Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Our small group personalized day-trip is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer in comfort in one day. You get to meet other travelers and receive the personal attention of the skipper as we limit numbers to 5 couples or 11 passengers. Choose how energetic you want to be with plenty of activities on offer. Our cruise itinerary is flexible and our friendly, knowledgeable skippers are excellent at locating local wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, Little Blue penguins and on occasion dolphins.We ensure you are able to learn about the history and ecology of the Abel Tasman while take in the stunning scenery. We cruise past Split Apple Rock as far as the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the heart of the park where New Zealand fur seals bask in the sun. Then we find a sheltered bay with opportunities to kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while we prepare a delicious platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Tonga Island Marine Reserve
We cruise as far as the reserve where travelers have the opportunity to hike, kayak and see NZ fur seals. The trip changes daily depending on tides and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Split Apple Rock
We cruise along the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline ensuring a close up view of this iconic rock while discussing the history and ecology of the area.
Options
Bus transfer add on
Return Bus transfer - 1.5 hrs
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
Bus transfer added
Vehicle transfer: Bus transfer- the bus leaves Nelson and arrives at our departure point an hour early - check departure time from motel. Duration: 1 hour: Bus leaves motels in Nelson at various times and picks up along the way. Takes approx. 1.5 hours for the bus transfer Nelson to Kaiteriteri: Talk to driver about your departure point - either the cafe at Kaiteriteri or Stephens Bay to wait at the beach. Shuttle bus
Best Abel Tasman Day trip
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
A fruit bowl is kept fully stocked with fresh local produce for our guests to help themselves
Wine and Beer are offered with lunch
We provide a platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients to cater for a range of diets.
Restroom on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Use of kayaks, snorkels and flippers
Bus service payable
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
250 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our favorite tour
James S,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a wonderful day! Capital Tim and Ella were amazing! This was our highlight visiting Nelson and so glad we booked it... Our kids (10, 8, 4) had a blast and said it was their favorite tour.
A great all-round experience of Abel Tasman National Park
harini5241,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was great and personalised, as there were only two of us on this trip. We had a lot of activities done in one day, including seeing Split Apple Rock, watching seals, taking a short kayak trip, having a healthy lunch, going for a 30-minute walk and finishing with a brief swim in the ocean. Would recommend for those with limited time visiting Abel Tasman but wanting a lot out of a 6-hour trip. Well worth the money. Would recommend for everyone to experience the same.
Epic beach!
stevegC7906BT,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a really great tour with Captain Rod and first mate Ella. They are both very knowledgeable of the area, provided lots of interesting details and were generally just really fun people. At each of the beach stops, they had several activity options (hiking, swimming, kayaking). The trip to Te Pukatea beach was worth the price alone, wish we could have stayed there all dat. A nice variety of food and drink is provided too. Just a really fun day, one of the top highlights of my NZ trip - definitely recommend!
Beautiful day in the ocean at Abel Tasman!!
Ginger J,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Todd a d Fluer were just incredibly kind and informative hosts. The trip and sites were just incredible with seals, and little blue footed penguin to boot! Got to do a little kayaking- hike with gorgeous views and the lunch and treats were scrumptious! Highly recommend!!!
Beautiful trip.
Julie C,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s the best court out there. Crew was amazing, we saw beautiful beaches and learned all about the area. The lunch was so tasty. I loved our time on one of the beaches. We had a great hike around one of the coves.
Everything was fantastic!...
Christina W,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was fantastic! Good food, drinks, company. Fantastic day exploring Abel Tasman with amazing staff! Definitely recommend it!
Wonderful Experience!
Jeanette B,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this day trip! Every detail was excellent! Very skilled, knowledgeable, and helpful crew. They worked to make the day perfect! Very tasty lunch! Would definitely do again next time we’re in New Zealand.
Perfect day on the water
Mark B,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. The hospitality of our guide/hosts, Emma and Ella, coupled with the natural beauty of the park made for a perfect day. We’re in our 70’s and worried a little about keeping up, but we did fine.
such an absolutely...
Joy M,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00such an absolutely perfect day on the water. From the kindness of the staff to the views to the lunch everything was great!
Great day out
Mike C,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent day. Knowledgeable and very helpful. Arrived on time and everything went like clockwork. Mac and Fleur worked well together and put on an excellent spread at lunchtime. They were chatty and helped everyone get introduced. Only drawback experienced was there were only 8 kayak seats and 10 who would have liked to try it resulting in two having to do a beach walk/swim. Beer, wine, soft drinks and fruit available during the whole trip.
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Operated by Abel Tasman Charters - Day Tours