5 Days in Abel Tasman: Hiking & Sea Kayaking New Zealand

Motueka, New Zealand · 5 days, 4 nights · luxury · from about $3200 per person · best in January, February, March

Combine the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track with sea kayaking through turquoise bays and past marine wildlife. Sleep in boutique lodges and eco-camps, cruise to hidden beaches inaccessible by foot, and paddle alongside fur seals.

What to expect

Hike golden-sand beaches between Totaranui and Anchortown (easier sections)
Sea-kayak to Seal Island and observe fur seal colonies up close
Explore Adele Island's limestone caves and native rata forest
Stay at beachfront eco-lodges with gourmet dinners and sunset views
Kayak through Bark and Onetahuti bays with pristine water clarity

Day by day

Day 1: Motueka Arrival & Kayak Orientation

Arrive in Motueka (from Nelson airport, 1 hour); transfer to luxury lodge near trailhead.

Sea-kayak orientation session (2 hours) in calm Motueka Inlet; practice strokes and launches.

Welcome dinner at lodge overlooking Tasman Bay; detailed briefing on next days' paddling.

Day 2: Coastal Hike & Beach Camp

Water-taxi to Totaranui; hike north to Whariwharanui Hut (10km, 4 hours) past granite headlands.

Explore tidal pools and coastal forest around camp; lodge provides gourmet packed dinner.

Camp at beachfront hut (en-suite, solar heated); sundowner drinks on the sand.

Day 3: Full-Day Kayaking & Wildlife

Guided paddle from Whariwharanui to Onetahuti Beach (10km); sea-kayak past Seal Island.

Paddle through Onetahuti Bays; snorkel-friendly shallows and fish spotting (gear provided).

Lunch on a remote beach; return paddle to beachfront lodge with gourmet dinner.

Day 4: Adele Island & Limestone Caves

Morning hike from lodging to a headland viewpoint (easy 5km, 2 hours); native birds and vistas.

Afternoon kayak to Adele Island; explore sea caves and native rata-covered cliffs (tide dependent).

Return to lodge; spa treatment (massage or sauna available); fine-dining dinner with wine pairing.

Day 5: Bark Bay & Departure

Guided morning paddle through Bark Bay; photograph granite peaks and birdlife (fantails, warblers).

Return to Motueka; lodge provides hot shower and packed lunch for travel.

Depart for Nelson or home; scenic drive or flight north.

Make this trip yours.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free