Boat tours in Abel Tasman National Park

Boat tours in Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles runs the boat tours here, departing from Kaiteriteri Beach and covering the park's coastline without any paddling required. Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park, and there's no road along this stretch of coast, so a boat is one of the few ways to see the full run of golden beaches, granite headlands and hidden coves between Kaiteriteri and the park's northern reaches without walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track on foot. Cruises range from a short scenic run to a full day out that reaches Anchorage Bay, and every option passes the fur seal colony at Tonga Island along the way, with dolphin sightings also turning up from time to time.

A quick scenic run
The Half Day Abel Tasman Tour covers a good stretch of coastline in two hours, taking in the park's golden beaches and hidden coves and the fur seals at Tonga Island, and it suits any age group with no experience needed. It's a good fit for a shorter visit, or for travellers who want a taste of the park's coastline without committing a full day to it. Snacks and beverages are available to buy on board.

The full park cruise
For a longer day on the water, the Full Day Abel Tasman Tour runs past Split Apple Rock, the seal colony and into Anchorage Bay, with additional stops at golden beaches and Tonga Quarry along the way. An expert skipper narrates the park's history and points out landmarks throughout the trip, and snacks and beverages are available to buy onboard. It's the more thorough of the two Sea Shuttle cruises, covering considerably more coastline than the shorter option, and it's a family-friendly trip that welcomes children as well as adults.

Boat and kayak combinations
Guided Kayak, Seals & Cruise pairs a morning kayak to Split Apple Rock and the fur seal colony with a Sea Shuttle transfer to Anchorage Bay, giving you time on the water in both a kayak and a boat in the same day. The kayak leg covers around five kilometres of coastline with full equipment supplied, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets and dry bags. Once at Anchorage Bay, there's a choice of guided walks: the Pitt Head loop past a historic Māori pā site, or the walk to Cleopatra's Pools with its natural rock water slide, before the return Sea Shuttle back to Kaiteriteri.

Choosing a boat tour
The Half Day Abel Tasman Tour suits a shorter visit or a group that just wants the highlights. The Full Day Abel Tasman Tour suits travellers with more time who want to see the park's full coastline from the water. The Guided Kayak, Seals & Cruise combination suits anyone who wants some time paddling as well as cruising, without committing to a full day of one or the other.

Getting to Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri Beach is around an hour's drive from Nelson, with parking available near the wharf for anyone arriving by car, and several operators offer transfers from Nelson or Motueka accommodation for travellers without their own transport. Cruises run year-round, though conditions on the water are generally calmest through summer, from December to March, which is also when the fur seal colony at Tonga Island tends to be most active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Abel Tasman boat tours depart from?
Boat tours depart from Kaiteriteri Beach, around an hour's drive from Nelson, with the Sea Shuttle service running cruises of varying lengths from there.
How long are Abel Tasman boat tours?
Options run from a two-hour scenic cruise up to a full day out that reaches Anchorage Bay. The full day cruise gives more time in the park and covers considerably more coastline than the shorter option.
Will I see wildlife on an Abel Tasman boat tour?
Fur seals are a common sighting at the Tonga Island colony, which every cruise passes. Dolphins are also spotted from time to time, though sightings aren't guaranteed on any given day.
Are Abel Tasman boat tours suitable for all ages?
Yes. Boat cruises need no paddling or walking, which makes them one of the easiest ways for any age group to see the park's coastline in a single trip.
Can I combine a boat tour with kayaking?
Yes. The Guided Kayak, Seals & Cruise tour pairs a guided morning kayak with a Sea Shuttle transfer to Anchorage Bay, giving you time on the water in both a kayak and a boat over the course of one day. Snacks and beverages are also available to buy onboard both Sea Shuttle cruises, so there's no need to pack your own.