Top Nelson Hiking & Camping

We LOVED our 3 days with Wilsons. Our total group had 18 people, 12 of which did the guided walk (the other 6, whom we saw for meals, did the kayak or self-guided walk). We were the only Americans in the group, which we loved as it was fun to talk to get to know travelers from Australia, NZ, and Europe. Our guides were very knowledgable and kind. All of the logistics of the trip were very well managed. The food was very good. The lodges were attractive and quite comfortable (but not super luxurious) with absolutely amazing beach front locations. We did 30 miles of walking across 3 days and had a lovely boat ride back at the end. The pace of walking was good for us (we are 4 fit outdoorsy people in our early 60s). I really don't have any complaints at all and I would like to do this walk again with my adult kids, although I'd probably try the kayak/walk combo next just for the variety. Do know that most of the walking is in the forest, not along the beaches, although each day you do spend time on the beaches and there are some great views. But it is mostly a forested hike. Also, our weather was absolutely fantastic, which had a big impact on our experience. I know weather cannot be predicted, but do schedule this trip when it is likely to be dry. We went the 3rd week of March.

Absolutely the best experience ever! Far exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning the team was organized, cheerful, on time and efficient. They provided an extremely personalized experience, excellent food and lodging, and delightful guidance on our challenging walks. The days when we didn't hike, centered at the lovely and well-appointed lodges, were some of our favorites. We did smaller hikes and kayaked on crystal clear waters with stingrays flying under the boats! Our guides, Moana and Brydie, were charming, knowledgable, careful and encouraging. We learned so much from them about the local ecosystems, conservation efforts and Maori culture! MUCH more than we expected. And we expected a lot!

We enjoyed a wonderful tramp along this beautiful coast. Wilson’s two lodges (there is only one other along the 32 kms stretch of coastline) are perfect, with communal eating, a two- choice menu, comfortable en-suite rooms with cotton sheets, and easy-to-use showers. The views are magnificent, the tracks well groomed, swimming off golden beaches. The big plus, however, are the staff, who are friendly, clear in their advice/instructions, professional but also fun. They clearly enjoy working together. Sarah led our group brilliantly; she is a hugely competent young woman. We enjoyed the company of Chilean Chris at Meadowbank. We will be back!

My husband and I had a fantastic time on our 3 day kayak/hike trip in Abel Tasman. Our guide, Rod, was awesome! He was very knowledgeable, professional, and also great fun! The lodges were great and meals were delicious.We met a big group going southbound and we observed that the company was very accommodating with everyone's abilities. The group was split up into those who wanted to try a bit of kayaking, to those who only wanted to hike (and that group was also divided into long vs short hiking too). A couple from London was not interested in walking that day and they were able to catch the boat to take them to the next lodge.This 3 day trip was definitely the highlight of our month-long trip to New Zealand. We highly recommend Wilsons and hope you get Rod as your guide!

What a brilliant three days. Organisation was exceptional, accommodation and food top class. Our guide Sarah was so well informed and clearly passionate about the environment. Steady pace with plenty of breaks for photos, snacks and drinks. Group size was ideal (12 hiking) with the chance to chat with the kayakers over dinner. A fascinating family story too.

We have just completed the 3 day guided walk. Expert guiding by Sophie and Emma (the dream team). Beautiful surroundings, stunning scenery brought to life by Sophie’s enthusiasm and knowledge of Abel Tasman and the natural world. Great lodges with delicious food. Also great company on our walk and at dinner. Would highly recommend

Superb again! This was the 4th time I have done the 3 day unguided walk (not guided- unavailable in the drop down options) with Wilsons and a very positive review is long overdue. I live locally and always use Wilsons when I go into the park - family owned, efficient, knowledgeable and really helpful. The lodge service is brilliant, and though I wasn't guided, others were and the guides Sara and Sophie were exceptional. I cannot recommend them enough - if you are heading into the Abel Tasman, go with Wilsons. PS A tip if you want to walk the whole Abel Tasman track, Marahau to Wainui. If you have a car, leave it at Wainui, walk over Gibbs Hill to Totaranui, and take the Wilsons boat back from there to Kaiteriteri. Stay there overnight, and then Wilsons pick you up from there the next day to start your walk. While the rest of the group end their walk at Totaranui, you carry on out to Wainui. A brilliant 3 day walk.

