Small Group Abel Tasman Cruise

Small Group Day Tour

Join your scenic cruise for the most special day trip, exploring along the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline; Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fisherman's Islands and on to Tonga Island seal colony.

After boarding your boat at Stephens Bay, you'll cruise around the headland to Split Apple Rock, taking time to enjoy the best views and photo's. Here you may see several shags drying their wings above the warm rocks after their early morning fishing.

If there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then you'll stop and take a look.  Similarly if there's an Abel Tasman National Park feature you'd like to see, then please do let the skipper know and s/he'll try to accommodate your wishes.

Cruise to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve where you will see New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun.
After you've farewelled the seals, your crew will drop the anchor in a sheltered bay for a light lunch. You can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while lunch is prepared.

There is plenty of snorkeling equipment if you are keen to work up an appetite, and sea kayaks on board for your enjoyment.

Lunch includes fresh local ingredients in a relaxed, platter style setting . If you have any special dietary requirements (like food allergies) please let us know in advance.

Our cruising partners aim to show you the beauty of New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in a relaxed, uncrowded and unhurried day.

The opportunity to walk through one of the most diverse coastal bush tracks on the Pitt Head Nature Loop presents itself after lunch.  Approximately 1 hour of easy walking allows stunning views of Te Pukatea Bay including a historic Maori Pah Site and luxuriant New Zealand native bush.

Ferny undergrowth hides our friendly New Zealand bush robin and the trees alongside and above play host to fantails (piwakawaka), tui and bellbirds.

Towels, lunch, sunscreen, sea kayaks, snorkelling gear and life jackets are provided. Please bring your own camera, hat, sunglasses, warm jacket (just in case ...) and swimming gear.

If you intend hiking a portion of the the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, then please don't forget your sturdy footwear.

​

​COST PER PERSON:

​

NZ$310.00 (based on a minimum of 2 & a maximum of 10 guests in a shared, small group setting)

From Nelson and Motueka: Head south out of Nelson on SH6 then take SH60 to Motueka. 6km north of Motueka turn right off SH60 towards Kaiteriteri.

Stephens Bay Road is the next right - 3.8km from the turnoff. Easy sign to miss - it is blue and just states 'Stephens Bay Road No Exit'.

Come down to the beach and the skipper will come in and pick you up off the beach at 9.50am.

This is a small group, shared experience with a maximum of ten passengers.  Lunch & New Zealand GST included.