Detailed Itinerary
On the morning your
adventure begins, we pick you up from your accommodation in Nelson or
Motueka, or you can leave your car at our office along with any excess
luggage. We provide you with a complimentary overnight bag to be
transported to our lodges by boat. Day packs are available to borrow if
required. There is a safe in our office for valuables.
Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Torrent Bay
Approximate Times:
Bus to Kaiteriteri - from Nelson 1.5 hours, - from Motueka 20 mins
Sea Kayak Kaiteriteri to Torrent Bay - 4.5 hours, 12km
Includes Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
- Pick up Nelson (7.30am) or Motueka
(8.30am). Time for last-minute luggage organisation at our Motueka
office.
- At Kaiteriteri, your guide will settle
you into your kayaks for a full training session. You do not leave the
beach until your guide is satisfied you can safely negotiate the coast
in your kayak.
- Paddling along the coast, discover the
pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'urville
in 1827.
- Cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead, visit
the stunning bays of Te Pukatea and Appletree, or paddle along the
coast of Adel Island.
- Stop for lunch at any one of the bays,
then continue on to Torrent Bay Lodge at the beachfront.
Day 2: Torrent Bay to Awaroa
Approximate times: Sea Kayak Torrent Bay
to Onetahuti (Tonga Beach) - 4 hours paddling (10km) Walk Onetahuti to
Awaroa - 1.5 hours (5km) Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea,
Lunch, Dinner.
- Leave Torrent Bay for a morning of
beach hopping up the coast, taking in points of interest: Falls River,
Frenchman's Bay.
- Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay and
take time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sand.
- In good weather, visit the Seal Colony
on Tonga Island where New Zealand fur seals breed. Spot new-born pups
in December and Jaunary.
- Cruising past Tonga Quarry and the
Tonga Arches, your guide will explain the history of this granite
area, pointing out some of the features and quarry relics.
- Leave Sea Kayaks at Onetahuti and walk
over the Tonga Saddle to Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.
Day 3: Awaroa to Nelson / Motueka via
Totaranui
Approximate times:
Walk Awaroa to Totaranui - 2 hours (7 kms)
Cruise Totaranui to Kaiteriteri 2.5 hours
Coach Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 minutes) or Nelson (1.5 hours)
Includes Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch.
- Cross the Awaroa estuary, and be
introduced to its fascinating history.
- Walk through the northern forests of
the park with magnificent specimens of Nikau Palm and Rata.
- At Totaranui, join our comfortable
launch to cruise the coastline, you have just explored by kayak. Hot
drinks, covered or open decks and bathroom facilities are available on
board.
- Our coach meets you to return to
Motueka (4.30pm) or Nelson (5.30pm).
Keep in mind that
kayaking or walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on
any of our scheduled ferry services. Please discuss this option with
your guide prior to each days departure.
If you find that sea
kayaking is not for you, you have the option of joining the walk group
that is walking the kayaking sections of this itinerary. This
flexibility is perfect for couples or groups that want to visit the park
together but don't all want to kayak, some preferring to walk or boat
between lodges.
Please note: The direction of the 3
Day Kayaking & Walk Trip may be reversed on some departures.