Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park delivers the region’s most rewarding day trips from Nelson. The park’s well-organized tours blend outdoor adventure with natural wonders. For €113, most packages include convenient hotel pickup and park fees.
I love these tours for their exceptional value and variety. The 4-hour cruise perfectly suits time-conscious travelers, while full-day excursions offer deeper immersion. My top picks combine hiking and sailing – they showcase Split Apple Rock, hidden beaches, and active fur seal colonies while avoiding tourist crowds.
Let’s explore the best tour options for experiencing Abel Tasman’s coastal paradise.
Key Points
- Abel Tasman National Park offers a variety of highly-rated tours, including scenic cruises, hiking adventures, and private boat charters.
- Scenic cruises provide a 4-hour journey to explore landmarks like Split Apple Rock and secluded beaches, with live commentary.
- Full-day hiking tours combine a scenic cruise with moderate 8.5 km hikes through dense forests, highlighting flora, fauna, and history.
- Cruise and walking tour combos offer flexible options ranging from 7 to 10.5 km, showcasing stunning landscapes and a fur seal colony.
- Private boat charters provide personalized experiences for hiking, swimming, and kayaking, with complimentary amenities like lunch and drinks.
Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park
Nestled along New Zealand’s northern coast, Abel Tasman National Park offers visitors a captivating blend of coastal cruising, scenic walking, and exhilarating sailing.
This highly-rated tour from Viator and Tripadvisor provides the ultimate adventure, with 100% of travelers recommending the experience. Priced at €113.26 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and all necessary fees.
Guests will explore the park’s pristine beaches, lush forests, and hidden coves, with the option to disembark and walk along scenic trails.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing cruise or an active day in nature, this tour is a must-do for visitors to the Nelson region.
Read our full review: Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park Review
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Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise
Travelers seeking a more immersive experience in Abel Tasman National Park can embark on the scenic cruise, which offers a captivating journey along the park’s pristine coastline.
Priced from $52.95 per person, the 4-hour cruise allows visitors to witness landmarks like Split Apple Rock and explore secluded beaches and bays.
With live commentary, travelers can learn about the park’s rich history and wildlife, while enjoying great viewing areas and the option to purchase lunch and refreshments.
Rated 4.3/5 by past guests, the cruise is a hassle-free way to experience the natural beauty of this stunning national park.
Read our full review: Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise Review
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Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour With Cruise
Immersing oneself in the stunning natural landscapes of Abel Tasman National Park is possible through this full-day hiking tour that includes a scenic cruise.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the small group size ensures personalized service and attention from the knowledgeable local guide.
The tour starts with a water taxi ride to the heart of the park, where guests embark on a moderate 8.5 km hike through dense forests.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the park’s flora, fauna, and the history of interactions between the Maori and Europeans.
Lunch at Torrent Beach, bottled water, and light refreshments are all included, making this an excellent value proposition.
Read our full review: Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour With Cruise Review
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Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walking Tour Combo
The Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walking Tour Combo provides an immersive experience that seamlessly blends a scenic cruise with guided hiking options.
Priced from $67.60 per person, this full-day adventure takes you on a cruise showcasing the park’s stunning landscapes, including Split Apple Rock and a fur seal colony.
Afterward, you can choose from three hiking routes, ranging from 7 to 10.5 km, that explore golden sand beaches, secluded coves, and lush forests.
With free cancellation, flexible pick-up times, and excellent customer reviews, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the best of Abel Tasman National Park.
Read our full review: Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Walking Tour Combo Review
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Private Boat Charter in Abel Tasman National Park
Exploring the pristine waterways of Abel Tasman National Park is effortless with a private boat charter.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 26 travelers, this tour offers personalized options for hiking, swimming, and kayaking suitable for all fitness levels.
Groups of various sizes can enjoy a full-day boat travel, along with complimentary amenities like coffee, lunch, and local wine/beer.
The exceptional guides and quality of the experience are consistently praised in the reviews.
Whether you’re seeking beautiful beaches, lush forests, or diverse wildlife, this private boat charter promises an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most stunning national parks.
Read our full review: Private Boat Charter in Abel Tasman National Park Review
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Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park
For those seeking a truly breathtaking adventure in New Zealand’s stunning Kahurangi National Park, the Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake tour is an absolute must.
This private tour offers an unforgettable experience, complete with a scenic helicopter ride, a picnic lunch, and the chance to explore a stunning alpine lake. With an impressive overall rating of 5.0 from previous travelers, this tour is sure to impress.
Participants can expect all necessary fees to be included, along with a convenient pickup service. While the activity is suitable for most, those over 250 lbs may incur an additional weight fee.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and dress warmly for this easy, yet unforgettable, National Park experience.
Read our full review: Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park Review
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Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park
Sailing the pristine waters of Abel Tasman National Park offers travelers a full-day adventure that showcases the park’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Departing from Kaiteriteri Beach at 10:00 am, the tour takes visitors on a journey along the coastline, stopping at beautiful beaches and islands. Highlights include an hour-long stop at Anchorage Beach for a picnic lunch, swimming, and a forest walk, as well as the chance to see fur seals and native birds at Adele Island.
With a maximum group size of 19 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and personalized visit, further enhanced by the knowledgeable crew.
Priced from $151.97 per person, the tour includes lunch, hot drinks, and light refreshments, making it a well-rounded excursion in this stunning national park.
Read our full review: Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park Review
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Sum Up
Abel Tasman National Park offers a range of tours that let you explore its stunning landscapes. From scenic cruises and hiking adventures to private boat charters and even helicopter-accessed picnics, there’s an option to suit every traveler. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll be treated to the park’s pristine beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It’s the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.