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Abel Tasman National Park - Abel Tasman Eco Tours

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Abel Tasman Eco Tours

350 Sandy Bay-Marahau Road Marahau , Mārahau , New Zealand .

Make treasured memories on our signature Eco Boat Tour, a fun and relaxing journey through the ecosystem of the Abel Tasman National Park. We explore the wonderous Islands, forests, beaches, rivers & seas of Te Tai Tapu (The Sacred Coast).

Pricing and Conditions

Please bring your own water bottle (we will have water on board should you need to refill), sunscreen, sandals/flip flops, gumboots (winter), extra layers as it can be a bit cooler out on the water, swimming costume, hat, shorts or pants that can roll up. Morning tea and lunch included in the price. Small charge for infants (0-4yrs) lunch. We reserve the right to cancel trips or alter schedules if weather conditions are not suitable.

If a customer cancels 12 hours or less before departure no refund will be given. If a customer cancels between 12 and 24 hours before departure a 50% refund will be given. If a customer cancels 24 hours or more before departure a full refund will be given. If Eco Tours cancels a sailing due to bad weather we will give a full refund.

Explore the coastal wonders and hidden waterways where maritime, fresh water and bird life can be seen in their natural habitats. Our signature eco boat tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. We explore the coastal zones, islands, beaches, forests and streams with plenty of time for relaxing, and swimming. Enjoy natural discovery, bird watching, sightseeing, photography, relaxing and learning with our knowledgeable and friendly local guides. We offer small group tours to make them as personalised as possible. We provide expert service and the highest safety standards in a relaxed, educational and fun manner, in the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park.

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Abel Tasman Eco Tours

Phone: 03 391 0010

Email: [email protected]

Make treasured memories on our signature Eco Boat Tour, a fun and relaxing journey through the ecosystem of the Abel Tasman National Park. We explore the wonderous Islands, forests, beaches, rivers and seas of Te Tai Tapu (The Sacred Coast).  Find out more about our authentic and inspiring Eco Boat Tour guided by locals who are passionate about conservation and preserving it.

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An Abel Tasman Eco Adventure!

95 days on the road.

Abel Tasman, we have been on the edge of you and kayaked at the end of you , but we have still yet to explore that coastal centre of yours. (Ok, this blog post is getting off to a weird start). Today, we finally get to know the Abel Tasman National Park!

We arrive 9am at the Marahau Wharf. The Abel Tasman Eco Tours boat is loaded with people, which in turn is loaded on a trailer, attached to a tractor. We have passed the wharf a few times since staying in the Barn Backpackers and noticed that this is how all the tour operators get their boats in the water.

A sinking situation

The tractor drives down the ramp and across the sand to the ocean, which is a fair distance at low tide. The tractor manages to get us through pool after pool until… Yep, we’re stuck. Teething problems on the first day of the season, we guess.

Our guide Stu assures us that this hasn’t happened in three years, but to be honest, we find it more entertaining than anything else. We take our shoes and socks off, roll up our pants and hop out the boat.

Getting to know the Abel Tasman on a whole new level!

The whole boat-trailer-stuck-in-sand incident is swiftly sorted and we’re back in the boat whizzing away from shore. From the moment Stu stops the boat for the first time, we realise that this tour of the Abel Tasman is going to be much different from other experiences out here in the national park.

Stu, whose background is in marine biology, has a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem of the Abel Tasman National Park. And right now, he is relating it to the rest of the New Zealand and the surrounding national parks we can see in the distance, like the snowy peaks in the Kahurangi National Park that we saw yesterday .

