Independent Hikers Specials
Pay no more than a water taxi fare to travel into Abel Tasman National Park in style and comfort aboard the Vista Cruise.
Whether you have only one day to see the Park, or can take time to relax and enjoy this spectacular golden coast over several days, there is something here for everyone.
One Day Park Walk
If you only have one day. Take Abel Tasman Coachlines to Marahau and walk along the well-formed coastal track to Anchorage. It takes about 4 hours to walk the 11 kms (6.8 miles) of track, through sunny groves of Manuka framing panoramic views across Tasman Bay towards Nelson. Allow extra time to take side tracks down to golden-sand beaches overlooking the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
At Anchorage, relax on the long stretches of golden sand or explore tracks around the bay, including Cleopatra's Pool and Te Pukatea Bay.
At 3.20 or 5.00 pm, board the Vista Cruise at Anchorage to cruise the Astrolabe Roadstead back to Kaiteriteri in time to catch connecting coaches at 4.00 or 5.30 pm. Times may vary seasonally - please confirm when booking.
Cost:
Round trip Coach and Boat Fare Package
20 Oct 2012 to 18 April 2013
From Nelson (coach departs 7.45 or 10.30 am) $52 return
From Motueka (coach departs 8.45 or 11.30 am) $33 return
Abel Tasman Track Walker 3-Step
Take time to explore. It's as easy as One, Two, Three:
1 - Decide to walk the Abel Tasman track
2 - Buy your Hut or Camp Pass from Dept. of Conservation
3 - Book your boat ticket to any Bay
With coach connections from Nelson or Motueka, cruise the spectacular granite coast from Kataiteriteri. Catch tantalising glimpses of the track along the way. Our skipper provides a full commentary on the park history and special features. Stop at the bay of your choice, and spend as many days as you wish walking the track. Return to Marahau to catch the coach back to Kaiteriteri, Motueka or Nelson. (Coach times vary seasonally - confirm when booking.) Walking direction may be reversed to suit you.
Cost:
20 Oct 2012 to 19 Oct 2013
From Kaiteriteri or Marahau $38 (Boat Only)
From Motueka $46 (Coach & Boat)
Ex. Nelson $68 (Coach & Boat)
Hut or Camp Pass cost is additional. See Dept. of Conservation Website
Booking conditions: Special boat ticket (one way, single sector) offer only available in conjunction with the purchase of DoC Hut or Camp Passes, at least 2 hours prior to launch departure. Minimum of 2 nights purchased.
Got your own car?
Free parking is available in the DOC Carpark at Marahau, and at Kaiteriteri Beach. Our boats operate out of Kaiteriteri. Please contact us for details on courtesy coach transfers between Marahau and Kaiteriteri, or pick up our boat at Coquille Bay, a 45 minute walk into the Park from Marahau.
3 Day Explorer Pass
3 Days unlimited travel within a 5 day period aboard the Vista Cruise, offering great savings.
Ideal for people who wish to explore the park on a daily basis without staying overnight in the Park. Available all year.
An example of how to use your Explorer Pass to experience as much of the park as you can:
Day 1
Experience the isolated northern beaches of the Park. Cruise to Totaranui, pausing to view the fascinating Tonga Island Seal Colony, and return to disembark at Awaroa. Explore the largest tidal estuary in the Park or walk over a forested saddle and along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach for pickup at historic Tonga Quarry.
Day 2
Choose a Cruise & Walk Option in the centre of the Park, eg. No 6: Swing Bridge, Bush and Beach Walk. Cruise to Medlands Beach to walk 3 1/2 to 4 hours along the most varied section of the coastal track from Bark Bay to Anchorage. Cross the Falls River Swing Bridge and take a side track to tranquil Cleopatra's Pool.
Day 3
Cruise to Anchorage to spend a day of quality beach time or walk the final 4 hours of the walking track to Marahau through sunny forest groves with spectacular coastal views and many side tracks to picturesque golden coves.
Cost:
20 Oct 2012 to 19 Oct 2013
Adult $150, Child $75
How to get here
Click here for detailed driving directions and maps (opens in new window)
