5 Walking Tours in Nelson to Build a Day Around

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

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

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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2.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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3.Kayak & Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · from $142Top rated

Start in Marahau with a guided kayak trip along Abel Tasman’s coast, stopping at islands and beaches before lunch at Observation Beach. You then follow the coastal track through forest and past streams. Guides such as Sam and Emily have helped make the water section friendly for beginners. Transport from Nelson or Motueka costs extra.

“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”

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4.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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5.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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