New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN NELSON
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 boat tours in Nelson worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
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”
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!!”
Sail from Kaiteriteri with a skipper such as Martin, viewing seals, Split Apple Rock, islands, coves, and Adele Island. At Anchorage Bay, leave the catamaran for a self-guided 3.5 to 4-hour hike to Marahau. Transfers and a small group of up to 19 make the day easy to manage.
“Very great experience! Very amazing tour. We went to post beautifull cost and the Walk back from Anchorage beach to Mārahau was amazing to.”
Set out from Kaiteriteri with a private skipper for a six-hour Abel Tasman adventure. Tim, Rod, Emma, or Kim may guide your group, shaping the day around hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife, and quiet beaches. The boat reaches places that are awkward to connect on foot alone.
“We don’t have enough good things to say about this experience and our captains Emma and Kim. They were super sweet and attentive and the boat was very nice. It was educational and the scenic views were something else. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. GO GO GO.”
Meet at Kaiteriteri for a water-taxi ride past Split Apple Rock and seal colonies, walk the Pitt Head loop from Anchorage Bay, then return by catamaran with tea, coffee, and coastal views. The walk is unguided, and the sailing crew may include Mark, Marco, or Claudia.
“The first part is on the sea shuttle where there is a commentary which is very informative plus you see Split Rock up close and fur seals. The walk is easy to navigate and definitely worth walking to Pitt Head lookout first then dropping doRead more”
Walk unguided from Marahau to Anchorage Bay through Abel Tasman National Park, then join a skipper and catamaran at 1:15 pm for a three-hour sail to Kaiteriteri. You get forest, beaches, birdsong, marine life, and a free transfer back to Marahau.
“Catamaran and tripulation were fine. But too many people onboard and walking around, so not much options where to sit/stay. Trip itself was quite boring. A bit of music or any kind of animation would improve the experience.”
You’ll cruise from Kaiteriteri past Split Apple Rock, kayak the Astrolabe coast toward Adele Island, look for fur seals, then hike to Anchorage with a local guide. The day includes lunch, swimming time, gear, and Nelson accommodation pickup. Guides have included Alan, Carter, Jeremy, and Lucy.
“Best guide with an very individual tour and much information! Everything was well planed, organized and better than we expected! Thank you very much for this wonderful day!”
Travel from Nelson Airport to Abel Tasman and Golden Bay in a small group of up to seven. Cruise to Tōtaranui, enjoy a packed lunch, walk to Te Waikoropupū Springs, then fly back with pilot commentary. No large bags are allowed, and aircraft seats depend on passenger weight.
“jam packed activity packed day. everything went like clockwork!”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
