Frequently Asked Questions: Day Trips
Should I start at Kaiteriteri or Marahau?
Our boats operate out of Kaiteriteri. There are connecting coaches between Marahau and Kaiteriteri. If you are walking out of the Park, or staying in Marahau please contact us for transfer details.
When is the best time to travel?
Abel Tasman National Park is a great place to visit any time:
- Highest number of sunshine hours in NZ year round
- Rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year
- Most NZ trees are evergreen, so our native forest is colourful in all seasons.
Our busiest time is January/February. Outside of these times the Park is just as spectacular. During our cooler months (April to September) days are often sunny and calm. This is the best time for photography and viewing the wildlife.
What should I bring?
See What to Bring
What will the weather be like?
Click here for 2 day Abel Tasman Regional Forecast
Will I get my feet wet?
It is usually possible to keep your feet dry boarding and unloading on the Vista Cruise, but it will be necessary to remove your shoes if you want to keep them dry when boarding the water taxi. All low-tide alternative routes on the coastal track can be crossed comfortably within 2 hours either side of low tide but your feet will get wet.
Can I avoid tidal crossings?
Most bays and estuaries have a high-tide alternative track that will add time and distance to your walk but will keep your feet dry. For more information see Tidal Crossings
When is low tide?
The size and and time of tides varies by about 1 hour each day. For tides in Abel Tasman National Park, subtract 20 minutes from the tide times for Nelson given at Tide Timetables.
What should I do for lunch?
Bring your own, or order a delicious, healthy picnic lunch with us the day before you travel. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board the Vista Cruise. Our Dine 'n' Stride Cruise & Walk day option allows time for you to buy lunch at Awaroa Lodge.
Can I drink the water in the Park?
There are filtered drinking water taps at the following DOC huts and camping areas: Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa and Totaranui. It is not recommended to drink water from other sources unless it has been filtered, or boiled for at least 3 minutes.
Where can I park my car?
There are safe, all-day parking areas in the public carpark at Kaiteriteri and in the Department of Conservation carpark at the start of Abel Tasman Coast Track at Marahau.
Are there any shops in the National Park?
There are no shops within the boundaries of Abel National Park. There is a snack bar with hot and cold drinks (including water), sunscreen, insect repellent and disposable rain coats on board the Vista Cruise. There is one commercial restaurant at Awaroa Lodge.
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