Wildlife spotting in the Abel Tasman

The Abel Tasman coastline is dotted with offshore islands, covered in forest and holding a vast amount of wildlife, from shags to an island home to 300 New Zealand fur seals! Before, we’ve only appreciated how they are great to look at and watch behave (like the seal pups in Whakariki, n’awwww!), and now Stu is telling us some fascinating facts about them, like how the shags swallow rocks to help them get deeper in the water, how seals can hold their breath for 10 minutes or so… It’s stuff we are definitely going to impress our friends with later…

Split Apple Rock

One of the islands is the unusually shaped Split Apple Rock. If you’re ever getting a water taxi from Marahau or Kaiteriteri, then it’s likely you’ll get to go right up close to the rock. It feels like we get to know every detail of this rock, from the colours, to the marine life calling it home, to the reason why it is shaped like split apple.

Cake on the beach

Moving the boat along, we speed down the coast of the Abel Tasman, passing coastal cliffs teaming with trees in a forest with a canopy notable of the same height. Stu stops the boat at various islands before we land on Te Pukatea Bay.

This golden sand beach with its coarse sand grains is our coffee break stop. Much like the first Abel Tasman Eco Tour we checked out , we have cake! Lemon with a gooey centre or coffee with a chocolate gooey centre… We have both!

Eating kawakawa

Stu is then keen to take us on a 45-minute hike through the forest and to a lookout. Most of our group come for the hike where, yet again, we end up eating plants. This time, Stu hands over the kawakawa, an antioxidant among other benefits. Stu shoves the leaf in his mouth no problem, but we can barely keep a straight face. We are too weak for kawakawa…

The Abel Tasman National Park in virtual reality!

A hike in the wilderness.

All the sounds we hear in the forest from New Zealand’s vocal birds are finally put into context when Stu points out what each one is. We stop plenty of times to look at various vegetation in a forest very different from what we saw on the “Promised Land” tour .

The group gets an amazing vantage point from the top of the hill. We see island, various coves which Stu has a story for each, and behind us, as we saw from between the trees is our boat still on the beach. Pheww. (Although we don’t mind getting stuck here to be honest).

Oops…

As we get left behind at the lookout taking photos and generally being annoying travel writers, we try to catch up with the rest of the group. But after running all the way down the trail we just climbed up, we say: “Wait, didn’t Stu say we were doing a loop walk…” Sh*t!

We run all the way back up the hill, huffing and puffing, sweating like a pig, until we find our group at a lookout over Te Pukatea Bay. We were the bad tourists here today.

Starfish and shrimp

Back on the boat, we are now heading to our lunch stop on another beautiful beach. This beach feels a lot different to Te Pukatea Bay by being sheltered and covered in a much finer sand. The tide line has a huge variety of sea shells, to which Stu is picking up every single kind and he can say something about each one. He even picks up a star fish and a shrimp!

We leave the shrimp to its lunch while we enjoy our lunch on this paradise beach! A German couple have brought some wine on the trip, which we share around, then we have plenty of time to mingle before moving on. There’s no hussling or “stick-to-the-schedule” mantra on this trip.

Archways and beaches

We saw some pretty crazy granite rock formations on the Golden Bay side of the Abel Tasman , and we are just getting to see some of those formations occurring as we reach two archways. You can only pass through them in a kayak at high tide.

The next beach is a nice long beach everyone gets to experience if they take the Abel Tasman Great Walk . Stu takes the others on a hike up the hill to a lookout of the beach, while we do some filming on the beach. From there, we are getting back on the boat and heading back to Marahau.

About seven hours later, the Marahau Wharf has completely transformed at high tide! Now Stu can drive the boat right up to the boat ramp where that all famous tractor is waiting to pull us up and out of the water.

Dinner with the Germans

It’s been an incredible day out on the Abel Tasman National Park! To top it all off, the German couple have invited us to have dinner at their newly acquired Split Apple Lodge tonight where they are also hosting three WWOOFers . Man, we wouldn’t mind WWOOFing here, on top of a hill with views of the Abel Tasman!

Epic beaches on an epic eco tour!

Sweet! Here are more articles for an awesome gap year in New Zealand:

• Abel Tasman National Park – Guide for Backpackers
• 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand
• How to Create a WWOOF Profile That Hosts Can’t Refuse!

