Experience one of New Zealand's Great Walks at a relaxed pace alongside a group of like-minded women. With luggage transfers, welcoming lodges and two experienced tour leaders taking care of the details, this trip is designed to make the most of our time in Abel Tasman National Park.

Each day reveals a new side of this spectacular coastline. We'll wander golden beaches, hike through native forest, cross swinging bridges, kayak among seals and birdlife and cruise the coastline by water taxi. There'll be plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim, soak up the scenery and share plenty of laughs along the way.

Combining active days, charming accommodation, delicious meals and the camaraderie that Adventurous Women is known for, this is a memorable coastal escape for women who love hiking, nature and great company.

Note: This trip pairs with our New Zealand Southern Alps Trek trip starting on 21 November from Christchurch, New Zealand.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This adventure is best suited to women with a good baseline of fitness, willing to commit to training in the months leading up to the trip. You'll need to be comfortable hiking 8-22 km on consecutive days over varied terrain, including sandy beaches, native forest, steps and steady climbs.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Fun photo on the Abel Tasman Coast — Hike New Zealand's iconic Abel Tasman Coast Track

Day 1 Wed 01 Dec Nelson to Mārahau

We’ll meet at 2.30pm at a central location in Nelson before transferring by private bus to Mārahau, where we’ll check into our B&B for a two-night stay.

After settling in, we’ll come together for a trip briefing before getting to know one another over a welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: BnB, Mārahau

Day 2 Thu 02 Dec Mārahau - Coastal Track hike - Mārahau (13 km)

This morning, we board a water taxi to Anchorage, where our first day on the trail begins. Following the stunning coastal track, we'll weave through lush native forest, skirt golden beaches and enjoy ever-changing views across the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park.

There will be plenty of opportunities to pause for photos, keep an eye out for native birdlife and even take a refreshing swim if the weather is kind. Highlights include beautiful Te Pukatea Bay and the lookout at Pitt Head, offering spectacular views over the coastline.

At the end of our walk, we'll return to Mārahau by water taxi, with time to freshen up before heading out for dinner together.

Distances: appx 13 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: BnB, Mārahau

Day 3 Fri 03 Dec Anchorage to Awaroa (12-22km)

After breakfast, we'll check out and catch the water taxi back to Anchorage to continue our journey along the Abel Tasman Coast Track. The day offers two hiking options, allowing you to choose the distance that best suits your energy levels. Those keen for the full challenge will hike all the way to Awaroa, while a shorter option starts with a water taxi to Bark Bay before joining the trail.

Today's route showcases some of the very best of Abel Tasman National Park. We'll follow the coastline past golden beaches, through regenerating native forest and across the iconic Falls River Swing Bridge. Along the way we'll cross gentle saddles, stroll the sweeping sands of Onetahuti Beach and soak up spectacular coastal views before arriving at the tranquil Awaroa Inlet.

Tonight we'll unwind at the beautiful Awaroa Lodge, where we'll enjoy dinner together before settling in for the night.

Distances: Long option 19-22km depending on the tides / Short option: 12 km (Boat to Bark Bay, then walk to Awaroa lodge)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge, Awaroa

Day 4 Sat 04 Dec Awaroa to Tōtaranui (8.5 km + Kayaking)

Today's adventure begins with the tidal crossing at Awaroa before the track winds through magnificent podocarp forest and back onto the coast. We'll hike along the golden sands of Waiharakeke Bay and Goat Bay before crossing one final saddle to Tōtaranui.

After our hike, we'll transfer to Tata Beach for a guided sea kayaking adventure. Paddling in double kayaks, we'll explore the picturesque Tata Islands, home to playful New Zealand fur seals and one of the country's largest cormorant colonies. As we glide through the clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park, our knowledgeable guide will share stories of the area's history, wildlife and unique coastal environment.

Later this afternoon we'll make our way to the charming Ratanui Lodge, where we'll have time to relax before enjoying dinner together.

Distances: appx 8.5 km hiking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ratanui Lodge, Pohara

Day 5 Sun 05 Dec Wainui to Tōtaranui to Nelson (16km)

Our final day on the trail begins with a short transfer to Wainui, where we'll explore one of the quieter sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Climbing through native forest, we'll be rewarded with beautiful views over Wainui Inlet before continuing to Whariwharangi. Those looking for an extra challenge can add the Separation Point Loop, home to dramatic coastal scenery and New Zealand fur seals.

