About Abel Tasman National Park Cruise
Within New Zealand’s smallest national park, golden beaches curve between forested headlands beside clear turquoise water. Fur seals, dolphins and seabirds inhabit this remarkable coast, where each turn reveals another sheltered inlet that feels almost untouched.
The Story of This Place
Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942, three centuries after Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman reached the surrounding coast. Earlier farming, fires and land clearance had transformed parts of the landscape, but the creation of the park protected its beaches, estuaries, rocky headlands and regenerating forests. Today, this remarkable coastline is explored largely by boat or along the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Cultural Significance
Māori have lived along this coastline for more than 600 years, gathering kaimoana (food from the sea), and growing kūmara (sweet potato) on suitable land. Several iwi (Māori tribal groups) have ancestral connections with the area, and local iwi continue to act as kaitiaki (guardians), helping protect the park and preserve the stories connected with significant places along its coast.
The Experience of Visiting
The cruise departs from Kaiteriteri and follows the coastline past Split Apple Rock, golden beaches and sheltered bays including Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa and Tōtaranui. An onboard guide shares commentary as the vessel passes forested headlands, rocky outcrops and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, with opportunities to watch for fur seals, dolphins and seabirds before returning to Kaiteriteri.
Natural Features
Abel Tasman’s coastline brings together clear turquoise water, golden beaches, unmodified estuaries and fascinating rocky outcrops formed mainly from granite, with areas of marble and limestone. Regenerating native forest reaches towards the shore, while the surrounding waters and islands provide habitat for fur seals, dolphins, little blue penguins and other seabirds.
Good to Know
- Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942.
- The park covers approximately 23,703 hectares, making it New Zealand’s smallest national park.
- The Pure Discoveries® full scenic cruise lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, travelling from Kaiteriteri along the park’s coastline before returning.
Stories Shared Along the Way
Throughout the scenic cruise, the onboard guide shares stories about Abel Tasman’s history, distinctive coastal landmarks and the wildlife found along its shores. The commentary adds depth to the journey, revealing more about the places, habitats and stories that shape this remarkable coastline.
Little-Known Facts
Abel Tasman never set foot on the New Zealand coast that now bears his name. In December 1642, Māori of Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri approached his two ships by waka (canoe), in nearby Golden Bay. The encounter ended in conflict, and Tasman’s expedition departed without landing.
The forest lining the coast is not entirely untouched ancient wilderness. Earlier fires and land clearance changed parts of the landscape, and much of the native forest visitors see today is regenerating, particularly strongly in the park’s damp gullies.
One Thing to Know
The scale and variety of scenery within New Zealand’s smallest national park can be surprising, with remarkably diverse landscapes and wildlife found along a relatively short stretch of coastline.