Walk New Zealand's Abel Tasman & Queen Charlotte
Experience Overview
With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, set off on an unforgettable hike along New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track. Over five days, you’ll join a local leader on walks to secluded bays, coves and native forest, learning about the region’s rich Maori history as you go. Venture through Nelson Lakes National Park, explore Abel Tasman National Park via kayak and finish each day at your cosy lodge accommodation – a perfect way to recharge your battery.
Highlights
- Hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track with a local leader. Weave your way through some of the most beautiful scenery of the South Island and learn about the region’s history.
- Explore Nelson Lakes National Park as you hike the Mt Robert Circuit. Take in the coastal views over Lake Rotoiti as you walk around the northern face of Pourangahau (Mount Robert).
- Walk the final part of the Abel Tasman Coast track and look for native birds like fantails and wood pigeons along the way. Maybe rent a kayak or simply relax by the beach in Marahau in your free time.
- Rest your head each night at your cosy lodge accommodation in the heart of New Zealand’s best National Parks.
- Take a water taxi through Malborough Sounds – an extensive network of sheltered inlets, clear waters, sandy bays and forested hills at the northern end of the South Island.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2278
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Water Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHXQ
Starts: Christchurch / Lewis Pass / St Arnaud, New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4),Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1488 ($298 /day)
Itinerary
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch with a welcome meeting at 8 am this morning. If you arrive a few days early, maybe stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to see the native plants or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. After your meeting, your trip starts straight away as you make your way to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass National Reserve. When you arrive, set off on the Conical Hill Walk for panoramic views over the town, forest and mountains. After a bite to eat, travel to Saint Arnaud – a small alpine village in the Tasman district where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Lewis Pass – Conical Hill Walk
This morning, set off on the Mt Robert Circuit. This loop track takes you around the northern face of Pourangahau (Mount Robert) and offers beautiful views over Lake Rotoiti. After your hike, jump back on the bus and head to Marahau – a seaside resort in the Tasman Region. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe go for a swim at the nearby beach or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Nelson Lakes National Park – Mt Robert Circuit
After breakfast, take a water taxi to Anchorage – the starting point for today’s hike. From here, you’ll walk the final part of the Abel Tasman Coast track, ending back at your base from the night before. Along the way, take in the coastal views and look for native birds like fantails and wood pigeons. Depending on what time you arrive back in Marahau, maybe rent a kayak and paddle along the Falls River to finish off your memorable day in Abel Tasman.
Included Activities:
- Abel Tasman National Park - Abel Tasman Coast Track (Anchorage to Marahau)
- Abel Tasman National Park – Scenic Water Taxi Ride Marahau to Anchorage
Optional Activities:
- Marahau – Kayak Hire (from) (110 NZD)
Travel to Malborough Sounds – an extensive network of sheltered inlets, clear waters, sandy bays and forested hills at the northern end of the South Island. When you arrive in Picton, head out on a water taxi to Anakiwa – a coastal residential village on the Queen Charlotte Track. From here, walk the track to tonight’s accommodation situated in the secluded surroundings of Lochmara Bay. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Included Activities:
- Queen Charlotte - Scenic Water Taxi Ride Picton to Anakiwa
- Queen Charlotte – Queen Charlotte Track (Anakiwa to Lochmara)
This morning, board a water taxi to Kaipupu Sancturary – a nature conservation reserve. When you arrive, set off on a short loop track around the sanctuary. After, drive down the east coast of the South Island to Kaikoura – a coastal town known for its wildlife. Take a pitstop on your way out of town to see a local fur seal colony. Then, continue to Christchurch. When you arrive later this afternoon, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Activities:
- Queen Charlotte – Kaipupu Sanctuary
- Kaikoura - Seal Colony Visit
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Michael - Traveled, April 2024
Stunning, beautiful 3 day hike through the Marlborough Sound. Accommodation is warm and cosy, boat transfers easily conducted and you leave with a greater appreciation of the utter sereneness that is New Zealand. Also, so many birds to see!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Glyn - Traveled, February 2024
Our trip leader Jef was friendly, informative and pleasant. It was easy to have conversations with him about a wide variety of topics. He had a good sense of humour and my wife and I learned a lot. We would happily go on another trip led by Jef.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Janina - Traveled, February 2023
An organised tour with Intrepid was a great way to hike the Queen Charlotte. Having a guide provided a level of confidence as it's been a while since I've done any multi-day hiking. Accommodation, transport and some meals were sorted so nothing to do but turn up and walk.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2023
Rhiannon - Traveled, February 2023
This is an excellent walk and felt pretty manageable (day 3 was quite long but definitely doable). You get a great range of scenery and it’s totally hassle free! Would 10/10 recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2023
Heather - Traveled, November 2022
Intrepid offer the best group tours all over the world. Our Queen Charlotte walk did not disappoint and was as wonderful as all the others I've experienced. Good value, good accommodation good sized groups and fantastic guides. Intrepid tours always run smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Ailin - Traveled, November 2022
Breathtaking views coupled with a well executed itinerary create an uplifting and unforgettable experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Bruce - Traveled, November 2022
The trip was well organised and our guide ‘Snowy’ was great company who took the time to interact well with everyone. We had a great mix of people. The walk is challenging but comfortable and the accommodation is great. Only gripe is the Lodges need to invest in fans for warmer months.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Kath - Traveled, November 2022
This trip offers the best of the NZ outdoors whilst walking in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. Listening to the birdsong in the forest, watching (and potentially swimming with) dolphins, seals and stingrays, from a nature perspective this trip has it all. Then add in top-notch accommodation, stunning views everywhere you look, excellent food and wine, what more could you ask for on an Intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2022
David and Rosalyn - Traveled, February 2022
A beautiful part of the country, especially if you have good weather. But a knowledgeable kiwi guide would be essential. If possible clarify this before commiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2022
Emma - Traveled, December 2021
A great mix of good hiking & lovely accommodation to relax in at the end of each day
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2021
Patricia - Traveled, December 2021
An easy and fun 3 days of walking for those used to walking , The views are spectacular, so remember to bring a camera to capture the changing colours. The Local legends sets the mood and the accommodation and food are treats and well earned after a day’s exercise
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2021
Margaret - Traveled, November 2021
Our tramp of Queen Charlotte Tramp went really well, the accommodation and food were excellent, fortunately the weather was kind. It was great to see other trampers along the way, the track we covered and views along the way gives a true perspective of the amazing coastline contained within the Sound.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2021
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