And don’t forget to follow us and all the pretty pictures of New Zealand on Instagram . We also post daily travel tips on Facebook .

See you tomorrow!

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Enjoy the magic of the Abel Tasman National Park with us...

Let Abel Tasman Guides lead you through your personal journey of discovery in this iconic part of New Zealand. The golden sands, the clear blue water, the myriad of greens in the forest create what many people say is the “picture of perfection.” This is The Abel Tasman National Park.

We complete the picture and can organise your whole Abel Tasman experience, plus other activities within the area… like sea kayaking, visits to seal colonies, additional water transport, New Zealand itinerary advice and more.

Self-guided Walks

Experience the Abel Tasman your way in your own time and let us take the hassle out of it

Perfect for those who want to stroll at their own pace, linger on golden sand beaches and enjoy afternoon swims. We take care of all the details to give you a seamless Abel Tasman experience – from bag transfers and accommodation, to maps and delicious gourmet picnic lunches.

Start each day when you’re ready, and set your own pace along the track. We’ll plan your perfect trip based on the tides, and arm you with what you need and our favourite spots.

Guided Walks

It’s fair to say we know it like the back of our hand, and we love to share it with others.

Guided Walking packages are ideal for anyone who wants to experience all the natural beauty of the Abel Tasman, and miss nothing of the history and local stories along the way. Experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with a knowledgeable New Zealand guide and a walking programme especially designed for you.

Abel Tasman Guides are here to show you and assist with all the aspects of the magic that makes up your Abel Tasman walking experience. We bring together excellent dining, an exploration of New Zealand wines and wonderful accommodation to create a trip of a lifetime for you.

Expand your horizons and explore out in the water.

It’s easy to see why kayaking along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track has become world famous. Paddle along golden sand coastlines, into quiet bays, through marine reserves with plenty of native marine life. No trip to the Abel Tasman is complete without getting out on the water.

Why not add on some kayaking as part of your Abel Tasman Coastal Track walking trip? We can organise guided or independent kayaking at various points along the track.

Testimonials

Have a look at some of the wonderful things people say about us.

“Fantastic trek supported by a truly local company with excellent local knowledge. Faultless from start to finish. Friendly staff, flexible itinerary to suit your needs, can’t recommend highly enough!” – Denny (Oct 2023)

“Abel Tasman Guides was superb throughout all phases of the trip, from pre-trip coordination, through arrival, execution, and departure (all staff we interacted with). The use of Aqua Taxis and Awaroa Lodge, and Mārahau lodging, all handled by ATG, allowed us to hike and kayak 3 days’ worth of the Coast seamlessly, and just enjoy ourselves. We are already planning… READ MORE →

“I cannot recommend them highly enough, from first contact they have been absolutely faultless. They organised everything so effortlessly and professionally and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The park is absolutely stunning, the lunches were generous and delicious and the staff could not have been more professional, friendly and helpful. Our 3 night stay in the park was very… READ MORE →

“We have just finished the most magic 5 days. The transfers were flawless. Every single staff member was wonderful, passionate and helpful. With the Abel Tasman Guides staff, from easy booking, to great pre-trip information to walking package of maps etc. we felt individually cared for. This was such a treat of a trip. When absolutely everything goes so well… READ MORE →

"We booked the Abel Tasman hike through Able Taman Guides and honestly best decision ever! They booked the huts for us, planned the direction and mapped out the hike in line with the tides for us! They also did this for my friend, all within a days’ notice, and were so friendly and helpful! 100% recommend." – Deirdre F (Nov 2023)

“We cannot rate ATG high enough! We loved every minute of the trip, the beaches are incredible and scenery second to none. Our correspondence with ATG was spot on, always quick to respond to any questions or requests! Thank you so much for a fantastic holiday, we will definitely be back!” – Heather W (Dec 2023)

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Abel Tasman Eco Tours Marahau, Nelson Region Abel Tasman Eco Boat Tour

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Explore the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand with Abel Tasman Eco Tours and boat charters. Our full day eco tours will transport you to a world of golden sands, crystal clear waters and majestic native New Zealand forests. Our Abel Tasman tours are one of the most spectacular New Zealand eco tours available.

