A leisurely paced trip offering all of Abel Tasman's best adventure experiences in one day for a low, all-inclusive cost. Cruise, kayak and walk with time to relax on a golden beach.
Trip Overview
Start
9am
End
4.15pm or 6pm
Walking
Anchorage Beach
various optional walks
various optional walks
Cruise
Kaiteriteri – Anchorage return
1 hr
1 hr
Kayak Time
Split Apple Paddle
2 hr
2 hr
From
NZ$145
Minimum Age
10 years
Trip Route Map & Information
Our best value kayak/walk combo: Split Apple kayak, Anchorage Beach, plus seal viewing from Vista Cruise. Minimum age 10 years.
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9am Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket booth to meet your friendly guide. On the golden beach sands of Kaiteriteri Beach, your expert guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full instructions and safety brief. Then, it's onto the water to explore and have fun, confident you can enjoy a safe paddling experience. Your guide knows all the best, secret spots taking into account the tides, weather and your interests and abilities. You'll paddle up to 2 hours. Watch out for our resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast. 2 hr paddling time includes a break on a sheltered beach. |
| 12 noon Return to Kaiteriteri. Farewell your guide and swap kayak gear for walking shoes. If required, there is time to buy takeaway lunch from the Kaiteriteri store before you board the Vista Cruise |
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1pm Vista Cruise departs to 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 min). You choose how to spend your time: swim, sunbathe, take a leisurely stroll along the beach or explore the sunny Manuka groves leading to the idyllic cove of Te Pukatea Bay and return (45 min walking time). For those that would like a longer walk, there’s the option to walk to Te Pukatea via the Pitt Head Loop track, with stunning views across Tasman Bay (1 hr 30 min return). There are excellent Department of Conservation facilities at Anchorage Beach, including drinking water, shady picnic tables, shelter and modern toilets. |
| 3.35pm or 5.20pm* Vista Cruise pick up at Anchorage Beach. On your return journey, the boat cruises past Adele Island to view its resident seals. |
| 4.15pm or 6pm* Return to Kaiteriteri. |
* Later return available 20 October to 31 March.
This itinerary can be reversed with kayaking in the afternoon. Contact us for details.
What to bring
The Abel Tasman region enjoys glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes.
Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary.
Footwear for kayaking is optional. Light shoes or water socks are best. Your feet will get wet.
Always bring shoes and socks for walking, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be necessary.
We provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. On cooler days, we provide booties (bring socks for lining) and gloves for added comfort.
Not recommended: cotton clothing, especially denim. It is very heavy and cold when wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is well-formed and heavy hiking boots aren't necessary, but you can wear them if you prefer.
WE RECOMMEND
Light walking shoes or sports sandals
Sand shoes for kayaking or estuary crossings
NOT RECOMMENDED
Footwear that is not firmly attached to the foot e.g. jandals, flip flops, slides, etc.
We recommend a small day pack, with the following items:
- Extra clothing. New Zealand weather is renowned for providing four seasons in one day so quick-dry thermal fabrics are best
- Sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in all weather. We enjoy 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 cloudy days
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Swimwear and towel (optional)
- Drinking water
- Lunch. If it has not been ordered the day before you travel, please bring your own
- Camera. Remember to check the batteries!
- Hand sanitiser. No hand wipes or paper tissues/towels please. They create litter and clog the toilet systems.
The coastal track is well formed and walking sticks are not necessary. However, if you have weak leg joints, or poor balance, you might prefer to bring them.
You are welcome to bring your own lunch. The Vista Cruise has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals.
If you would like a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please give us your order by 6 pm the night before your trip.
You can buy food at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow time as the shop can be busy when boats are departing. There is also one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge. Please book your lunch directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.
Our picnic lunches can cater for most dietary requirements. The menus below all have vegetarian, vegan, gluten, nut and dairy-free options with similar ingredients, modified to suit special diets.
Classic picnic lunch (NZ$25 per person)
- Ploughman's Sandwich with salad and sliced beef (vegetarian option: roasted aubergine)
- Crisp Apple
- Vegetable Quiche
- Banana Bread Loaf (gluten/dairy free option: chocolate muffin)
- Whittaker's Chocolate Peanut Slab (vegan, gluten and dairy-free varieties available)
Lite picnic lunch (NZ$15 per person)
Standard or Vegetarian only
- Ploughman's Sandwich
- Crisp Apple
- Banana Bread Loaf
Gourmet hamper lunch (NZ$40 per person)
- Nelson's hand-made Proper Crisps (potato crisps lightly seasoned with sea salt).
- Ploughman's Sandwich with salad and sliced beef (vegetarian option: roasted aubergine)
- Crisp Apple
- Couscous salad (gluten-free option available)
- Camembert Cheese with grapes and crackers
- Banana Bread Loaf (gluten/dairy free option: chocolate muffin)
- Whittaker's Chocolate Peanut Slab (vegan, gluten and dairy-free varieties available)
FAQ
New Zealand MetService puts the Nelson/Motueka region amongst the sunniest places in the country with over 2,350 bright sunshine hours per year. Average rainfall in the Nelson region is 988mm (38inches) per year. This rises to about 1800mm as you travel north to Totaranui.
For Nelson's daily weather forecasts, visit the New Zealand MetService website.
Average air temperatures and rainfall through the year
|
Mean Daily |
Mean Daily |
Average Rain |
|
|
Summer (Dec/Jan/Feb) |
22/72 |
13/55 |
6 |
|
Autumn (Mar/Apr/May) |
18/64 |
8/46 |
8 |
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Winter (Jun/Jul/Aug) |
13/55 |
3/37 |
10 |
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Spring (Sept/Oct/Nov) |
17/63 |
7/45 |
10 |
We can book coach connections for you from most accommodation providers in the Nelson/Motueka region. Please contact us to book discounted transfers.
For maps showing ScenicNZ pick up locations click on these links:
Go to Bus Connections for more details and fares.
The Abel Tasman is renowned for its protected coastline but it's impossible to guarantee conditions in the marine environment. When sea and weather are calm, sea kayaking is easy and very little skill or strength is required.
Double kayaks are used for stability, enjoyment and the advantage of having two people sharing the paddling effort.
You need to be prepared for variable conditions in the outdoors. Sometimes, you might have to paddle against the wind to the nearest beach. Our qualified Guides are trained to reduce the chance of this, and assist if needed.
Guides provide full training and, if their instructions are followed, kayaking is safe and fun. Our boat crew provides full back-up so if kayaking becomes too difficult through the day you can leave your kayak at a beach and walk or take the boat.
If you're worried about the weather, please click through to Kayak Cancellation Conditions.
Brilliant!
Super friendly team who looked after us very well...Highly recommend Wilson's for professional, well organized and friendly experience.