Even on an ordinary day, we locals live amongst extraordinary nature. Surrounded by three national parks, remarkable coastal and alpine landscapes, spectacular beaches, and a selection of world-class mountainbike trails, there are endless discoveries to be made here.

Starting your Abel Tasman journey in the vibrant town of Motueka, head for a short stroll along the Motueka Wharf to the iconic Janie Seddon Shipwreck. After a diverse career as a submarine mining vessel, a military ship and a Talley’s fishing ship, Janie was laid up at the wharf in 1950, and sank at her moorings a few years later. To this day, she still lies off the coast, and the stretch of sand she lay upon has since become a popular destination for inquisitive visitors and local photographers.

Heading north toward Kaiteriteri, your next stop is the Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park. Whether you have your own bike or choose to rent one from the local bike shop, we guarantee you’ll have an extraordinary time navigating the challenging switchbacks and swift descents at the diverse selection of trails on offer in the park. Or, if a gentle ride is more your thing, there are plenty of smooth and scenic beginner tracks around, offering panoramic views over the beach below.

After a rejuvenating night’s sleep in your choice of beachfront accommodation, head out on the water for some more active exploration with a kayaking trip out to Split Apple Rock. Explore the hidden coves and arches nestled amongst the sweeping coastline, before hopping on board a scheduled sailing to take you deeper into the park to Awaroa Beach.

Whilst you’re here, take the opportunity to explore this famous bay and everything it has to offer. The beach was purchased by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders in an ambitious crowdfunding-campaign back in 2016, and there is plenty to discover here. You’re truly spoilt for choice for your days activities, with everything from a delicious meal at the Harakeke Restaurant, to a stroll around the waters edge, to a range of overnight accommodation including a homestead, a lodge, and even glamping tents.

The next morning, wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day with a guided or un-guided walk along the Abel Tasman Coast Track. A roughly 8-9 hour walk from Awaroa back toward Anchorage will treat you to some stunning views of the coastline and Falls River. The abundance of lodges, DOC huts and campsites dotted along the trail make it easy for you to take this at your own pace, staying overnight in the heart of the park if you wish.

If your time is more limited, a scheduled sail back to Anchorage may be a better option to ensure you can experience the legendary Cleopatras Pools nearby. Here, at one of the Abel Tasman’s spectacular hidden gems, you can slide down a moss-lined chute into the pristine natural rock pools below, before hopping back on a boat to return to Kaiteriteri Beach.

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

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