Abel Tasman Track

This is no doubt the easiest of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Since the terrain not particularly challenging and the elevation gains and losses not too demanding, anyone who is used to doing day hikes can do this tour. Take your time and enjoy the amazing views!

You will be walking on varying terrain on this tour. Most trails are well-maintained and in good condition. You will, most of the time be walking on dirt tracks and you may need to negotiate some rocks and roots but nothing too major. Sometimes there maybe a little walking on tarmac, but not very much.

This tour is graded easy-moderate overall. Within the tour, individual days may vary in difficulty - some sections are a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation along this route ranges from a comfortable B&B to lodges right on the track itself, with an upgraded 'in comfort' option available that books you into deluxe or superior rooms throughout, including a spa studio option partway through the tour. We may need to use an alternative property of a similar or better standard if your first choice isn't available for your dates.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

As this track does involve some remote sections and tidal crossings, we'd recommend taking extra care if you're walking alone.

Breakfast is included each morning at your accommodation (on the standard tour, there's one exception at a remote lodge, where breakfast is at your own cost). Packed lunches are provided on your hiking days. If you choose the standard Abel Tasman Track tour, dinner isn't included, though there are a few restaurants to choose from in Marahau and you can also eat at the lodges along the way. If you choose the In Comfort tour, two dinners are included, on days 2 and 3, and for your remaining meals in Nelson there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from.

Carry plenty of water with you on the trail, as there are limited places to refill along the way.

The best time to walk the Abel Tasman Track is between October and April, covering spring, summer and autumn, when all the accommodation options are open and the weather is generally more settled, though it can still be unpredictable at any time of year.

This is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and is extremely popular, so it's worth booking well in advance - ideally 6 to 9 months ahead - especially if you want to travel during the busiest months of January, February and March (and over the Christmas and New Year period). Because the track involves tidal estuary crossings and limited accommodation in places, your itinerary may occasionally be adjusted - for example reversed or shifted - according to the tides or availability, and we'll let you know if this is necessary.

Your bags will be transferred by boat each day to be waiting for you at your accommodation when you arrive. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 10kg/22lbs per person.

Because your bags have to be lifted in and out of boats without jetties for easy unloading, we ask you to pack light and use a soft-sided duffel bag or small suitcase suitable for carry-on - if you don't have one, our local partner can provide a loaner bag for your overnight gear. Our local partner also offers free luggage storage for anything you don't need on the track.

The track is well marked and signposted, and if you stick to the main route there's very little chance of losing your way. Because this track involves tidal crossings, our local hosts will give you specific guidance on these as you book, since your itinerary may need some flexibility around the tides.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

You can fly into and out of Nelson Airport, just 5 miles from central Nelson, with domestic flights from Auckland and Christchurch.

If you choose the Abel Tasman Track tour, our local hosts will meet you at Nelson Airport at 2:30pm and transfer you to your accommodation in Marahau, so it's worth timing your arrival to catch this shuttle. If you're staying in central Nelson the night before, or arrive earlier in the day, the same shuttle can pick you up there at 7am or 2:15pm, and you can also take a taxi from the airport into central Nelson. On the final day, a transfer is included back to Nelson or Nelson Airport, departing Marahau at 4:30pm: the journey to the airport takes around an hour, so you should arrive around 5:30pm, or you can be dropped in central Nelson instead. If your arrival or departure times don't match the shuttle, we can arrange a custom transfer at a cost of around £100: just ask your Destination & Adventure Specialist.

If you choose the Abel Tasman Track in Comfort tour, a taxi is the best way to get into central Nelson from the airport, as it's only a short distance. On the final day, a transfer is included back to Nelson or Nelson Airport, departing Marahau at 4:30pm: the journey to the airport takes around an hour, so you should arrive around 5:30pm, or you can be dropped in central Nelson instead.

Please note that when booking flights from the UK to New Zealand, you'll arrive 2 days after you set off, and on the return leg you'll arrive 1 day after you leave: if you depart on a Tuesday, for example, you'll land on the Thursday, and a Saturday departure home gets you back on the Sunday. This is down to flight time and crossing the International Date Line, and similar timing applies when travelling from elsewhere in Europe, the USA or Canada, so do factor this in when booking to make sure you arrive on the right day for your tour to begin.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

Because this tour includes a few tidal estuary crossings, we strongly recommend bringing a pair of water shoes (such as crocs or sports sandals) for these, as there can be sharp shells and small stones underfoot.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation