The 15 Best Abel Tasman Tours & Cruises

1.Abel Tasman National Full Park Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 855 reviews · 3 hours · from $59Our pick

Join Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles in Kaiteriteri for a 3 to 4-hour cruise through Abel Tasman National Park. Stay aboard as the boat passes Split Apple Rock, Tonga Quarry, Anchorage, Awaroa, Totaranui, golden beaches, and seal colonies. English commentary, upper-deck viewing, and snacks onboard make this a simple way to see the coast without hiking.

“Cruise ship was clean. On time! Awesome commentary by skipper.”

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2.Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 704 reviews · 1 day · from $74

Spend a full day with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, cruising past Split Apple Rock and Adele Island before walking between beaches and forest. Choose a 7 km, 8.8 km, or 10.5 km route. The boat crew gives English commentary, handles the beach transfers, and keeps the return connection clear.

“The tour was good combination of cruise and walking … saw the whole Abel Tasman coastline. Great crew who kept pick up times as agreed.”

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3.Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 414 reviews · from $67

Cruise north from Kaiteriteri Beach along Abel Tasman National Park with a skipper’s commentary, views of Split Apple Rock, and access to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Stay aboard for a 3 to 6 hour scenic trip, or choose a beach stop and walk part of the Abel Tasman Coast Track for 1, 2, or 4 hours, subject to availability.

“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”

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4.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80

Sail from Kaiteriteri along Abel Tasman’s golden coast, passing Split Apple Rock and New Zealand fur seals, then leave the catamaran at Anchorage Bay for a self-guided walk to Marahau. Skippers such as Inky, Claudia, Frank, and Nick have led outings with friendly, well-informed commentary. Bring lunch, water, layers, and sturdy walking shoes.

“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”

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5.Best Abel Tasman Day trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · from $248Top rated

Spend about six hours cruising Abel Tasman National Park with Abel Tasman Charters. Meet at Kaiteriteri or add the NZ$50 Nelson shuttle, then look for seals, penguins, dolphins, and seabirds. You can kayak, snorkel, swim, walk the Pitt Head loop, or simply enjoy lunch and local drinks aboard with a small group of up to 11.

“We had the most incredible day trip with Abel Tasman charters. The views were stunning, what a truly beautiful national park. Lots of wildlife including baby seals and rare birds. Tim and fleur were brilliant and really looked after us. The stops Read more”

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6.Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

Take a water taxi from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay, walk the Pitt Head loop and Te Pukatea Bay, then join an afternoon yacht sail back along the coast. English-speaking crew such as Inky, Claudia, Nick, Frank, and Angela have led trips, with chances to swim, spot fur seals, and even help sail the boat.

“We loved the hike from Anchorage Bay and the scenery getting there was amazing. Nick was one of the skips he was neat. He and his off sider (?) Claudia (Canadian girl) just made the trip. Would I do it again... definately.”

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7.Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $371

Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, cruise by water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park, then hike forest tracks and golden beaches with a guide such as Al, Lucy, Angelika, or Zane. Expect about 4.5 hours of walking, a beach lunch, refreshments, and a return cruise, with pickup and drop-off included.

“Alan was wonderful. He made the whole experience easy and fun. He was so knowledgeable and personable, and the hike was gorgeous. The provided lunch was lovely, so fresh and delicious.”

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8.Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $167

Spend about seven hours sailing from Kaiteriteri through Abel Tasman National Park. You’ll pass Split Apple Rock, spot fur seals at Adele Island, stop at Anchorage Bay for lunch and a forest walk, and may swim along the way. Small groups and guides such as Marco, Stef, and Claudia add a personal touch.

“Great crew, memorable sights and stops and you get to swim. We’ve taken a few of these one day trips on catamarans and this one was memorable.”

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9.18,000ft Tandem Skydive over Abel Tasman

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $1,080

Meet in Nelson for a tandem skydive over Abel Tasman and views of a second national park. After a scenic flight, you freefall for up to 80 seconds with an instructor, then float down under canopy. The listed price is $1,080, with optional photography available. Limited hotel pickup is offered.

“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!!!”

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10.Abel Tasman Kayaks: 1 Day Freedom Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 58 reviews · 1 day · from $74

Start and finish in Marahau with a full day in a double kayak around Abel Tasman’s Astrolabe area. After a safety briefing, you paddle independently toward Adele and Fisherman Islands, stop at Watering Cove, enter coastal caves on a high tide, and choose your own return route. A map, safety gear, storage, and winter wetsuits are included.

“Super, selbst zu entscheiden, was man anschaut oder wo man wie lange bleibt!”

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11.From Motueka: Abel Tasman Tandem Skydive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 37 reviews · 3 hours · from $196

Meet your English-speaking tandem master in Motueka, complete a safety briefing, then take a 15 to 20 minute scenic flight above Abel Tasman National Park. Choose 10,000, 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet for your jump. The operation has more than 20 years of experience, and Hamish is one guide praised for his calm, friendly approach.

“couldn’t wish for a better first sky dive! Hamish was an amazing guide, super experienced and a lot of fun! the whole time around Abel Tasman Skydive was super friendly - highly recommend :)”

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12.Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · from $83

You sail from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay aboard a fully skippered catamaran, passing Split Apple Rock, Fisherman Island, Adele Island, coves, beaches, and New Zealand fur seals. Then you walk 3.5 to 4 hours on the marked Abel Tasman Coastal Track back to Marahau. Skippers such as Martin add local insight, while the hike remains self-guided.

“Fun sailing day in Abel Tasman! Great way to see more of the coast and get to Anchorage Bay for the hike back. More time onboard than the water taxi allowing for more views. Sailing was fun!”

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13.Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews

Start at Stephens Bay near Kaiteriteri for a private six-hour boat charter through Abel Tasman National Park. Your skipper, often Tim, Rod, Emma, or Kim, can shape the day around hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife, and beaches, with a stop at Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Split Apple Rock.

“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.”

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14.Abel Tasman National Park: Self-Guided Walk & Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · 6 hours · from $88

Walk independently from Marahau to Anchorage on the Abel Tasman coastal track, then meet your skipper at 1:15 pm for a 1:30 pm sailing trip to Kaiteriteri. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the walk, bring lunch and water, and plan on reaching your vehicle around 5:15 pm after the courtesy transfer.

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15.Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $127

You’ll ride from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay, see Split Apple Rock and possible fur seals, walk the Pitt Head loop, then sail back on a catamaran. The 6-hour trip includes commentary, tea, coffee, and juice, but no meals, hotel pickup, or walking guide. Guides may include captains such as Mark, Marco, and Claudia.

“Sailing in and out of the bays enjoying all the Able Tasman has to offer. Sharing this time with my husband on our 56th wedding anniversary.”

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