New Zealand · ABEL TASMAN TOURS
The smallest national park in the country has the best beaches in it, and a water taxi network that lets you walk one way and sail back. These 15 compare the kayak days, the cruise-and-walk combinations and the pickup points at Marahau.
Cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach through Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui in about three hours. Stay aboard for views of Split Apple Rock, Tonga Quarry, Anchorage, Awaroa, golden beaches, and New Zealand fur seals, with live English commentary and no beach stops.
“Very nice sailing and the crew was fantastic Not too crowded - we loved it!”
Cruise from Kaiteriteri past Split Apple Rock and Adele Island’s fur seals, then choose a self-guided walk through beaches, bush, lookouts, Cleopatra’s Pool, or a swing bridge. Three routes range from 7 to 10.5 km, with return boats from Anchorage or Medlands.
“A great day out combining the cruise and walking part of the track. Cruise was informative and "to the minute" precise with timing. Walk was spectacular.”
Set out from Kaiteriteri Beach on a 3 to 6-hour Abel Tasman cruise with a skipper, live commentary, and room to move. See Split Apple Rock and Tonga Island Marine Reserve, then stay aboard or choose a beach stop and walk part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
“Great little boat trip. Had a lovely chilled time however if you wanted to make it a bit more exciting you can get the boat to drop you off to do some hikes. Crew were very friendly and provided us with blankets when it got a tad windy and cold. Lovely way to spend a morning”
Start in Marahau at 8:30 am for a roughly three-hour sea-kayaking trip to Split Apple Rock. Kahu Kayaks supplies the boat, life jacket, spray skirt, and safety gear. Expect a small group of up to eight, scenic paddling, sea caves, nesting cormorants, and a guide such as Brad.
“Absolutely worth doing. Adults and kids vote as fav thing on our whole trip. Brad was a wonderful guide.”
Sail from Kaiteriteri with skippers such as Inky, Claudia, or Frank, passing Split Apple Rock and fur seals before reaching Anchorage Bay. Bring lunch, swim gear, and good walking shoes for a self-guided 3.5 to 4-hour walk through beaches, bush, and lookouts to Marahau.
“Very well organized! An incredibly friendly woman picked us up, took us to Kaiteriteri and gave us informations about the tour and the village... The cruise was, of course also due to the very fine weather, just amazing... The crew - captain and Smutje - were professional and extremely nice. We learned a lot about NZL's nature and people's endeavors to protect it and about the country's history... Finally I disembarked in Anchorage for the walk back to Marahau through the Abel Tasman Nationalpark - breathtaking... Loved that trip, I highly recommend it! Dagi❤️”
Cruise Abel Tasman National Park with a small group of up to 11, stopping near Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Split Apple Rock. You can kayak, snorkel, swim, or walk the Pitt Head loop. Tim, Fleur, Brett, Ella, and other crew members are known for attentive hosting, while lunch, drinks, fruit, towels, and onboard facilities keep the day easy.
“The tour was absolutely fantastic - I cannot recommend highly enough. Our skipper was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable and looked after us fantastically during the day. This tour gives you the option to Kayak, Hike and / or Swim in the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the tour if you are in the area.”
Start in Marahau with a coastal walk to Observation Beach, enjoy a fresh lunch, then kayak back with a guide such as Sam or Emily. The route takes about eight hours and includes forest tracks, beaches, rock formations, ocean views, and possible sailing if conditions allow.
“Sam was an excellent guide for the kayaking portion of our experience. There are compartments on the kayaks to store your gear. They also include a dry bag for phones and keys. We were on the water about 3 hrs and took breaks along thRead more”
Start at Kaiteriteri, cruise by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, then walk the Pitt Head loop and Te Pukatea Bay before sailing back at 1:30pm. Expect friendly English-speaking crew, possible swims, fur seals, coastal views and a six-hour outing for $122.
“Good captain/ guides (Inky and Claudia), beautiful area, good company, nice hike and sail! Highly recommend! Lynn”
Sail from Kaiteriteri with an English-speaking skipper through Abel Tasman National Park. Expect Split Apple Rock, fur seals, islands, beaches, and one hour at Anchorage Beach for lunch, swimming, or a short walk. The catamaran lets you relax, learn the ropes, or help sail.
“Fantastic day on the sea… we saw many seals & the guides were very knowledgable. Great stop for lunch at Anchorage. Would highly recommend as a major trip highlight.”
Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, cruise into Abel Tasman National Park, then hike forest tracks and golden beaches with a guide such as Al, Lucy, Angelika, or Zane. Expect about 8 hours, lunch, snacks, hotel pickup, and a group capped at six.
“This was even better than we expected it to be! Angelika, our guide, was great - she told us everything we wanted to know about local flora and fauna, made sure everyone was able to keep up and kept us well-fed and hydrated throughout the day. Also, her picking us up in town was really convenient, as we were travelling by bus and train, and getting to Kaiteriteri and beyond would have been impossible otherwise. Would definitely recommend this tour to others hoping to explore Abel Tasman, one of the most beautiful parts of NZ - which is saying something :)”
Spend about 7.5 hours sailing from Kaiteriteri with a small group of up to 19 people. Pass Split Apple Rock, spot fur seals at Adele Island, and stop at Anchorage Bay for picnic lunch, swimming, and a forest walk. Guides such as Marco, Steph, Claudia, and Inky bring local stories to the trip.
“Loved our time sailing along the Abel Tasman coast. Marco was knowledgeable and entertaining. It's very apparent that he loves what he does and where he does it, which made for a great day. Would definitely recommend!!”
Paddle a double kayak with an English-speaking guide from Marahau to Observation Beach, passing golden beaches and seal habitat. After lunch, walk the southern Abel Tasman Coastal Track unguided. The trip may run in reverse, and guides such as Ed, Mitchell, Zoey, and Hillary are praised for clear help and local insight.
“No changes are necessary. Our guide Ed was fantastic and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. Lunch was terrific.”
Meet in Nelson for an 18,000-foot tandem skydive over Abel Tasman, with views toward Mount Arthur and two national parks. An instructor handles the jump while you enjoy up to 80 seconds of freefall, then a gentle parachute ride. Photography is available at extra cost.
“This was such a great experience. All staff were friendly and professional, helpful and nice! Really enjoyed the jump!!!!😍 We were informed when we would be jumping and whether we were next in line, which was great. Our jump masters were professional yet friendly and informative. Always felt totally safe and looked after!!!”
Start and finish in Marahau with a double kayak, safety gear, map, and a detailed briefing. Paddle independently around Astrolabe, Adele Island, Fisherman Island, coastal caves, and Watering Cove. The route suits beginners aged 14 and over, but you need at least two people to book.
“It was a nice first try of kayaking! So, also good for beginners, not only pros. You have the freedom to go wherever you want to. Also, we accidentally booked the wrong time and they handled it really well and helped us, very flexible. :)”
Paddle from Marahau through Abel Tasman National Park with a guide and a maximum of eight people. Expect provided gear, fur seals near Tonga Island, three scenic lagoons, Anchorage Beach, and a water taxi ride back. Guides such as Pandy and Quinn lead the day.
“Folks were great as we were delayed by an accident in the drive there. Gave us options, got us there for the second half of the trip and our guide was fun and knowledgeable”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
