How to plan your Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise

Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning marine reserve that’s well-loved by locals and tourists alike. Its breathtaking coastline and secluded beaches make it a must-visit destination in Nelson. One way to experience the beauty of this park is by taking a scenic cruise.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise.

Experience

On this 4-hour scenic cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Abel Tasman coastline and discover secluded beaches and bays. Along the way, you’ll see world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand fur seals, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, and golden sand beaches. The boat provides excellent viewing areas, making it easy for you to spot the surrounding wildlife.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise:

– Explore the Abel Tasman coastline and secluded beaches
– Admire the park’s many features such as Split Apple Rock and Tonga Quarry
– Enjoy interesting commentary about the park and its inhabitants
– Have lunch onboard, and take in the beautiful views while you eat

Planning your Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise

When to go

The Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise operates year-round, although the best time to go is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and clear.

What to bring

– Sunscreen: The New Zealand sun is strong, so make sure you bring sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
– Hat: A hat is a must to shield your face and eyes from the sun.
– Camera: Make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
– Swimsuit and towel: There are opportunities to swim and paddle in the beautiful turquoise waters along the way, so bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to take a dip.
– Comfortable clothing and shoes: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for a few hours on a boat.

Booking your tour

You can book your Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise online at GetYourGuide.com. The website is secure and easy to use, and you’ll receive an instant confirmation of your booking. The tour includes Department of Conservation fees, informative commentary, great viewing areas, and lunch.

Book your Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise here

Conclusion

The Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise is an excellent way to see the park’s stunning coastline and wildlife. Make sure to plan ahead by booking your tour, bringing sunscreen and swimwear, and getting ready to enjoy the beautiful views. With informative commentary and plenty of opportunities to take photos, you’ll remember this tour for years to come.

Insider’s Guide to Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruise

Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most picturesque coastal regions in New Zealand. Its crystalline beaches with serene turquoise waters, lush green forests, and diverse wildlife offer a blissful escape from the city’s hustle-bustle. The national park spans across two islands – the South Island and the North Island, making it one of the best sceneries to explore and relax. The best way to see this stunning coastline is by embarking on a scenic cruise to discover the hidden coves, rocky headlands, and the indigenous culture.

Local Attractions

The Abel Tasman National Park is replete with opportunities for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in nature. A scenic cruise is undoubtedly the best way to get a comprehensive tour of the park. The cruise takes visitors across the serene turquoise waters, exploring hidden spots, beaches, limestone islands, and coves. You can get the chance to see fur seals, seal pups, and sometimes even dolphins, whales, and penguins. Beyond the scenic cruise, visitors can go kayak along the coastline, hike, swim, or even sunbathe on some of Abel Tasman’s finest beaches.

Dining Spots

Restaurants like Fat Tui, The Smoking Barrel, and The Jellyfish Cafe are some of the top dining spots located within the city. Visitors can try out local, gourmet burgers and seafood along with various wine & craft beer options. Cuisine throughout New Zealand is generally influenced by seafood, and any dish with seafood in it is a must-try.

Cultural Experiences

Visitors to Abel Tasman National Park can immerse themselves in the Maori culture and learn about the park’s ancient, cultural heritage. The area was once home to the Maori people, who named it Te Tai-o-Aorere. To offer your experience to the Maori culture, visit the Waka on Abel base in Motueka for a guided tour of their cultural traditions, including waka (canoe) tours and cultural performances. You can also witness a guided walk through a cultural reserve, where stories are told endemic to the area.

Local History

At the Abel Tasman Centre, visitors can learn more about the region’s history along with Abel Tasman, who discovered the park. This educational centre contains various exhibits, including a timeline of the Abel Tasman park, interactive displays, and interpretive trails that explore the geological formation of the area.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

While scenic cruises, kayaking, and hiking are all popular activities to do while exploring the park, visiting the less crowded places within the park is a fantastic way to make the experience better. Visitors can hire a water taxi near the entrance of the park to explore hidden beaches, such as Cleopatra’s Pool, or go on a hike to the many waterfalls within the park. A day trek, inspiring visitors to spend the night at the park’s huts, can also be an option.

Conclusion

Abel Tasman National Park’s scenic cruise is a must-try activity for visitors to this region. From dining to cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, this destination caters to every kind of visitor. So, pack your bags, leave the city’s hassles behind, and fully immerse yourself in nature’s wonderland.