Best Abel Tasman Day trip

Overview

Available languages

English

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Best Abel Tasman Day trip

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
Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

211 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

207

Tim and Ella are stars!
Climber30329729357,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Writing this review to commend Tim and Ella today for their care, professionalism and accomodation in the face of poor weather and my sea sickness experienced. Not once did i feel like i was forgotten or that i was a burden and still did there best to make sure i had a good time. Thank you again!
Fantastic Crew
Louisa8457,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unfortunately we were a bit unlucky with the weather however I wanted to commend both Tim and Ella for their excellent care. They were very accommodating and friendly and were committed to ensuring we had the best time under the circumstances. Thanks again!
Fantastic trip with a fantastic crew
Karen S,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
our skipper was Britt and together with him was Fleur. Both were welcoming, warm and extremely knowledgeable. We were only 4 couples who were very nice and we all had a good time at the amazing Abel Tasman National park. Highly reccomended.
Fabulous Day trip in Abel Tasman
Cindy W,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great day on the water in Abel Tasman! From the tea or coffee in the morning to the terrific lunch and afternoon brownie and hot drink, the tour and staff were all terrific. The staff were all very friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
Do yourself a favour
Nerida J,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was well organised with the guide being very knowledgeable & professional. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a relaxing day which included a very yummy lunch.
A fantastic day out in Abel Tasman
Ross F,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was absolutely fantastic - I cannot recommend highly enough. Our skipper was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable and looked after us fantastically during the day. This tour gives you the option to Kayak, Hike and / or Swim in the stunning scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the tour if you are in the area.
Perfect boat tour of a spectacular national park
jaylawrence1,
Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a perfect tour of a spectacular national park. Everything was timed out splendidly and we never felt rushed. It was totally relaxing. The boat was luxurious and Britt and Kim took care of everything for us and were knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Snag it if you can.
East going and lovely ride with stops at beautiful beaches
brooklands22,
Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A serene and lovely trip up the Abel Tasman coast with stops at two gorgeous beaches with opportunities to take short hikes, swim, or kayak. Skipper Rod and his son Angus were passionate and knowledgeable and experienced. Appreciated their involvement in and knowledge about conservation. The lunch exceeded expectations and Rid was passionate about the locally sourced foods as well. If you’re looking for something easy with some activity this is perfect. If you were looking for more high intensity hikes or strenuousness, this might not be the right fit.
Best Able Tasman tour for sure!!!!
Paul B,
Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Absolutely no one should miss this one. It was 100% satisfaction from the time we left to the end of the tour. Tim was fantastic!! Personable, attentive, provides excellent service and care. The time we had to hike, swim or just be lazy were planned just perfectly. And the food and beverages were delicious and a great choice.
Tip top
ki22bcd,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Exceptional experience and treatment on board. I loved that they organized my transportation from Nelson. We visited many beaches, and we were able to hike/swim/kayak. The lunch was good with a variety of alcoholic beverages. Emma and Emma rocked it!