You should know that my WASNT a three day guided walk (I chose to do a self guided walk), but my experience was spectacular from the moment I booked the experience to the moment I was dropped off at my hotel in Nelson once the walk had concluded.Wilson’s did everything they said that they would do - and I was never left to wonder if I would be picked up, dropped off, what I was going to eat etc.The staff that helped me book this gave me information I needed. When my flight from Wellington to Nelson was cancelled more staff were accommodating (including the driver - Jared that was picking me up from the hotel).When we arrived at Motueka, the CEO Darryl Wilson took us to the boat at Kaiteriteri because our flight delays messed with the scheduled plans. Such a lovely guy, and once again so accommodating!The staff on the cruise to Torrent Bay, while young were very capable. I mean, who actually wants to work on New Years Eve, and be genuinely kind and receptive to those that you’re hosting.I guess the only other staff’s name I remember was Sarah. She was our host for the three days. She greeted us at the boat, gave us a really good induction especially regarding safety (I had forgotten that Tsunamis were real in coastal areas), showed us to the room, and helped us to relax. She didn’t just show concern to me and my friend, but I observed her showing the same kindness to each of the groups who were walking at the same time as us. She helped us to know what to expect for the following days, timings of where we should be along the way (you know to catch low tide otherwise there would be more MOUNTAINS to climb etc). SHE looked after us (all), from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. If all of the guides are like Sarah, WOW, WOW, WEE - what a powerful team Wilson’s have!!!The lodges where we stayed are super comfortable and CLEAN. Cleanliness matters to me, and even in the middle of the bush that was achieved.The kai was outstanding. We had a cooked breakfast if you so desired in the morning - if not a continental option was offered. Lunch was very thought out, offering food that would give you energy and sustenance along the way, and a three course meal was provided at the end of the day. Can I just take some time to make a shout out to the cooks/chefs! Your kai was tino reka (literally this means very sweet, but it means a myriad of things to me, like very, very yummy, delicious, scrumptious etc).Finally I just want to say, if you choose Wilson’s to experience the Abel Tasman National with, you are making a really good choice!Nga mihi nui ki a Koutou Wilson’s!

Overall I would say this was a great experience. We were given duffle bags and plastic liners the day prior to the trip to pack our things in. They have day packs to borrow if you don't have your own. There is a (free) safe place to leave your car if needed. They have lock and key storage in their office for luggage you're not taking along.The boat ride out to the starting point (hiking north to south) was smooth and the narrative was informative. The trail itself is spectacular with unbelievable scenery. We lucked out on weather, having 3 almost perfect days for hiking. The accommodations were fantastic. The food was abundant and exceeded my expectations in quality.Paddy, the guide, was great. He added interesting facts and shared some fun stories. He also carried supplies to treat us to coffee or tea at a couple stops along the trail. At the beginning of the trip, we were provided our own metal cup to use for these special wilderness cafe breaks.It was nice to have our bags delivered to the lodges each night, so we only needed to carry day packs. The trip is well thought out and seamlessly executed.The only minor issue (which worked out fine in the end) was I booked as a solo traveler. The price does say "pp twin share". However, the website allowed payment and did not mention at checkout paying extra or that there was a chance I'd be bunked with a stranger. I was notified of this after the paid booking and given the option to pay an additional $600 for the 2 nights of accommodation to guarantee unshared quarters. Turns out I was the only solo, but even 1 day before my trip when they knew I was booked as the only solo, I was still called and asked if I wanted to pay the extra to be sure I had my own room. I know they are a for profit business, but that part was a little disappointing.Still 5 star review, though.