Awaroa Lodge Getaway

The Awaroa Lodge is located in the Abel Tasman National Park at the very top of the South Island of New Zealand. Awaroa Lodge is a perfect New Zealand holiday getaway. The lodge functions similar to an all inclusive resort if the resort was miles away from civilization.

Getting to the lodge is no easy task, but leaving is the hard part.

With no shortage of things to do in Awaroa Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park, this should be a destination on everyone’s bucket list.

Getting There

Awaroa Lodge is off the grid. There’s no direct road access to the lodge. The lodge is only accessible by a 3-4 day walk from Marahoau through the lush Abel Tasman Park. Another more friendly option is getting dropped off in Awaroa Bay by a water taxi. This is a 90 minute boat ride up the northern most point of New Zealand’s South Island. Along the way be on the lookout for whales, dolphins, and seals.

Water taxi options to choose from include Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, Wilson’s Abel Tasman Experiences, Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, or Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures.

We boarded the Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle from Kaiteriteri.

If you choose the water taxi you will be dropped off on the famous Awaroa Bay beach. The staff from the lodge will meet you beachside and pick up your luggage. From the beach it’s a short 20 minute walk to the Awaroa Lodge.

Staying at the Lodge

We stayed in one of the Awaroa Lodge’s family rooms. It was very spacious and can sleep up to 6 people. The lodge also offers smaller standard rooms, or superior suites for up to 2 people. The lodge does not have television in any of the rooms, making it easy to unplug and disconnect.

Food

Awaroa Lodge has two dining options. They have Harakeke Restaurant located in the lobby and a Pizzeria Garden Bar located in the woods at the end of the Garden Walk. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a popular stop for visitors walking the Abel Tasman.

The Pizzeria Garden Bar is famous in the Abel Tasman. It offers wood fired pizza and ice cold beers. This pizzeria is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers making their way through the park. The atmosphere is relaxed and the seating area is a good spot to meet fellow backpackers stopping over for pizza and a beer. Only open on the weekends!

Another option for food is the sack lunches the lodge offers. Request a lunch 1 day in advance and pick up at the front desk before taking off on your adventure for the day.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desert

Must Do Activities

While visiting Awaroa Bay take advantage of all the spectacular activities the area has to offer.

Kayaking

Enjoy the sea views via kayak. Rent a kayak for a solo tour or take one of the kayak tours offered by Awaroa Sea Kayaks. The tour includes drinks and snacks on the beach.

Paddle Boarding

Another option is renting a paddle board. We rented a board for the morning and had a great time splashing around the crystal clear bay.

Swimming in the Bay

Possibly the best part of an Awaroa Lodge Getaway is swimming in the bay. The sand is warm and the water is clear.

Feed the Eels

Awaroa lodge has a tame eels pool. The lodge provides food to feed the eels. Walk down to the eel feeding station at the end of the marsh and check out the huge eels up close. This is a great activity for kids.

Glow Worms

The glow worm dell is a short tramp from Awaroa Lodge. This is an evening activity so be sure to bring the flashlight provided by the lodge. Enjoy the calls from the moreporks and kiwis as you make your way to the glow worm dell. Follow the signs and enjoy as the glow worms make their appearance. Great activity for kids and families.

Walks from Awaroa Lodge in the Abel Tasman

Sky Track Walk

The Sky Track walk is a 40 minute walk overlooking the Awaroa Bay inlet. This is a quick and easy walk suitable for all levels, even young children. There is even a few detours off the trail with beach access.

Wetland Walk

The wetland walk takes about 30 minutes. It is an easy walk and there’s lots to see along the way. Expect to see eels and lots of New Zealand native birds on this walk.

Awaroa Inlet Walk

The Awaroa Inlet Walk can take anywhere from 2- 4 hours. This walk is around Awaroa Bay inlet. Be sure to check the high tide/low tide times so you don’t get trapped on one side of the bay. The tide times are conveniently located around the lodge.

Tonga Arches

One of our favorite hikes was the Tonga Arches walk on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Take a break at Onetahuti beach before continuing through to the Tonga Arches. This walk is 2 hours one way or 4 hour return to Awaroa Lodge.

Awaroa Lodge is open from October to April. This is popular destination for domestic and international travel so be sure to book in advance.

Check out my post for international travel with kids here.

Comment down below if you want to have an Awaroa Lodge Getaway!

• October 2021
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