We'll continue past the secluded beaches of Mutton Cove and Anapai before arriving at Tōtaranui, where a water taxi awaits. Sit back and soak up one last perspective of Abel Tasman's golden beaches and turquoise bays as we cruise back to Mārahau.

From Mārahau, we'll transfer to Nelson before gathering one final time for a farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable adventure together.

Distances: appx 16 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Nelson

Day 6 Mon 06 Dec Departure day

The tour concludes today after breakfast. Check out time is midday.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
Abel Tasman specialist hiking guide on days 2-5
Accommodation on a twin/share basis with optional single rooms at a surcharge
Luggage transfers
Aqua taxis
Private group transfer Nelson-Marahau-Nelson
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"Loved every minute of the trip! Organisation was great, tour leader (Jazzy) was fabulous, and the other women on the walk were just lovely"

Celia Nepal

"So well organised by the team nothing was a problem so helpful lots of fun with the other Adventurous Women"

Lorrie Ningaloo Reef

"I loved the great group of women and the variety of activities. We hiked, cooked, kayaked, met elephants, laughed, swam and ate. Marie’s knowledge of her homeland made this a memorable experience"

Michelle Cambodia

"Loved the week hiking with Anna & an inspiring group of women. Really well organised, fun, delicious food, amazing scenery. Highly recommend"

Sue Bibbulmun Track

"A stunning part of the world to hike with a special group of awesome women, led by our wonderful leader Lyn"

Tammy Japan

Good to know

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

International and/or domestic flights
Drinks other than water
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc.
Travel insurance (mandatory)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

When on the tour, we have you sharing with different women from the group at different times - great for group bonding and also for alleviating any potential annoyances that may occur as a result of travelling with the same person throughout a tour. Or, if you’d prefer your own room, this is available for an additional supplement (subject to availability). You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival and Departure details

The trip starts and ends in Nelson, New Zealand. There are no direct flights from Australia to Nelson. Most travellers connect via Auckland, with regular domestic flights to Nelson. Connections via Christchurch or Wellington are also available.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

Throughout the trekking portion of the trip, you'll also be accompanied by experienced Able Tasman-based hiking guides who will support you on the trails as well as share insight into the local flora, fauna and history of the region.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes, we do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour. It’s important that any requirements are communicated accurately prior to the trip.

Accommodation

We'll spend all five nights in charming boutique accommodation. The tour price is based on twin-share rooms. If you prefer your own room throughout the trip, a single supplement is available, subject to availability.

Note: One night is at Awaroa Lodge, where we may need to utilise a spacious family rooms with a mezzanine layout, accommodating up to four guests (two upstairs and two downstairs).

What do I need to carry while hiking?

Your luggage will be transferred between lodges, so each day you'll only need to carry a daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, lunch, extra layers and personal items.

As your luggage will be loaded and unloaded from water taxis- and occasionally carried across shallow tidal crossing- please limit your main luggage to 10 kg.

At the start of the tour, we'll provide you with a duffle bag for the hiking portion of the trip. Any additional luggage can be securely stored and will be reunited with you on the return journey to Nelson on Day 5.

A detailed packing list will be provided in the lead up to the trip.

How will we be travelling?

A private, air conditioned bus is provided for our travel between Nelson and Marahau. We will also be utilising water taxis during the hike- these are not private to AW but are comfortable and safe.

Is travel insurance required?

A trip is an investment and as with any investment, you should take steps to protect it and plan for contingencies.

Travel insurance on domestic tours with Adventurous Women is not mandatory. It is, however, highly recommended, particularly because most policies allow you to add cover for trip cancellation, disruption and curtailment.

In the event of illness or injury, your private health insurance or Medicare will generally cover your medical treatment if you need to visit the hospital.

What your private health insurance may not cover is ambulance costs, which can be significant. Some states offer affordable ambulance membership schemes. Unless you are a Queensland resident (who receives free ambulance cover Australia-wide), you might wish to look at options available to you.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through a partnership with this insurer AW guests receive a 10% discount off the cost of insurance using this link (discount will be applied at checkout)