Best Abel Tasman Day trip
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
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
Best Abel Tasman Day trip
Reviews
229 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceded our expectations. All the 5 star reviews agree!!
shrinkwrapped3,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just the best from start to finish. Communication was easy and the transportation arrangements for the trip were made simple because these folks really know what they are doing. Once on the boat Tim and Ella’s attention to detail was much appreciated. There were several choices of activities that we could engage in. The lunch they provided was upscale, well planned and delicious. Lots of different drink choices including adult beverages!!!
Memorable experience with amazing crew!
Kristy L,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00SO fantastic! It was a nice luxurious experience, where we didn’t have to worry about anything. Food and drinks were delicious. It was great to have kayaks, towels, sunscreen ready for us. Tim and Ella were our crew, and they were phenomenal. Ella was so sweet, very attentive, and promptly took care of service, cleaning, etc. and she’s a great conversationalist. Tim was full of fun facts and thoughtfully answered questions. He also anticipated all of our needs (especially as we had a toddler and infant), helping us every step of the way! No detail was too minor, like he noticed me having trouble with kiwis and asked Ella to help, or planning to discreetly offer dessert away from my toddler (even without us asking!!). He took extra boat trips to give us more time to get off the boat without slowing the other guests down. Tim took us to the seal area twice to ensure we would see them. Boat itself was very nice and clean - thanks to Tim and Ella constantly tidying up and wiping things down. Kayaks and amenities were great! Both were just class acts, and I wish we had more trips with them!!
A Great Way to Spend a Day in the Nelson area
Salvatore R,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to explore the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. About an hour drive from Nelson area. Brett and Emma were extremely personable and welcoming. They shared a bit of the history of the area which was very informative. Hike was a nice break from the boat while providing them with time to prepare lunch and the views were terrific. It was about 1.4 miles and not difficult. The lunch was quite good and very tasty. Local wines and beer were a nice touch as well. Fur seals while kayaking for about 25 minutes was great as well. Highly recommend this trip if you are in the area. It was a great way to spend 6 hours. Small group was nice as well. We had 4 in our party and there were 8 people in total. A must do!!
A Magical Day
Leah S,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is optional to snorkel and kyak. Those who want to will have about 45 minutes to do so, the rest of the time you are on a beach or the boat. The food was supurbe. The two staff members who were with us, Brett and Ella were fantastic and kind. The boat itself was beautiful and comfortable. Bring sunscreen!! We enjoyed our day and it was well worth the time and money. Some members of the group elected to stay on the boat all but one hour of the activity, and that was no problem. Abel Tasman was gorgeous and I hope to return soon for a longer visit.
Incredible day
G6090EKcharlottee,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just such an amazing day! Our skipper Brad and Ella made every wish possible. From snorkeling to paddling and a bushwalk, not to forget the picnic on deck and nice little pieces of knowledge about local wildlife here and there. Loved it!
The perfect way to explore Abel Tasman
Emily D,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was without doubt the best day trip I’ve ever done. We sailed on the most beautiful boat exploring Abel Tasman. There were only 7 people on my trip so it was very intimate. Brett and Ella who led the trip were so informative and gave us interesting snippets of information throughout the day. We had time to stop and enjoy the beaches or the sea either swimming, kayaking or snorkelling - I managed time for all 3! The lunch was delicious all from local suppliers and drinks were served all day at your request. In the afternoon we stopped and had time to go for a short 2km hike with stunning views before heading back on the boat. It really was a perfect day and made even more perfect by Brett and Ella - thank you!
Fabulous day trip that’s worth every cent.
KimandCliff,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion. Brett and Ella were our hosts and they were so friendly, kind and professional. They saw to our every need. We loved cruising to the different bays and seeing the seals. The lunch was delicious and plentiful and it was a delight to sample local food. We really liked the fact that we were in a small group of 11 as some of the boats looked quite crowded. The 45 minute walk was a nice sample of what the tracks are like on the Abel Tasman National Park. Remember to take shoes suitable for walking as there are some hilly parts and it’s all natural so no paving. We all thought the trip was worth every cent. Thank you Brett and Ella for looking after us so well. Very happy to recommend. Small tip: As long as you put the correct address in your maps app for the meeting point, you will be in the correct place. There are no signs for the tours. Just wait near the beach and your hosts will meet you.
Exceptional tour!
Paul G,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent itinerary, fantastic crew, boat, food and service. Enjoyable and unforgettable day! Highly recommended.
Amazing day trip
Kathryn W,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most incredible day trip with Abel Tasman charters. The views were stunning, what a truly beautiful national park. Lots of wildlife including baby seals and rare birds. Tim and fleur were brilliant and really looked after us. The stops were fantastic, gorgeous little bays with plenty of time to swim, walk or kayak. Delicious healthy freshly prepared lunch, also plenty of refreshments and snacks. One of our favourite excursions on our trip to Nz, you must take this trip!
Top Notch Tour!
Amy T,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience with stellar guides. Our guides, Tim and Flor were friendly, professional and knowledgeable.The boat was impeccable, the food, delicious and the variety of available activities suited everyone aboard. We were even able to watch a Little Blue Penguin swimming in the bay. My family and I highly recommend this tour.
From NZ$400.00
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Operated by Abel Tasman Charters - Day Tours