Tasman attractions

For more than 175 years we’ve welcomed visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast. On the Vista Cruise you’ll travel in style along this rugged shoreline, taking in sculptured headlands and idyllic golden sand bays fringed by lush native forest. You can relax in comfortable seating on board and enjoy clear views as the coastline unfolds. Along the way the vessel pauses beside offshore islands where you can watch the antics of fur seals at close range. If you prefer to stretch your legs, you may choose a beach stop with optional walks to explore the sand and nearby forest. There’s no need to go ashore to appreciate the scenery, but the choice to disembark is available for those who want it.

The experience starts with a sail from Kaiteriteri Beach, following a scenic stretch of coastline. As you move along the water, you’ll pass the iconic Split Apple Rock and a playful NZ Fur Seal colony, and take in golden beaches, hidden bays and offshore islands while birdsong accompanies the journey. Your knowledgeable skipper will share information about local history and the marine life, flora and fauna before the boat drops you at Anchorage Bay. At Anchorage Bay you can enjoy a packed lunch on the sand or take a swim before setting off on a self-guided nature walk back to Marahau. The coastal track leads through native bush, along sandy beaches and past picture-perfect lookouts, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Free morning transfers from Marahau are provided, and free all-day car parking is available at the track entrance in Marahau, giving you the freedom to walk the coastal track as you wish.

You’ll start with a morning water taxi from Kaiteriteri Beach into Abel Tasman National Park. The cruise passes the iconic Split Apple Rock and Fisherman and Adele Islands, where you may see New Zealand fur seals. At Anchorage Bay you’ll have time for the Pitt Head loop track, which leads to Te Pukatea Bay — a quiet bay and one of the crew’s favourite beaches — before returning to Anchorage to join the sailing catamaran later in the day. On board the catamaran you’ll catch the sea breeze as you sail further into the park and back towards Kaiteriteri. Along the way you can expect to see secluded coves, small islands, golden sand beaches, bush-clad coastline, pristine clear waters and other native wildlife. Complimentary tea, coffee and juice are provided on the sailing catamaran.

Nelson is a distinctive New Zealand city, and this city walking tour will bring its character to life whether it’s your first visit or you’re already familiar with the area. Resident Nelsonians will guide you, pointing out hidden gems and offering a local perspective that gives a true flavour of the real Nelson. As you move through the city you’ll see Trafalgar Street and pass Christ Church Cathedral, then come across The Lord of the Rings Jeweller and the South Street heritage cottages. You’ll stroll by Queen’s Gardens and the Suter Art Gallery, and learn about the secrets of the Centre of New Zealand. Along the way your guides will share stories and insights that explain the history, culture and quirks of Nelson, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and explore the details that interest you.

On the original Abel Tasman Kayaks kayak-and-walk tour, you will explore the southern Abel Tasman by kayak and walk the great walk coastal track between Observation and Marahau. As you move through sheltered bays, you will pass the area’s highest concentration of golden sandy beaches and take in wide ocean views. The kayak section also explores Adele Island bird sanctuary and the nearby seal colony. Along the coastal track between Observation and Marahau you will continue to enjoy the shoreline scenery and the variety of beaches and rock formations that shape this coastline. The tour combines time on the water with time on the track, so you will experience both marine and coastal landscapes as you move between viewpoints and beaches.

Designed to suit all abilities, this tour follows native forest trails, progressing through fields and along the banks of the river.

On this unguided kayaking day in Abel Tasman National Park, you will explore the Astrolabe area's 12 golden beaches. You will paddle along the park’s coastline, moving between sandy bays and rocky points as you take in the coastal scenery. The focus is on the beaches themselves, so you can plan where to stop, explore the shore and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. You can kayak out and back from Marahau, using that as your launch and return point. A safety briefing is provided before you head off, and after that you will be unguided for the day. Along the way you will have the flexibility to decide how long to spend at each beach and where to rest, making this a self-directed way to experience the Abel Tasman coastline.

