Abel Tasman National Park Cruise
Explore
South Island
Nelson & Abel Tasman
Where creative culture and coastal wilderness come together beneath the northern South Island sun.
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Discover Nelson & Abel Tasman
At the northern edge of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson and Abel Tasman bring creative energy and coastal beauty together. Nelson’s galleries, markets and artisan culture contrast beautifully with the golden beaches, sheltered coves and forest-fringed coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Beyond the city, vineyards, orchards and small coastal communities complete a region rich in local character and natural beauty.
A City of Artists and Makers
Nelson’s sunny setting has inspired generations of painters, sculptors, glass artists, photographers, and designers.
New Zealand's Smallest National Park
Abel Tasman is the country’s smallest national park and one of its most visited, celebrated for golden beaches, sheltered coves and native forest.
Historic City Character
Nelson combines cathedral grounds, brick laneways and heritage streets with a lively, modern city centre.
Protected Coast and Wildlife
Within Abel Tasman, protected waters and restored coastal habitats support fur seals, dolphins, seabirds and native forest species.
Nelson and Abel Tasman bring together two distinct sides of the Top of the South. Nelson has long attracted artists and craftspeople, giving the relaxed city a creative character seen throughout its creative spaces and locally made food and drink. Beyond Nelson, rolling countryside gives way to a picturesque coastline as the journey continues towards Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches, sheltered bays and native forest create one of New Zealand’s most celebrated coastal landscapes.
Māori communities lived along this coastline for centuries, gathering seafood, growing kūmara (sweet potato) and establishing pā (fortified settlements). Dutch explorer Abel Tasman anchored near present-day Golden Bay in 1642, becoming the first known European to reach New Zealand. Although he never stepped ashore, his name was later given to the national park established in 1942.
Today, visitors can enjoy Nelson’s relaxed atmosphere before discovering Abel Tasman from the water, where granite headlands, secluded coves and protected marine life unfold along the coast. Together, the city and national park offer an inviting blend of local character and remarkable natural beauty.
What You'll Experience
Some of New Zealand's most treasured experiences, all part of your time in Nelson & Abel Tasman.
Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
With few roads in this pristine wilderness, most journeys are made by boat. Sit back and relax on a scenic cruise exploration to see the best of the Abel Tasman National Park. View world-famous Split Apple Rock, New Zealand Fur Seals, golden sands, and the turquoise waters of Anchorage, Bark Bay, Tonga Quarry, Awaroa, and Tōtaranui Beach. A picnic lunch is also included to enjoy during your day in the park.
Abel Tasman's golden sand owes its distinctive colour to the granite rock that forms much of the park's coastline.
Explore
Orientation Tour of Nelson
Discover the character of Nelson on an orientation tour through the central city, taking in the beautiful Maitai River, local landmarks, historic buildings, and scenic viewpoints along the way. Gain an introduction to the city’s history, natural setting, and diverse character as you explore its central highlights.
The Maitai River is the largest river in Nelson and flows through the heart of the city before reaching Tasman Bay.
An afternoon at leisure in Nelson
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to discover Nelson in your own way. Browse the central city shops, explore local galleries and the Nelson City Centre ArtWalk, or relax over a meal at one of the city’s cafés and restaurants. You may also choose to wander through Queens Gardens, stroll beside the Maitai River, or walk to the Centre of New Zealand for sweeping views across the city, port, Tasman Bay, and surrounding mountains.
Nelson’s Centre of New Zealand marks the central survey point used for geodetic surveys in the 1870s, rather than the country’s exact geographical centre.
Coastal Wildlife and Marine Life
Look for New Zealand fur seals, little penguins, shags, gannets and other seabirds along Abel Tasman’s protected coast. Dolphins may also appear, while red rock crabs, crayfish, snapper, hermit crabs and kina inhabit the waters around Tonga Island Marine Reserve, revealing the rich variety of life above and below the surface.
Kekeno (New Zealand fur seals) are often seen resting on the rocks around Tonga Island, offering visitors a memorable glimpse of wildlife in its natural habitat.
Kaiteriteri’s Golden Coast
Kaiteriteri’s golden sand, calm turquoise water and forested hills create a beautiful introduction to Abel Tasman National Park. Take in the sweeping bay and relaxed seaside atmosphere before boarding your cruise to discover the secluded coves, protected waters and forest-fringed coastline beyond.
Kaiteriteri’s golden sand comes from ancient granite, which releases tiny particles of quartz and mica as it weathers.
Marlborough Winery Tasting
On your way to Nelson & Abel Tasman, pause in Marlborough wine country for a tasting at one of the region’s premier wineries. Sample locally produced wines while learning about the people, landscape and growing conditions behind Marlborough’s internationally recognised winemaking story. Surrounded by vineyard-covered plains and distant mountain ranges, the experience offers a relaxed introduction to the region that made New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc famous around the world.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc helped establish New Zealand’s international reputation for wine and is now regarded as a defining expression of the variety.
Where You'll Stay in Nelson & Abel Tasman
2 nights
Rutherford Hotel
Established 1972
Nestled in the heart of Nelson, Rutherford Hotel is a family-owned heritage hotel offering premium, centrally located accommodation. Modern, contemporary rooms blend comfort with sophistication. The city's main shopping streets are just a short walk away, and the hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, and café.
- City centre location
- Multiple on-site dining options
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness centre and sauna
On Tour in Nelson & Abel Tasman
See how this destination features on our small-group tours.
How Pure Discoveries® Visits
Begin with a scenic Interislander Ferry journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, gliding through the sheltered waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in Picton. Enjoy a Marlborough Winery Tasting near Blenheim, then travel by coach to sunny Nelson for a two-night stay.
The following day, cruise Abel Tasman National Park along Kaiteriteri’s golden coast, passing turquoise waters, secluded bays and forest-fringed beaches while looking out for coastal and marine wildlife. Back in the city, enjoy an Orientation Tour of Nelson, followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Tours That Explore Nelson & Abel Tasman
These Pure Discoveries® tours include Nelson & Abel Tasman in their itinerary.
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