Abel Tasman National Park Afternoon Scenic Cruise.

A great way to spend an afternoon after enjoying our region's other attractions in the morning. Cruise the spectacular granite coast from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui return, including all features:

stay onboard as you call into popular beaches along the coast
pause for photographs at famous Split Apple Rock
view sea birds and seals at Tonga and Adele Islands

NOTE: To maintain a sustainable service during our low season (20 May - 30 September), our Vigour Water Taxi may provide our coastal cruises. Please check vessel type when booking.

Trip Route Map & Information

Afternoon cruise includes all highlights Kaiteriteri - Totaranui return. Low season vessel type and highlights will vary.

12.25pm Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office for 12.45pm departure. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat.
1.30pm Anchorage
1.45pm Medlands Beach
2.00pm Tonga Quarry
2.20pm Awaroa
2.40pm Totaranui
3.00pm Tonga Quarry
3.10pm Medlands Beach
3.30pm Anchorage
3.50pm Adele Island
4.15pm Kaiteriteri

For more beach time, check out our Cruise & Walk options.

What to bring

Picnic Lunches ($30 per person)

For a delicious picnic lunch prepared for you and delivered to the boat, or to your kayak guide, please order by 5pm the night before your trip. Standard, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options available. Not available June - August.

Standard lunch image:

Onboard Menu

The Vista Cruise Menu has a selection of hot and cold drinks (including beer and wine), ice creams, snacks and light meals.

Other Lunch Options

You are welcome to bring your own lunch. Takeaway food is available at the Kaiteriteri departure point. Please allow extra time to choose your lunch. The shop can be busy when boats are departing.

There is one public restaurant/cafe in the park at Awaroa Lodge, open during the summer months. Please book directly with them by phoning 03 528 8758.

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

Our Vista Barbecue Cruises are perfect for a group! You have three choices to include a succulent barbecue meal on your trip into Abel Tasman National Park. Every trip includes photo opportunities at Spilt Apple Rock and seal viewing on Adele Island.

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.
Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections. Damage caused by recent storms is still under repair, so some short sections are not up to Great Walk standard.

Download/print a full list of what to bring

FAQ

Yes! All children 5-14 years travel half price. Under 5 years free

On all afternoon sailings, one child under 14 years travels FREE with every adult full fare. Please contact us to book this deal.

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 Max. Temps (°C/°F)	Mean Daily Min. Temps (°C/°F)	Average Rain Days (>1mm)
Summer (Dec/Jan/Feb)	22/72	13/55	6
Autumn (Mar/Apr/May)	18/64	8/46	8
Winter (Jun/Jul/Aug)	13/55	3/37	10
Spring (Sept/Oct/Nov)	17/63	7/45	10

Day Trips: Boat Timetable with Cruise & Walk Options (PDF)
Day Trips: Map and Sea Kayaking Options (PDF)

For day trips, the Better Bus provides Nelson-Kaiteriteri-Marahau bus connections. Schedules meet our 9.15 am Vista Cruise departure from Kaiteriteri and the 4.15 pm return to Kaiteriteri. Please book on their website.

Go to Bus Connections for more details and costs.

Lodge-based overnight trips include transfers on our own coach. We pick up from main accommodation providers in Nelson city, and along Highway 60 between Nelson and Motueka.

Kaiteriteri has free, all-day parking. During the busy holiday season (Dec 20 to end February) it can be difficult to find a convenient parking spot. Please allow at least 30 minutes to find a park and walk back to check-in 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Overnight parking at Kaiteriteri Beach:
Available free except for the busy holiday season 18 December to 9 February. During this time, limited free overnight parking is available in the trailer park on Martin Farm Road, 15 mins walk (1 km) from check in at Kaiteriteri.
Parking is not secure. To avoid temptation please do not leave valuables in your car.

Your WEBSAVER discount is applied after you choose your trip and number of passengers.

Environmental Access Fee $7 per Adult is added to the fare displayed below at check-out.

Confirmation email can take 30 minutes. If not received, please check your junk mail.

Plan & Prepare

Information

Deals

12.45pm Vista Cruise

Trip Route Map & Information

What to bring

Picnic Lunches ($30 per person)

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

FAQ

Plan & Prepare

Information

Deals

12.45pm Vista Cruise

Trip Route Map & Information

What to bring

Lunch options

Picnic Lunches ($30 per person)

Onboard Menu

Other Lunch Options

Classic Kiwi Barbecue

What to bring (day trip)

FAQ

Is there a family deal?

What will the weather be like?

Download our day trips brochure

Bus Connections with Nelson and Motueka

Where do I park my car?