On this popular quad bike tour you will explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. You will ride up to hilltops where spectacular coastal scenery opens out, then head down through working farmlands. As you move through each section, the terrain will change from sheltered forest tracks to open, windswept ridges and pastoral views, giving a varied and scenic ride. Light refreshments are included. You will have chances to stop and take in the views or photographs as you travel between forest, coastline and farmland. The route focuses on the landscape itself, so you can relax into the ride and enjoy the natural surroundings at a comfortable pace.

This morning trip takes you to Adele Island and the Seal Colony in the Astrolabe region. You’ll travel one way by kayak and return one way by water taxi, giving a varied perspective on the islands and coastlines. Along the way you’ll have ample time to explore the many beaches and islands around Astrolabe. As you move between sites, the mix of paddling and a water-taxi leg lets you cover more ground while enjoying different ways of travelling. You’ll spend time on Adele Island and at the Seal Colony, and you’ll be free to walk the shores, take in the coastal views and explore the island landscapes.

Kayaking in Abel Tasman gives you the freedom to explore the coastline at your own pace. As you move through the water, you can take in the coastal scenery and enjoy the sense of independence that comes with self-guided sea kayaking. The experience focuses on letting you set the rhythm and choose how long to linger in places that interest you. Kahu Kayaks will provide all the equipment you need for an enjoyable and safe sea kayaking experience. Safety gear and kayaks are supplied so you can concentrate on the surroundings and your own route. For two or more people, double kayaks are used unless the group has an uneven number, in which case arrangements will be adjusted accordingly.

This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of the beautiful Astrolabe Roadstead. Watch for playful NZ Fur Seals and embrace the wonderful birdsong, ringing from the bush-clad Adele Island. Take a short walk or a swim while we stop for lunch and café styled drinks on one of the many glistening golden sand beaches. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore along this stunning coastal paradise. If the sea breeze is blowing we’ll hoist the spinnaker and let the wind push us home

You will share a landscape full of stories. This experience is designed for anyone, so no prior experience is required. Your guide will be with you throughout and will supply all the gear and the information you need. As you move through the area, your guide will share the stories that connect people to the land and point out features that bring those stories to life. Along the way you will learn about the landscape’s character and context, and you will have opportunities to ask questions and take in the surroundings at your own pace. Everything required for the outing is provided, so you can focus on listening, exploring and enjoying the place.

From Marahau you'll set off with friendly kayak guides who share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. The outing will be relaxed and easygoing, focused on enjoying the scenery rather than speed. As you paddle south, you'll explore sea caves, watch nesting cormorants along the shoreline and take in views of the world-famous Split Apple Rock. The tone will be calm and family-friendly, making this suitable for children and anyone who prefers a gentle pace. Along the way you'll have time to pause, look for wildlife and enjoy the coastal landscape at a leisurely rhythm, with guides keeping the experience relaxed and welcoming.

This trip follows the Astrolabe coastline from Marahau to Anchorage, combining walking, kayaking and travel by water taxi. You will move between coastal trails and sheltered bays, experiencing the variety of terrain the Abel Tasman offers while switching between paddling and short on-land exploration. Along the way a professional guide will accompany you, sharing their knowledge and passion for the Abel Tasman. They will provide local insight as you explore the coastline and its features, helping you understand the landscape and what makes this area distinct. The mix of activity types means you’ll see the coast from different perspectives as you walk, paddle and travel by water taxi between key points.

The Skywire is one of the Worlds longest Flying Fox experiences! - your trip starts from our Base area, onboarding a mini-bus journey up through the Native Forest to the launch platform of the Skywire. Your guides will entertain you on the trip up with facts and stories of the forest, points of interest and surrounding areas. The Skywire ride takes up to 4 people at a time and can reach speeds of up to 100km/hr. The ride takes you both on a forward facing and backwards journey, with 800 metres of gravity assisted freewheeling in each direction - combined with 700 metres of a scenic journey in each direction, finishing back at the start after nearly 12 minutes of thrilling adventure!