What makes the Vista Cruise "State-of-the-art"

Our brand new, state-of-the-art displacement Catamaran was introduced on our Vista Cruise services in Abel Tasman National Park on Christmas day, 25 December 2009. With capacity for 140 passengers, the style, comfort and speed of the Abel Tasman Voyager has impressed everyone who sails on her. Panoramic views from the upper open deck and comfortable lower deck and bar means you will have the best experience in the National Park with Wilsons Abel Tasman.

The Wilson family searched the world for the best hull form and construction to suit shallow, tidal beach landings in the National Park. They found what they were looking for right here, in New Zealand. Designed by Catamarans International, Whangarei, it features on both Team New Zealand’s and the UK’s America’s Cup challenger support vessels.

The Kevlar/fibreglass/foam composite hull requires less maintenance and its low weight requires less fuel at speed. Passengers notice the quiet, comfortable ride provided by the noise absorption, strength and stability of the composite hull.

As the mould was already built, Catamarans International were able to produce a hull in less than 3 months. The finished hull was successfully transported by road from Whangarei to Salthouse Boatbuilders in Greenhithe, Auckland, on the night of 30 July 2008 during one of the worst tropical storms the city has experienced.

Upper decks and fitout were completed by Salthouse Boat Builders and the Abel Tasman Voyager was launched from Greenhithe on 4 December 2008 to be sailed to Nelson by Wilsons Abel Tasman’s Skippers.

Marine & General Engineering in Nelson fitted the innovative front loading ramp system based on Wilson’s previous designs for their vessels. The design allows for safe, convenient transfers from tidal beaches and eliminates the need for tenders. The ramp, combined with new day trip itineraries, results in less impact on shallow beaches and isolated holiday communities close to and within the boundaries of the National Park.

At 20 metres long with two viewing decks, including snack bar and toilets on the lower, covered deck, the Abel Tasman Voyager can carry 140 passengers. She replaces the similarly sized Wilsons Abel Tasman Explorer on the scheduled Vista Cruise services.

Darryl Wilson says, “Our new catamaran revolutionises day trips in the Park, as the Explorer did 20 years ago.”

State-of-the-art Features:

• Kevlar/fibre glass/foam composite hull developed for use by America’s Cup challenger support vessels for Team New Zealand and the U.K’s Origin.
• The latest research and technology provides strength and stability with reduced weight and wash, resulting in better fuel economy and environmental impact.
• Powered by two Environmental Protection Agency Tier 2, Cummins 405 hp diesel engines, reducing fuel use and emissions.
• Speeds up to 20 knots (37 kph) allow for three sailings per day.
• New inverter/battery technology removes the need for a separate generator.
• Two viewing decks - lower covered deck and open viewing deck.
• Quality fit-out with cruise and dine seating configuration suited to special functions and providing extra room for day passengers.
• Bow loading ramp for comfortable transfers with less impact on shallow tidal beaches.

• Designed by Chris Moors of Catamarans International, Auckland.
• Built by Northern Contract Boatbuilders, Whangarei.
• Finished at Salthouse Boat Builders, Greenhithe.