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Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks

From ancient forest to golden beaches, towering mountains and pristine alpine lakes, the Three Parks Gourmet Guided Experience covers it all. We explore the parks surrounding the Nelson region over three days, meandering under the canopy of the magnificent beech forest in Kahurangi National Park, strolling along the golden sands and beside the sparkling blue waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, and walking amongst the mighty mountains of the Southern Alps in Nelson Lakes National Park. Each evening you will find yourself either resting in Nelson city in a comfortable hotel room, or based out in the neighbouring countryside at one of the famous boutique rural bed and breakfasts. This is hiking in New Zealand the civilized way – the Gourmet Way!

NB. The order of the following day walks will be decided by your personal guide based on weather conditions, so as to maximise your enjoyment and safety during the three day experience.

OVER THE THREE DAYS WE WILL EXPLORE THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL PARKS:

Day 1 – Coastal Walk – Abel Tasman National Park
(approx. 4-5 hours/13.9km)

We begin in Nelson where we pick you up from your accommodation at 7am and drive to Marahau where we start our journey by water taxi (boat) to the picturesque Torrent Bay. The boat ride is often a highlight for our guests as we cruise beside the golden bays, keep an eye out for seals and dolphins! Once we arrive we begin our days walk. Leaving Torrent bay we walk inland slightly, with an option to visit the beautiful Cleopatra’s pool for a swim. The morning is set at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to stop and admire the views or swim in the tranquil waters. Stopping for a gourmet lunch at Bark Bay we head onward to arrive in Tonga Bay, just in time for some more relaxing until our water taxi arrives to return us to our vehicle. We leave Marahau, and your guide will then take you to your accommodation for the evening and brief you for the following day, before leaving you to relax and contemplate your day in your very comfortable accommodation.

Accommodation – Classic: City Motel/B&B Deluxe: Boutique Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 – Option 1 – Lake Track – Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park

(Either 3 or 7 hours / 9 or 19km)

Depending on your preference and weather conditions, we have the choice of either a long or short option today. Both walks begin at the Lakeside where we take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to either Cold-water Hut (Long Option) or Lake Head Hut (Short Option). For the long option we walk up the mighty Travers Valley to the Travers swing bridge. Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lake Head Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake’s eastern side to St Arnaud. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the area and walking beside a bird protection area, this is an awe inspiring day.

Accommodation – Classic: City Motel/B&B Deluxe: Boutique Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 – Option 2 – Mountain Hike – Mt Robert, Nelson Lakes National Park

(approx. 4 hours/6km)

The drive to the Nelson Lakes region is a beautiful one, and in itself holds some historical interest. Once we arrive in the Alpine village of St. Arnaud we then drive to the car park to begin our ascent of Mount Robert, the great thing about this particular cark park, is that it is halfway up the mountain, this means that soon after starting we are afforded magnificent views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. Our walk uphill brings us to the Bushline Hut where we enjoy a fresh cup of plunger coffee or a selection of fine teas with a gourmet lunch. It’s a great spot to soak in the spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, ancient beech forests & the valleys beyond. Take the opportunity to gain an even higher perspective on the way home and look into the old Mt Robert Ski Field basin. We descend, weaving in & out of lush beech forest, the understory dripping with goblin moss from the tree branches giving the walk a truly enchanted feel.

Accommodation – Classic: City Motel/B&B Deluxe: Boutique Bed and Breakfast

Day 3 – Native Forest Walk – Flora Valley, Kahurangi National Park

(approx. 4 – 5 hours/10km)

Today the drive takes us to the border of Kahurangi National Park, where we disembark, and enter into one of the most diverse National Parks in New Zealand. We set off from the car park and immediately we are immersed in lush native and ancient beech forests. Our walk takes us through a wondrous environment following a gentle creek into the Flora Valley. We dine out on a gourmet lunch under a natural rock shelter, before returning the way we came. At the end of your day, your guide will deliver you safe and sound back into Nelson at a destination of your choice, so you may carry on with your own travel plans.

The Classic Package Includes two nights ensuite accommodation at the a Nelson City motel/B&B ona double, or twin share basis (single supplement is an additional $200 NZ on request, subject to availability). The Deluxe Package includes two nights in a boutique bed and breakfast (single supplement is an additional $600 NZ on request subject to availability). Each package includes all meals (two evening meals, two breakfasts and lunches each day) and all guiding services and transport for the three days.

Price: classic three parks package $1795 per person

Price: Deluxe three parks package $2395 per person

Contact us to book your Southern Wilderness Gourmet journey today!

Or call us on +64 (3) 545-7544 . We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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