Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park 

2013

March – exact dates to be advised

The cost for the tour is $2588 per person. Single Supplement available  

This tour includes  beautiful food and wine, exceptional visits and two full days using the Wilson Family to guide us through the stunning and gorgeous Abel Tasman and stay in their lodges as a group.

I visited the park in 2009 with my daughter Hannah, on her year 12 Phys Ed trip. I was blown away by this fantastic area of New Zealand. Many of us don’t have the opportunity to visit an isolated area like the Abel Tasman Park. Here is your chance to enjoy some magic that NZ has to offer and spend some time with some new friends.

This lovely tour includes:

• Shopping at the Nelson market for a lunch at Neudorf Winery with wine tasting
• Dinners at Hopgoods and the Boatshed
• A fabulous visit to Christine Boswick… and her garden – one of New Zealand’s famous Ceramic artists
• A visit to the WOW Museum
• Lunch at Woollaston Estate – followed by a tour through the gallery
• A chance to wander around the eclectic Mapua area

Itinerary

Day 1 – 2^nd March

Arrive in Nelson – settle into accommodation and meet for a pre – dinner drink

Welcome Dinner at Hopgoods Restaurant – wine included

Day 2 -  3^rd March

Nelson Market – Time to enjoy the market. We will buy food for a communal picnic lunch.

Lunch at Neudorf  Winery.  Picnic lunch – and wine tasting.

Visit Christine Boswijk  – A dear friend of mine and is one of New Zealand’s famous ceramic artists. We will wander around her vegetable garden and orchard. Christine and I will do a demonstration using some of the produce we pick from the garden.

 Learn what ‘Ratafia’ is? Evening dinner – Boat Shed – with wine included

Day 3 – 4^th March

Mid Morning – WOW Museum

Lunch – Platters at Woollaston Estate with wine included.

I have a friend who runs the gallery here. She has arranged for us to visit the House of Glen Schaefer who owns the property and to see his art collection and view his amazing house.

This is not usually open to the public, but I have been through and it is exceptional.

Walk through the Mapua area with interesting shops and cafes.

Bubbly with smoked fish platters in a private garden over looking Ruby Bay

Free night.

Day 4 – 5^th March

Abel Tasman National Park 

Early pick up

Meet our Guide at Motueka and get ready to enjoy two nights in the Abel Tasman Park.

Boat departs Kaiteriteri for a leisurely cruise along the National Park coastline.  Hot drinks, covered or open deck areas and bathroom facilities on board.

Arrive at Awaroa –  you can relax on the beach or take a walk through the picturesque rainforest of Te Pukatea Loop or continue onto Totaranui  and walk approximately 2 hours back to Awaroa and the Meadowbank homestead.

 Awaroa, Homestead  is a re-creation of the Wilson family’s original home in Awaroa Bay.

Accommodation – Meadowbank Homestead  - Awaroa

Day 5 – 6^th March

Walk to Awaroa . Depart on the boat to Onetahuti 

 Or – walk from Awaroa to Onetahuti approx 1 ½ hours

 Lunch at Onetahuti

Kayak for those wanting to – Torrent Bay

 Or boat to Torrent bay and enjoy the beach or walk to Anchorage ½ hour if you like.

 You may wish to stop at Bark bay and walk to Torrent bay –approx 4 hours

 Accommodation – Abel Tasman National Park – Torrent Bay Lodge

Day 6 – 7^th March

Return to Nelson Airport by late afternoon for flights.

Nelson Tour includes

3 nights twin share bed and breakfast included at the Rutherford Hotel – Nelson

Single supplement available.

Coach travel Saturday afternoon and Sunday

Picnic lunch and wine tasting at Neudorf winery

2 evening meals – Hopgoods and the Boatshed with wine included

Lunch with wine tasting at Woollaston Estate and Gallery

Garden Visit and demonstration – Christine Boswijk

Finger food and wine at private garden – Ruby Bay

Abel Tasman package including transport to the park and return to the airport.

Meals are included over the two full days.

2 nights shared twin/double ensuite accommodation with, bedding and bathroom towels.

Lodge luggage bag, transfers & storage of luggage,

Use of day pack or bring your own if you prefer. 

Expert Guide, any scheduled Launch Cruise, all top quality sea kayaking equipment, coach transfers to and from Nelson.