Make your own way to Nelson, the city at the geographical centre of New Zealand, and check-in to your accommodation any time after 2:00pm. It is worth spending some time in and around this city with its colourful main street, historic cathedral, lovely walking and cycling trails, the Centre of New Zealand Lookout (a 20 minute walk with superb panoramic views), vibrant arts and cultural scene, and the beautiful Tahunanui Beach popular with surfers and kite surfers. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and award-winning breweries showcasing seasonal, regional flavours and artisan produce. Nelson is also home to the world famous Pic's Peanut Butter.

Meals:  Nil

You will be collected from your accommodation early this morning (timing will be advised upon booking) and transferred to Motueka (approx 50 mins) for a short trip briefing and to meet your guide. Another short transfer (approx 30 mins) takes you to the seaside settlement of Marahau, at the southern entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. First cross the Marahau estuary along a boardwalk as you begin the Coast Track, then pass through open country where native vegetation is regenerating. Following the coastline, gradually ascend to ridgelines with tall kanuka forest, dropping in and out of small forested gullies of lush beech and tree ferns. There are several optional side tracks today where secluded bays and beaches make ideal places for swimming and a picnic lunch. (Note that some of these are only accessible at low tide.) The bays, beaches and headlands are all named after Maori settlements, pioneering European landowners, ships of early explorers or natural features. Turning inland for a short while a panoramic vista overlooking the golden curve of Anchorage Bay unfolds before descending to its shoreline. After traversing the beach then crossing or skirting Torrent Bay Inlet, depending on the tides, you arrive at Torrent Bay Lodge. Located in this village of private holiday houses, the lodge has a relaxed atmosphere and your friendly hosts will ensure you feel at home.

Meals:  L,D

After a hearty breakfast, today's walk includes a mixture of undulations and flat sections as you cross headlands and traverse yellow sand beaches. Natural features such as interesting granite formations, native beech and rimu forests, ancient sand spits and lagoons merge with human history. Maori settlement and burial sites, and current day baches (holiday homes), mostly still owned by generations of the same families, represent both Maori and European activity along the coast. Farming, ship-building, tannin extraction and granite quarrying have all taken place prior to the establishment of Abel Tasman National Park in 1942. Take in the view as you descend to Awaroa Bay, where there is evidence of Maori settlement from the 16th century and a cluster of holiday homes. One of these is Meadowbank Homestead, originally built 1884 and still owned by descendants of the original family. This private lodge is your accommodation tonight. Enjoy home comforts once again this evening while your hosts take care of all your needs.

Meals:  B,L,D

Another delicious breakfast at the lodge sets you up for your final day of walking. Awaroa means "long river" and this morning you cross Awaroa Inlet where this long river meets the sea, forming the largest tidal estuary in the national park. Continue walking north to Totaranui, passing through beautiful native forest that has regenerated after farming and saw milling activities from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Totaranui is so named due to the large Totara trees originally found there by Maori inhabitants who used them to build 'waka' (canoes). Bask in the satisfaction of completing the walk here while waiting to board your scenic boat cruise. Travelling southwards along the impressive granite coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, reflect on your journey and keep a look out for seals and other marine life as you pass by protected Marine Reserves. After approximately 1 hr 40 minutes, the boat arrives at the seaside settlement of Kaiteriteri with its brilliant golden beach foreshore. A short bus transfer (approx 25 mins) takes you back to Motueka and then onwards to Nelson, where trip arrangements end.

Meals:  B,L