If you’re looking for adventure, you’re looking in the right place! The Abel Tasman region has the perfect combination of adventure activities, all wrapped up in our glorious Nelson Tasman weather and remarkable coastal landscapes.

Start your weekend the right way, with the biggest dose of adrenaline you can possibly imagine in the adventure aviation hub of Motueka. As you freefall from a plane 13,500 feet in the air, you’ll be treated to spectacular views that you won’t find anywhere else in the world; those of the North and South islands, three national parks, turquoise bays, lush native forest, golden sandy beaches and one of the largest natural sandspits in the world! 

Next stop on your journey is the idyllic seaside village of Marahau. Known for having the largest tidal range in the country, the undulating sandflats that are exposed when the tide recedes provide the perfect conditions for horse-riding along the beach, which is exactly what you’ll do! After a couple of hours on horseback, retreat to one of the nearby beach camps to set up for the night, and head to the Fat Tui campervan for the best burger you could ever imagine! 

The next day, you’ll depart from Marahau by water taxi, on your way to the adventure of a lifetime. Here, in the heart of the national park, Abel Tasman Canyons will have you testing the limits of your comfort zone as you abseil down gorgeous granite canyons, zip through unspoiled rainforest and slide into some of the purest water and natural rockpools one can find. How’s that for some heart-pumping action?

After another night getting to know the locals in Marahau, you’ll set out on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk will treat you to a tasting platter of lush native forest, stunning beaches and bays, and the sweet sound of birdsong as it rings through the treetops. A short and scenic four-hour walk under the forest canopy will land you at Anchorage, the place where you’ll be spending the night. Take off for the afternoon to further explore the park, before returning to your dorm room at Aquapackers, your floating backpacker accommodation, for a dinnertime BBQ on the water.

The next morning, hop on one of the scheduled sailings that venture through the park each day, and head back to the picturesque Kaiteriteri Beach. Once you arrive, you’ll want to fuel up with something delicious from the beachfront restaurant, so that your appetite for adventure can thrive in the coming hours. Hire yourself a bike from the local bike shop, and stop off at the Kaiteriteri Reserve office to purchase an orienteering pass, then head up to the Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park for an afternoon filled with adrenaline and heart-pumping action. Sink your wheels into the 25 diverse trails in the hills overlooking Kaiteriteri Beach, navigating the challenging switchbacks and swift descents, before ending the day using your navigational skills to complete an orienteering adventure.

See below for the list of operators featuring in this itinerary ↓

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