Wilsons Abel Tasman - Walk, Cruise, Kayak, Stay in the Beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

This option has the widest variety of choices, ideal for groups with different ages, abilities and interests.

From Kaiteriteri, cruise the protected waters of the Astrolabe Roadstead past idyllic beaches fringed by lush native forest to the golden expanse of Anchorage Bay (30-45 mins). Then you choose: swim, sunbathe, take a leisurely stroll along the beach or explore further.

Finish your day with a relaxing cruise from Anchorage beach to Kaiteriteri to catch your connecting coach or pick up your own car.

Te Pukatea Bay:

An easy 45 minute return walk (2 kms, 1.2 miles) takes you to this enchanting golden-sand cove, one of the most picturesque bays in the Park. Its azure waters are ideal for a swim before you amble happily back to Anchorage.

Pitt Head Loop Track:

A 1hr 30mins (3 kms, 2 miles) return walk from Anchorage through sunny Manuka forest to Te Pukatea Bay via Pitt Head, the site of an ancient Maori Pa (fortified village). The panoramic views of the coast and some evidence of earth works are all that remain of this strategic site.

Cleopatra's Pool:

The walk to Cleopatra's Pool takes approx. 1hr 30mins return around the Torrent Bay estuary, but don't forget to allow extra time to enjoy this crystal mountain swimming pool complete with natural water slide.  See A Nature-Made Waterslide in Abel Tasman for pictures and stories of this idyllic place. (Please note: their estimation of a 3  hour return trip includes the time taken to swim in Cleopatra's Pool.)

Extended Cruise Option:

Stay on board the Vista to cruise into the spectacular northern reaches of the Park, including Tonga Island Marine Reserve with its resident New Zealand Fur Seal colony. Relax and enjoy a hot or cold drink, or a light meal from the bar, then return to Anchorage Beach.  Cost (20 Oct 2012 to 19 October 2013) $75 per adult, $37.50 per child.

How to get here

Click here for detailed driving directions and maps (opens in new window)

Other Day Walks and Cruises Options

Departure Timetable:

Departures: 20 October to 19 April
Depart Kaiteriteri 9.30am or 1.00pm
Pickup Anchorage 12.20, 3.25 or 5.15pm
Return Kaiteriteri 12.55, 4.10 or 5.50pm

Departures: 19 April to 19 October
Depart Kaiteriteri 9.30am
Pickup Anchorage 3.25pm
Return Kaiteriteri 4.10pm

What To Bring: Day Trip in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Lunch

Bring your own lunch or order a scrumptious picnic lunch from us the day before you travel. Please order lunch by 6pm on the night before your Wilsons day trip, or at the time of booking.

Available low season - 19 April to 19 October:
•    Onboard Barbecue Lunch $25

What to Wear

We enjoy glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort. The Coastal Track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and protected azure waters - ideal for swimming.

* Cotton clothing (especially denim) is not recommended. It is very heavy and cold if it gets wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best eg. Polypropylene, polar fleece, wool.

For kayaking, we provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary. Always bring some shoes you can walk in, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be nesessary.

Sun Protection

Abel Tasman National Park enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. Our clear skies, with no pollution result in a very high risk of sunburn, even on a cloudy day. Bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

Footwear

We recommend cool, light, comfortable footwear. Not recommended: any shoes with no heel attachment, eg. jandals, flip flops, scuffs, slides etc. Click here for more information on suitable footwear, particularly for eastuary crossings (Note this is a PDF file).

For walking: Light, comfortable walking shoes are suitable to walk the track. If you have hiking boots, wear them if you prefer but they are not necessary. Depending on tides and conditions, you can usually keep your feet dry. On rare occasions, you might have to remove your shoes and roll up long trousers when you are embarking or disembarking from our boats. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear to allow for this. There will be time to rinse feet and put shoes back on when necessary.

For kayaking: Weather conditions might require pulling into a beach for shelter and some walking may be required. You might like to do some exploring on foot. Therefore, please bring some footwear, suitable for walking. Footwear in the kayak is optional. Many people find it more comfortable to wear some foot cover to prevent their heels rubbing against the kayak. Rubber water socks are ideal.

Light Day Pack

Please use a plastic liner inside the day pack to ensure your day requirements stay dry. (Kayakers only: the day pack will be stored in watertight holds in the kayaks. For important items, such as cameras and spare clothes, we will supply a special watertight "dry-bag".) Please Note: we cannot guarantee to keep camera or electronic equipment dry.

• Light, comfortable walking shoes
• Quick-dry, loose clothing (shorts or trousers that can be rolled up)
• Warm thermal layer
• Waterproof jacket with hood (disposable rain coat available to buy at our office
• Swim wear and towel (optional)
• Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (available to buy at our office)
• Sunglasses
• Drinking water
• Check that lunch has been ordered for you or bring your own lunch
• Camera (CHECK THE BATTERIES) and film (waterproof disposable cameras available to buy at our office)
• Cotton handkerchiefs. Please do not bring tissues or paper towels. They add to litter in the Park.
• Hand steriliser (not wipes)
• Kayakers will need a change of clothing including a warm sweater or polar fleece

Cell Phones

Coverage is intermittent south of Awaroa. There is no coverage north of Awaroa Bay.