Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests
Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests
Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests
8 Days Starting in Nelson and ending in Christchurch
Visiting: Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Murchison, Paparoa National Park, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass Village, Edwards Hut, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHXH
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 11
Physical rating:
High
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Go beyond the usual suspects on New Zealand’s South Island as you spend eight days discovering alpine wilderness, coastal trails and crystal-clear waters. As you spend time travelling from Nelson to Christchurch via the west coast, experience two days hiking through the ethereal and unspoiled beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, take a self-guided cycle on the West Coast Wilderness Trail between Arahura River and Kumara, head above the treeline in Arthur’s Pass to Edwards Hut and enjoy time to explore historic townships along the way. It’s not New Zealand without rugged mountaintops, pristine waters and spectacular winding roads, and you’ll hit all three and more with a local guide leading you each day.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
Location: Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Nelson! You’ll meet your local guide and fellow travellers at Nelson i-SITE Visitor Information Centre this morning – check your booking for the exact time. From here, take a drive out of town hugging Te Tai-o-Aorere (or Tasman Bay) on your way to Kaiteriteri – the gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Here, get all your gear packed for a two-night stay in the park as you board a water taxi to take you deep into the lush wilderness. Stop by an idyllic stretch of shore for a picnic lunch before starting the hike along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track south to Bark Bay. Your tents and some gear will have already been dropped at tonight’s location, so all you’ll need to carry are your essentials. Pitch your tent, enjoy an included group dinner and settle in to the sights and sounds of the park at night.
Included Activities:
-
Day 2 : Abel Tasman National Park
Location: Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxed breakfast, continue your hike on the coastal track to Anchorage. Highlights of today’s trek are walking through glades of native manuka, over a low saddle and across an impressive 47-metre suspension bridge at Falls River. You’ll also stop by Cleopatra’s Pool for a quick swim, and if you’re feeling up to it, take to boulder hopping to discover more pools and waterfalls up the valley. If time permits, your leader may take you to the Falls River cascades – perfect for another dip. After some solid hiking today, camp at the bush-fringed inlet of Anchorage, where there will be plenty of time to relax and go for a swim, before meeting up again with your group to cook and eat dinner together.
Included Activities:
-
Day 3 : Murchison
Location: Murchison
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a morning at leisure in this little slice of paradise. There are plenty of hiking options in the area that lead to hidden beaches and bays, or you may prefer to just sit back on a stretch of sand with a good book in hand, cooling off with regular dips in the ocean. Hop aboard a water taxi and cruise back along to Kaiteriteri. Sit down to a delightful picnic lunch, stop for supplies at Motueka, and then hit the road south to your private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the junction of Buller and Maruia rivers. What’s more, your local hosts will be preparing a home-cooked organic meal for you and the travel crew!
Included Activities:
-
Day 4 : Paparoa National Park
Location: Paparoa National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jump back on the road and drive through the Buller Gorge to your first stop of the day – Charleston. Take a short hike through the coastal bush checking out headlands, wild waves and secluded bays of the west coast. Stop for a picnic lunch, and then get back hiking to the limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. This spectacular area was established in 1987 and covers more than 30,000 hectares in mountains, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, wilderness and coastline. Your guide will be of great help today – there are some uneven, wet and slippery sections of track to navigate. Collect firewood on your way so your group can build a bonfire at your campsite under the Boomerang Overhang – a fluviatile cave. For those still feeling active, join your guide on another hike up a beautiful side canyon, following the stream into a cave. All meals are included today, so all you need to do is enjoy the incredible scenery.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 5 : Hokitika
Location: Hokitika
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Relax with breakfast and hike from your campsite back to your group vehicle, then drive down the west coast to Punakaiki. Here, you’ll see the renowned Pancake Rocks and seawater blowholes. Continue the drive south to tonight’s accommodation at Hokitika – a mining town which thrived in the gold rush of the 1870s, and is a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewellery and weapons. Tonight’s centrally-located lodge is a short distance to the beach, so you might like to grab some fish and chips with a couple of your fellow travellers or enjoy a meal out. Keep in mind that sometime today you’ll get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow’s ride.
Included Activities:
-
Day 6 : Arthur's Pass
Location: Arthur's Pass Village
Accommodation: Hut
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Get your own breakfast in town before meeting back up with the group to begin today’s ride. You’ll be cycling the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara. Make your way through native forest, across crystal streams and past old reservoirs and water races. You are your own guide today, but the trail is very well marked so you won’t get lost. On arrival in Kumara, celebrate with a drink at the restored Theatre Royal Hotel. Get back in your transport and enjoy the mountainous views as you take an approximately one-hour drive to Arthur’s Pass village where you’ll stay for the night. Your private hut lodging has all of the basic necessities like showers and electricity. Prepare dinner as a group and get ready for your two-day hiking adventure.
Included Activities:
-
Day 7 : Edwards Hut
Location: Edwards Hut
Accommodation: Basic Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arthur’s Pass was used by Maori to cut through the soaring Southern Alps, and as a shortcut for miners during the West Coast goldrush of the 19th century. Today, its biggest draw is is its hiking trails, serving up unbeatable views of the valleys and peaks of the Arthurs Pass National Park. Begin your two-day hike, taking you up the Edwards Valley to Edwards Hut. This hut sits just above the treeline and provides sweeping views of the alpine peaks and glacial rivers around. Depending on how busy the area is, you’ll either stay in the hut or camp nearby. As day turns to night, keep an ear out for New Zealand’s national bird – the kiwi. Roroa, or the great spotted kiwi, are known to inhabit this sub-alpine area.
Included Activities:
-
Day 8 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up in South Island wilderness this morning, as you retrace your steps back through the Edwards Valley. Return to your transport, unpack and refuel with a picnic lunch. As you set off driving to Christchurch today, you’ll notice how the scenery changes dramatically as you traverse the eastern side of the divide. Expect steep forested slopes to be replaced by wide rivers, scree slopes and limestone formations, just like Castle Hill. Stop by these landscapes for a quick photo then keep driving towards the South Island’s largest city – Christchurch – where you’ll arrive and bid farewell your group by around 5 pm. The trip finishes upon arrival in Christchurch, but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities:
-
What's Included
-
Arthur's Pass - Return Hike
-
Abel Tasman Coastal Track - Hike to Bark Bay
-
Abel Tasman Coastal Track - Hike to Anchorage Camp
-
Abel Tasman NP - Waka Paddle
-
Paparoa National Park - Hike
-
Charleston - Headlands Hike
-
West Coast Wilderness Trail - Bike Hire
-
Arthur's Pass - Hike to Edwards Hut
-
Abel Tasman NP - Water Taxi
-
Meals
6 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Transport
- Boat , Water Taxi , Bicycle , Private Vehicle
Accommodation
- Camping (4 nights), Lodge (1 night), Hut (1 night), Basic Hut (1 night).
Check out our Q&As
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."