Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise in Nelson

Nelson is known for its beautiful scenery, culture and abundant activities, but what many don’t realize is that there’s also a plethora of amazing coastal adventures to partake in. One of the most popular and exciting excursions is a scenic cruise through the Abel Tasman National Park. This park spans over 475 sq. kilometres of pristine coastline, making it the perfect source of outdoor exploration.

From national parks to nature reserves, there are plenty of amazing attractions to explore in and around Nelson that offer visitors vast amounts of opportunities for discovery. But the star of the show is without a doubt the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s an area of immense beauty that’s still lesser known than many other national parks, but it’s ideal for anyone looking for an alternative way to experience the great outdoors.

A scenic cruise through this stunning National Park is particularly noteworthy because it’s the simplest way to experience all of its extraordinary beauty. Whether you opt for a guided tour with a company like Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles or disembark on your own personal craft, you aren’t likely to forget your time embarking along New Zealand’s rugged coastline.

The Benefits of a Scenic Cruise Through Abel Tasman National Park

One of the obvious benefits of a scenic cruise through Abel Tasman National Park as opposed to a traditional kayaking or hiking path are that you get an up-close look at all the stunning scenery without having to worry about the physical strain that these activities can cause. While kayaking definitely has its own set of advantages, taking a cruise through the Abel Tasman coast will give you the chance to relax and appreciate all the park has to offer without worrying about any intensive physical exercise. In addition, since the park is so large, you simply won’t be able to see even a fraction of its beauty on foot or in a kayak.

The Abul Tasman coast is incredibly diverse and full of extraordinary wildlife, from native birds to schools of marine life. A scenic cruise is certainly not required for birdwatching and animal spotting, but it does allow for a more relaxed way to experience everything that NZ’s nature has to offer. In addition, if you opt for a guided tour you’re likely to be filled in on all sorts of useful knowledge and facts that may be hard to come by if you’re exploring on your own.

Planning Your Trip & What To Expect

When it comes to planning a scenic cruise adventure in Abel Tasman National Park, there are several factors to consider before you embark on your journey.

Vessel Considerations

The first thing to decide is what type of vessel you will be taking for your relaxing trip across New Zealand’s magnificent waters. Most guided tours make use of private charter boats as well as Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, which are equipped with spacious decks that are adequate enough for large groups to make their way around the National Park comfortably and take in all the different sights. The exact size of the vessels included will typically depend on the size of your group, but tour companies will make sure to guide you through all region during your trip regardless of whichever company you book with.

The Route

Another important aspect of planning any type of trip across the Abel Tasman coastline is deciding which route you want it take. Most touring companies will provide various routes, including shorter routes which tend to stay closer to shore or longer routes that go deeper into the park’s interior. Depending on your budget and how much time you have available, there are plenty of great pathways to choose from so discuss your options with the tour operator before booking your trip. Additionally, some guided tours might include other things such as swimming, snorkeling and fishing, so make sure to check with each tour operator beforehand just to ensure that all expectations are met from both parties.

What To Bring

Finally, it’s always important to check what type of items you should bring before embarking on any type of scenic cruise adventure along New Zealand’s coasts! Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential for days out under the sun, along with light layers of clothing such as t-shirts or shorts to keep yourself cool throughout the day. You may also want to bring along snacks and water bottles with plenty of drinks in order to stay hydrated while touring around the park–some tour companies may provide food and drinks aboard, so make sure to ask beforehand and plan accordingly. In terms of cameras or other recording devices, most tour companies will permit them depending on their size and type, so be sure to double check before leaving with anything valuable.

Booking Your Trip

After considering all these important factors and deciding what type of vessel you want to book and route you want explore along your scenic cruise, it’s time to finally book your trip! The process for booking your adventure through Abel Tasman National Park is generally quite simple and will depend on which tour operator and boat you ultimately decide on.

Online Bookings

Most tour companies will provide easy online booking services directly from their websites; from there you can select the type of vessel and route you want as well as choose any additional services you require during your trip such as food/drinks, snorkeling gear or fishing equipment depending on what the tour company offers. Once everything has been booked online simply print out the tickets and confirm with the company directly if needed!

Additional Resources

Of course, if you want to book your trip but are still uncertain about which vessel or route would be best then websites such GetYourGuide can help with reliable reviews and ratings when choosing which tour provider is right for you! All in all, booking your quick and easy: just remember that there are tons of great options when looking for a scenic cruise adventure through Abel Tasman National Park that can fit perfectly into anyone’s travel itinerary!

At the end of the day, exploring New Zealand’s natural gems is an experience that’s truly incomparable – something that only an Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise provides. From marine life spotting to coastal discovery to enjoying some luscious outdoor views, this trip offers a little something for everyone – so get ready to enjoy a special adventure exploring NZ’s wildest maritime treasures! We hope this guide helped you prepare for your unforgettable journey through the Abel Tasman Park–enjoy the ride!

If you’re ready to venture out on a dreamy scenic cruise journey through the Abel Tasman National Park waters, click here now!