Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its stunning coastline, golden beaches, and clear waters. It’s a place where outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers find plenty to enjoy—from relaxing boat trips to active kayaking. One of the reasons this park stands out is because of the variety of ways you can experience its beauty. We particularly love the Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour for its perfect blend of scenery, gentle exercise, and a luxurious sail. This tour offers a relaxed way to see some highlights while still getting a good dose of fresh air and sea breeze.
While the park is best known for its accessible hiking trails, the options for boat cruises, kayaking, and self-guided explorations mean there’s something for all. Whether you’re after a guided experience or want to explore at your own pace, the list below covers the top ways to enjoy Abel Tasman. Each tour offers its own unique angle—some focus on the scenery, others on active fun or relaxed afternoons—so you can pick one that suits your style.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we’ve gathered four standout experiences in Abel Tasman National Park. There are scenic cruise and sailing tours that combine boat rides with light hikes, making them perfect for travelers who want a mix of comfort and adventure. For those who prefer to be on the water, the 1-day kayak rental offers freedom to explore at your own pace. Meanwhile, the scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri is ideal if you want a quick, budget-friendly trip with chances to see famous landmarks like Split Apple Rock. Finally, the self-guided walk and sailing combines a lovely forest stroll with a scenic sail, perfect for independent travelers.
Now, let’s explore each of these top tours in detail so you can decide which experience fits your style and schedule.
1. Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour
At number one, this Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour offers an excellent balance of scenery, activity, and relaxation. Over six hours, you’ll cruise to Anchorage Bay, a highlight of the park, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the Pitt Head loop track. This walk is relatively gentle but offers some of the best panoramic views of Abel Tasman’s rugged coastline. After the hike, the tour continues with a scenic afternoon cruise on a yacht, giving you a chance to appreciate the coastline from the water while enjoying some R&R.
What makes this tour stand out is how it combines different ways to experience Abel Tasman—on land and sea—without feeling rushed. The boat ride offers great opportunities to spot New Zealand fur seals lounging on rocks along the coast. The walk around Pitt Head is not strenuous but provides stunning vistas, making it suitable for most fitness levels. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 89 reviews, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and knowledgeable guides who highlight the area’s wildlife and geology.
Bottom Line: If you want a balanced, scenic day that mixes walking, cruising, and a touch of sailing, this tour is hard to beat. It offers a well-rounded introduction to Abel Tasman’s natural beauty.
2. Abel Tasman Kayaks: 1 Day Freedom Kayak Rental
For those who prefer independence, the 1-day kayak rental is a fantastic way to explore Abel Tasman at your own pace. You can hire a kayak and plan your route—whether that’s paddling along the coast, exploring Adele Island, or finding your own secluded beach for a picnic. This option appeals most to confident kayakers who enjoy self-directed adventures, but the rental includes maps and guidance to help you navigate.
What sets this apart is the flexibility: you can spend as little or as much time as you like on the water, making it perfect for repeat visitors or those with specific spots they want to see. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.8/5 from 46 reviews, praising the quality of the equipment and the ease of booking. It’s a budget-friendly choice that offers a personal, immersive experience of Abel Tasman’s coastline—up close and without crowd or guide.
Best suited for: Active travelers comfortable with kayaking and looking for a flexible schedule. It’s also ideal for those wanting to combine a day of paddling with spontaneous exploration.
Bottom Line: If you’re confident on the water and want full control of your itinerary, this is a top pick. It offers a rewarding sense of discovery with the freedom to explore hidden nooks along Abel Tasman’s coast.
3. Abel Tasman: Scenic Cruise to Anchorage Bay from Kaiteriteri
On a budget or short on time? The scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri is a quick, affordable way to see some of Abel Tasman’s most photogenic sights. For just $47 per person, you’ll hop aboard a boat and cruise to Anchorage Bay, where you can relax on the beach, explore the short walking trails, or take in the views. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like Split Apple Rock—a must-photograph feature—and watch for fur seals at Adele Island.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20 reviews, this tour is praised for its excellent value and friendly crew. The boat ride offers sweeping views of the coastline, and the stop at Anchorage Bay gives ample time for relaxing or a quick walk. The highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to see the famous rock formation and wildlife without committing to a full-day tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a short, cost-effective trip with great photo opportunities and a taste of Abel Tasman’s scenery. Perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more relaxed, less active experience.
4. Abel Tasman National Park: Self-Guided Walk & Sailing
Rounding out the list is the Self-Guided Walk & Sailing option, perfect for independent travelers who want the best of both worlds. Your day begins with a self-led walk along the coastal track through lush native forest, passing by golden beaches and scenic lookouts. It’s a relatively flexible way to experience the park’s natural charm without a guide, making it ideal for those comfortable with navigation.
After your walk, you’ll sit back and enjoy a scenic sail from Anchorage to Kaiteriteri. This part of the trip provides stunning views of the coastline from the water, creating a peaceful conclusion to your day in Abel Tasman. The tour has a solid 4.6/5 rating from 23 reviews, with travelers noting the tranquility of the walk and the beauty of the sail.
Best suited for: Independent travelers and nature lovers who prefer a slower pace and enjoy self-guided exploration. It’s a good option if you want to combine light activity with relaxing scenery.
Bottom Line: For those who want control over their day and enjoy a bit of adventure on their own terms, this tour offers a well-balanced experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Abel Tasman
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a guided experience that mixes walking and sailing, the Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour is a great all-rounder. Want total freedom and confidence in your paddling skills? The kayak rental gives you the most flexibility. For a quick, scenic trip without much planning, the Kaiteriteri cruise is perfect. Lastly, self-guided walkers will enjoy the walk and sail combination.
Think about your budget, how active you want to be, and whether you prefer guided or autonomous experiences. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (summer months), to secure your spot.
Abel Tasman offers a diverse range of tours to suit different travel styles. Whether you want guided comfort, active independence, or a quick scenic escape, you’ll find an option that makes your visit memorable. For most travelers, we suggest starting with the Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour for a balanced introduction. But if you’re a seasoned paddler or prefer solo exploration, the kayak rental is hard to beat. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to book early and prepare for some of New Zealand’s finest coastal scenery.