Day Trip Itinerary

Join our scenic cruise for the most special day trip, exploring along the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline; passed Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands, and on to Tonga Island seal colony.

After boarding your boat at Stephens Bay, we cruise around the headland to Split Apple Rock, taking our time to enable you to get the best views and photo's. Here you may see several shags drying their wings above the warm rocks after their early morning fishing.

Our cruise itinerary is flexible, and your friendly, knowledgeable skipper will ensure you are able to learn about the Abel Tasman.

If there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then we'll go and take a look.

Similarly if there's an Abel Tasman National Park feature you want to see, then please do let the skipper know and s/he'll try to accommodate your wishes.

Cruise to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve where you will see New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun.

After we've said goodbye to the seals we find a sheltered bay for a light lunch. You can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while we prepare your lunch.

We have plenty of snorkeling equipment if you are keen to work up an appetite, and sea kayaks on board for your enjoyment.

We provide a delicious platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients. If you have any special dietary requirements (like food allergies) please let us know in advance.

We aim to show you the beauty of New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in a relaxed, uncrowded and unhurried day with us.

The opportunity to walk through one of the most diverse coastal bush tracks on the Pitt Head Nature Loop.

Approximately 1 hr allows stunning views of Te Pukatea Bay, pass an historic Maori Pah Site and through New Zealand Forest.

Ferny undergrowth hides friendly New Zealand bush robin, fantails (piwakawaka), tui and bellbirds.

We provide towels, lunch, sunscreen, sea kayaks, snorkelling gear and life jackets.

Please bring your own camera, hat, sunglasses, warm jacket (just in case ...) and swimming gear.

If you intend hiking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, then please don't forget your sturdy footwear.

Cruise Timetable

A day out on the water is always great with lots to see and sometimes we see the most spectacular sights, here in the Abel Tasman.

Keep your eyes peeled when walking as saddleback, an endangered New Zealand native bird, have been released on Adele Island and you may be lucky to see them.

Weka (a flightless bird sometimes mistaken for a kiwi) may join you if you choose to stretch your legs on part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track (one of New Zealand's Great Walks).

The Te Pukatea headland walk has increasing bird song thanks to Project Janszoon and the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust. Listen to the very distinctly New Zealand bellbird/koromiko and tui as you walk.

So enjoy your time on board. Whether on a day trip or a private charter, go for a swim or a walk, or you can enjoy kayaking around some of the small bays enjoying the sights and sounds that the Abel Tasman has to offer.

We return to Stephens Bay around 4pm.

Map and directions to your cruise embarkation

From Nelson and Motueka: Head south out of Nelson on SH6 then take SH60 to Motueka. 6km north of Motueka turn right off SH60 towards Kaiteriteri.

Stephens Bay Road is the next right - 3.8km from the turnoff. Easy sign to miss - it is blue and just states 'Stephens Bay Road No Exit'.

Come down to the beach and the skipper will come in and pick you up off the beach at 9.50am.

Any problems please call 0800 223522, and we will guide you in.

Transport option from Nelson to Abel Tasman Charters departure point is $60 return per person. For information and bookings please email – bookings@Betterbus.co.nz – arrives at Stephens Bay at 9am – departs 4.05pm