Highlights
- Sea shuttle transfers to Abel Tasman National Park
- Departs Kaiteriteri Beach (approx 1 hour drive from Nelson)
- Choice of full day or half day trips
- Options from scenic cruises to self guided day walks
Description
The stunning Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park (at only 22,350ha); however, this amazing area is absolutely bursting with nature’s beauty! Golden sandy beaches, emerald bushland and clear turquoise water await your visit. Take a tour with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles for your ticket to paradise!
Providing water taxi trips, sea shuttle services, guided tours and seal watching cruises within the National Park, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles has an option for everyone.
The National Park contains two primary walking tracks – the gorgeous coastal track and the rugged inland hilly track – both of which take three to five days to traverse. For those who want to experience the Park but don’t have time to hike the entire length, there are unguided walks available, combined with the water taxi from Kaiteriteri Beach.
Full Day Options
The most popular parts of the track have been combined in a package with a water taxi and walk option.
Discover Day Option A: Astrolabe Beaches and Bays
On your full park boat trip to Apple Tree Bay, you will see everything from the amazing seal colony at Tonga Island to the famous Split Apple Rock. Tonga Quarry gives you an impressive view of the quarry’s remnants, including the drilled slabs of granite that were left. After your morning scenic cruise, you can walk 7kms from Apple Tree Bay to Anchorage Beach (2.5 hrs), passing five beautiful beaches before meeting the boat again. This track includes the option to add an additional one-hour of walking if you choose to do the Pitt Head loop track to Te Pukatea beach as well. If you love beaches, this option is for you!
Discover Day Option B: Forest and Swing Bridge
An Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles ride along the length of the Abel Tasman National Park takes you to Medlands Beach for a 10.5km walk to Anchorage Beach (4 hrs). On the way, you will stop at the South Head lookout and cross the stunning Falls River Swing Bridge – the most picturesque area of the park. Upon your arrival at Anchorage Beach, you will be water taxi'd back home to Kaiteriteri.
Half Day Options
Definitely not half a trip, these cruise-only options highlight the best that Abel Tasman National Park has to offer.
Full Park Scenic Cruise
A full park cruise with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles includes the most iconic Abel Tasman sightseeing spots in just 3-4 hours. From Kaiteriteri Beach, sit back and relax as the cruise passes Split Apple Rock, a New Zealand fur seal colony, golden sandy beaches, Anchorage Bay, Tonga Quarry and much more. Throughout the tour, your experiences skipper will provide a fascinating commentary on the history of Abel Tasman National Park.
Half Park Scenic Cruise
This 2 hour cruise allows a comprehensive look at all of the main points of interest of the Park. From the sparkling bays and the golden beaches, to the inquisitive Tonga Island Fur Seals, this trip has it all!
Trip Includes
- Return sea shuttle from Kaiteriteri Beach
- Unguided walk through the Abel Tasman National Park (not included in the half-day options)
- Snacks and drinks available on the boat (additional cost)
Duration
- Half day or full day options available
Departures
- Full Day Options - departs 9.00am
- Full Park Scenic Cruise - departs 9:00am & 10:30am (additional 12:40pm & 2:30pm departures in summer)
- Half Park Scenic Cruise - departs 10:30am (additional 12:40pm & 2:30pm departures in summer)
- Self drive to Kaiteriteri Beach (approx 1 hour from Nelson)
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles depart from Kaiteriteri Beach
- Children are welcome!
Normal Retail Prices
- Full Day: Astrolabe Beaches & Bays:
- Adult NZD$120.00
- Child (5-15yrs) NZD$60.00
- Full Day: Forest & Swing Bridge:
- Adult NZD$120.00
- Child (5-15yrs) NZD$60.00
- Full Park Scenic Cruise:
- Adult NZD$89.00
- Child (5-15yrs) NZD$44.50
- Half Park Scenic Cruise:
- Adult NZD$59.00
- Child (5-15yrs) NZD$29.00
All prices shown in NZD$.