The 7 Sailing in Nelson That Earn Their Price

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

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

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

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

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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.Anchorage Walk and Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $91

Walk independently from Marahau to Anchorage Bay through native forest, then board a sailing catamaran at 1:15 pm. Your skipper shares local history and marine-life facts as you sail for three hours toward Kaiteriteri. Tea and coffee are included, lunch is not, and a transfer returns you 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.”

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