New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN NELSON & ABEL TASMAN
Good boat tours in Nelson & Abel Tasman fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
3-hour Abel Tasman full park cruise from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui, passing Split Apple Rock, fur seals, and secluded bays, no beach stops.
“Great cruise and very informative. We had gorgeous weather which was a bonus . Saw seals, dolphins and stingrays”
A full-day Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle cruise plus flexible walking routes, from Split Apple Rock to seal colonies and golden beaches.
“I loved the walk. Nice and long but got to wild life along the way. There was a sleeping leopard seal on the beach and lots of dolphins. Got a bit rained on but I came prepared.”
Cruise Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri, see Split Apple Rock and Tonga Island Marine Reserve, with optional walks and beach stops.
“The description stated that people could get off and hike, however upon arrival we were told that wasn't what we signed up for. We were supposed to stay on the boat all day. Luckily the ticket agent was able to convert our tickets so that we Read more”
Sail Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri, spot seals near Split Apple Rock, then hike the coastal track from Anchorage Bay to Marahau.
“Great day! We had booked for the day after we went but after looking at the weather changed this last minute to the day before, they were very helpful and professional with changing the day which was great! The boat was fabulous and clean. The crew and skipper were very friendly and knowledgeable about the national park and surrounding areas! The wall was fabulous, the views are just incredible, such a beautiful place! The walk took 3 hours and we went off path to lots of the look out points and beaches! Really glad we had hiking boots with us!”
Cruise to Abel Tasman Anchorage Bay, hike Pitt Head loop, relax at Te Pukatea Bay, then sail with fur seals on a yacht.
“This is a must to do. Awesome day and excellent skipper and staff. Highly recommend”
Full-day Abel Tasman hike plus water taxi from Nelson, with a small-group guide, lunch at Torrent Beach, and easy park navigation.
“The day was wonderful from start to end. The park is beautiful, and this was a great way to explore. The hour drive from our hotel to the boat pickup was smooth. Angelica pointed out interesting facts about the area we were driving through and gave us some history of the park. The boat ride was calm with beautiful spots sites pointed out by the captain. Angelica steered our group to the top level of the boat so that we could get great views of the islands and the park as we were entering. The beaches were beautiful. Once we landed, we hiked for about 3 hours with stops here…”
Sail the Abel Tasman coast by catamaran from Kaiteriteri, spot fur seals at Adele Island, picnic at Anchorage Beach, and get real wind time.
“Captain Stef and Claudia gave us a 5 star experience. Awesome narration. Knowledgeable. Super friendly and fun. Extra stop for swimming off the boat. Thanks Stef and Claudia!!!”
Catamaran sail in Abel Tasman to see seals and bird sanctuaries, then hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track from Anchorage Bay.
“Very great experience! Very amazing tour. We went to post beautifull cost and the Walk back from Anchorage beach to Mārahau was amazing to.”
Private 6-hour Abel Tasman boat charter from Kaiteriteri with Great Walk hiking, kayaking, swimming, and fur seals at Tonga Island.
“Fabulous trip with the best guide and skipper, Tim!! The ocean was gorgeous; the beaches were beautiful; and the wildlife was all around us. Tim was an amazing host; full of knowledgeable facts and he put out a livel spread for us at lunch. I could not recommend him or the trip higher!”
Self-guided walk to Anchorage, then a relaxed skipper-led sail back to Kaiteriteri in Abel Tasman National Park, with tea, toilets, transfers.
Cruise past Split Apple Rock, walk the Pitt Head loop, then sail Abel Tasman on a catamaran from Kaiteriteri. Great value.
“This was a nice way to see the park and do a little of everything. The company was professional and Marco and Claudia did a good job on the sailing segment of the trip. If this is something interesting for you, then I recommend this company.”
Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track to Anchorage Bay, then sail a catamaran to Kaiteriteri with skipper stories and transfers.
“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.”
Abel Tasman cruise from Kaiteriteri, guided sea kayaking to Adele Island seals, and a coastal hike to Anchorage with lunch included.
“Wir hatten das Glück alleine mit Alan unterwegs zu sein. Mit seiner wundervolle, lockeren, humorvollen und lebensfroher Art hat er uns empfangen und durch den Tag begleitet. Danke auch an Carter für die super geführte Kayaktour mit Kayaksailing. Ein unvergesslicher Tag mit tollen Eindrücken, leckerem Lunch, tollen Menschen und wunderbarer Tiersichtung in der schönen Natur !”
Eight-hour Nelson day tour with a boat cruise, scenic shuttle, and flight over Abel Tasman, plus Te Waikoropupū Springs and Totaranui.
“Boat and small plane wonderful Your pilot/van driver did an excellent job and was friendly Anne missed a pickup”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
