Luxury Wilderness Stay in Abel Tasman National Park
By Lisa: 12 July, 2024
If immersing yourself in the Abel Tasman and indulging in luxury accommodation without having to walk there sounds like your calling, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you!
Did you know that you can easily fly from Wellington and stay at the famous Awaroa Lodge? Read on for details on the Abel Tasman Wilderness Stay offered by Golden Bay Air and Awaroa Lodge. We sort everything, making it an easy overnight escape from Wellington.
Itinerary
Day 1 Morning: Wellington to Golden Bay
At Wellington Airport, you’ll experience easy check-in and boarding for our flight to Tākaka. We fly low enough for you to view the rugged Wellington coastline, hundreds of secluded bays in the Marlborough Sounds, and the glistening beaches of Abel Tasman National Park as you arrive in Golden Bay. During the flight you’ll be wearing a headset, so you can talk to each other and to the local Golden Bay Air pilot, who will give you the inside story on the places you’re flying over.
Landing in Tākaka, you’ll be driven in our comfortable shuttle to the tranquil bubbling of Te Waikoropupū Springs, the largest cold-water springs in the Southern Hemisphere. These blue-tinted waters have an incredible clarity that is close to pure water (an estimated 76m visibility). Make your way to the Springs viewing platform via a 30-minute loop walk, which has interpretive panels pointing out local flora, fauna and gold mining history. You'll learn that in Māori tradition, as the Springs are waiora, the purest form of water, they are a taonga (treasure) and wāhi tapu (a sacred place), and legendary home of the female taniwha Huriawa, guardian spirit and protector of the waterways.
Leaving the springs, you can sit back and drink in the scenery on the hour-long ride along the impressive limestone coastline and bush-fringed drive to Totaranui. Along the way, our driver-guide will point out some local history of Golden Bay—including the first fateful meeting between local Māori and the first European explorers.
Day 1 Afternoon: Water Taxi to Awaroa Lodge and Relax!
At Tōtaranui, you’ll transfer to the short water taxi transfer to Awaroa. Arriving at the stunning Awaroa Beach, make your way along the sandy 5-minute bush walk to the fabulous Awaroa Lodge. Check into your superior room and then have lunch on the deck. Surrounded by native bush—Awaroa Lodge is beautifully secluded and is not accessible by road.
The lodge has everything you need including a comfy lounge, bar, library, day spa, restaurant and outdoor pizzeria in the summer. Spend your day enjoying the surrounds of the lodge, swimming, relaxing at the beach, take a walk or go kayaking.
Day 2 Morning: Abel Tasman Cruise
After a leisurely morning enjoying your full breakfast, check out of your room and make your way to the beachfront.
Departing at 11am your scenic cruise is a fascinating 90-minute tour of the Abel Tasman coastline all the way to the southern gateway of Kaiteriteri, with your skipper acting as tour guide. Keep an eye out for dolphins, resident seals, and the famous Tokangawhā/Split Apple Rock—the famous granite boulder just before you get to Kaiteriteri.
Day 2 Afternoon: Transfer to Wellington via Tākaka
Once you’re at Kaiteriteri, you’ll have time for a dip off the resort-like beach, soak up the beach atmosphere, and have lunch at the restaurant Kai just across the road.
Leaving at 2.45pm, the scenery is no less impressive crossing the “Marble Mountain” (Tākaka Hill) guided scenic drive back to Tākaka. There are superb views over Tasman Bay to Nelson as you climb the hill. At the hill summit, Golden Bay suddenly reveals itself, the emerald Tākaka Valley dress-circled by the Tasman Mountains with the Bay itself in the distance.
Back at Tākaka Airport, board your scenic return flight to Wellington feeling relaxed and thinking about your next trip to Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman.
More Information and Bookings
Hungry for more? Add extra nights or hire a car in Golden Bay to explore our wonderful backyard.
Our Abel Tasman Wilderness Stay ex Wellington package offers an unforgettable mini-escape. Here at Golden Bay Air, we look forward to seeing you in paradise. Download a brochure or see Abel Tasman Wilderness Stay for more details and bookings.
Lisa Sheppard, co-owner of Golden Bay Air and keen visitor of spas and resorts!
