Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s most visited national park and its no surprise given the unique combination of golden beaches and forest extending down to the water’s edge in a region enjoying generous sunshine hours. The Abel Tasman Coast Track winds its way around the waterfront – water taxis can drop walkers partway along the trail.
Accommodation for walkers ranges from campsites to lodges. Another popular way to explore the tranquil bays is by sea kayak. Overnight guided kayaking tours are hugely popular; paddle across sparkling water and camp at a secluded beach. Kayakers will see seals and birdlife,
and may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or visiting Orca.
Surrounding Abel Tasman National Park are several villages and small settlements that are perfect for stocking up on supplies or as a base for exploring the region.
The small town of Motueka, an easy drive northwest of Nelson, is the last major shopping outpost before Abel Tasman National Park. Quirky cafés and shops make it a good place to stop for longer than just stocking up at the supermarket.
Just over the hill from Motueka, Kaiteriteri is a lovely little village alongside a glorious sweep of golden-sand beach in a sheltered bay. A departure point for water taxis heading into the national park, this
is a hugely popular summertime destination for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike.
A tiny outpost just beyond Kaiteriteri, Marahau is the last settlement before the national park.
The northern gateway to the national park is accessible by road from Takaka in Golden Bay.
A scenic cruise with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles is a trip you will never forget. Our water taxis depart up to four times a day, seven days a week from Kaiteriteri Beach. Abel Tasman Scenic Boat Cruise from Kaiteriteri Departs Summer (peak) 9.00am 10.30am 12.30pm 2.15pm Winter 9.00am 12.30pm Sit back and relax as we depart from picturesque Kaiteriteri Beach on a scenic cruise into the majestic Abel Tasman National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, fur seals, golden sands and the crystal-clear waters of Torrent, Bark, Tonga, Awaroa and Totaranui Beaches before you return to Kaiteriteri. A great 3 or 4 hour cruise for all ages.....
Taste wine from four vineyards on the Waimea Plains. There is a superb lunch stop on every tour where you can use your $5 discount voucher. Stafford Lane (Oct to April) where you will sample their range of wines with a central platter of bread for dipping into locally grown and produced olive oil, olives, dukkahs and chutneys. And between April to Oct with a central cheese platter at the first stop. If beer is your passion, we will visit a brewery on request when booking. We will give you an informative but fun afternoon. Departure: 12.30pm returning approximately 5.30-6.00pm (winter hours may vary) five hour tour No. of vineyards: Four vineyards or three vineyards and a brewery (depends on first booking of the day)....
Can't decide between the wineries and studios? Do it all and appreciate the artistic life of Nelson as your explore studios and wineries - glass, pottery, beads, and woodturning, complemented by breathtaking scenery and award-winning wines. Departure:12.30pm returning 5.30pm or by arrangement Number of Vineyards: Two Art: Pottery, paintings, glass, sculptures, dried flowers, ceramics, jewellery, woodturning, and more....
In October 2001 one of WOW®’s dreams came true with the opening of a permanent home and visitor attraction World of WearableArt™ and Classic Cars Museum, which every year welcomes thousands of local, national and international visitors. This unique visitor attraction means people can enjoy the special WOW® experience all year round. The car collection represent years of passionate sourcing from around the world and New Zealand. This is one of Australasia’s largest private collections. The museum’s distinctive building features a six-metre high metallic aluminium ribbon wall that is based on a dynamic wand and silk taper performance in a previous WearableArt™ show. The aluminium fabric flows and twists like the original fabric. Hours Open every day 10am - 5pm (except 25th December) We recommend 60-90 mins to view galleries.....