Explore the coastal wonders and hidden waterways where marine and birdlife can be seen in their natural habitats. Your experienced guide will teach you all about the amazing conservation story unfolding around you in the Abel Tasman National Park, the different wildlife that lives here and the dedicated people that work to help them thrive.

On the Eco Boat Tour you can expect:

• A tour from magical Marahau, the gateway to the park.
• Flexibility and friendliness.
• The personal touch: let us know your interests and we will provide!
• Small groups and your own water taxi ‘Zeehaen’ skippered by your world-class guide.
• Inlets, rock pools, open sea, predator free islands.
• Marine mammals, land and sea birds, fish, plants, invertebrates and more.
• An easy and stunning guided walk around Pitt Head ecological island, with incredible views.

Book a boat trip with Abel Tasman Eco Tours and fall in love with Abel Tasman National Park.

Departs 08:45 | Duration 7 hours

Additional Information

Includes lunch and refreshments

Price: $195

Group discounts by arrangement

Family Friendly

Meet at Marahau Boat Ramp. ?Transport available from Motueka or Riwaka.

CHILD POLICY Family friendly

CANCELLATIONS? 24 hours 100% | Bad weather or mechanical problems, full refund

SEASON? Open all year

• Clive, Mel & Justin
• T +64 3 391 0010
• W www.abeltasmanecotours.co.nz

Marahau Boat Ramp

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Abel Tasman Eco Boat Tours

• $199.00 - $398.00

Must do! 'Open your eyes' with us. Our 'Golden Future' boat and walk tour explores the best of the park's coastline with an expert ecologist guide, actively involved in local conservation. See marine, forest and freshwater wildlife.

We are a small family venture, focused on ecology and protecting the environment through sustainable tourism, education and conservation. With years of experience in marine tourism in the park and a background in biological sciences, we are able to give you a safe, inspiring and fascinating insight into this incredible place. We are also the founders of Tasman Bay Guardians, Abel Tasman Tree Collective and we sit on the board of the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust. We co-ordinate and facilitate community events such as clean-ups, marine restoration and bird relocations and provide education prohrammes for schools. $3 from each ticket sold goes to conservation these causes. We are also the park's first DOC SMART marine mammal approved operators.

Abel Tasman National Park Entrance 7197 Marahau

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Abel Tasman National Park Eco, Nature and Wildlife Tours

Set in the Nelson region , the Abel Tasman National Park is named after European explorer Abel Tasman. It is popular for tramping, kayaking, camping and sightseeing. more

Discover New Zealand at is best on an eco, nature or wildlife tour in Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park eco, nature and wildlife tours focus on New Zealand's stunning natural scenery and its diverse flora and fauna.

Select Eco, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, New Zealand from the list below. Alternatively select another Nelson area.

CHEEKY KEA TOURS - South Island

We have an adventure package to suit EVERYONE! Touring isn't just a job for us, it's a lifestyle! We are local, we are fun and we love adventure, so who better to guide you on your epic South Island adventure tour than us!?

ABEL TASMAN CANYONS - Motueka, Nelson

Mobile-friendly -  Sliding down water polished chutes, jumping into crystal clear pools, abseiling through showering waterfalls, and flying down ziplines. Abel Tasman Canyons provides exciting and action-packed guided canyoning trips in the Abel Tasman National Park, the Kahurangi National Park and Mt Richmond Forest Park. Canyoning: the best adventure to get roped into.

ABEL TASMAN CHARTERS - Abel Tasman National Park

Mobile-friendly -  The best Abel Tasman Day Trip. Join our small group cruise exploring the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline (maximum 11 passengers). A one day scenic-cruise, kayaking, swimming and bush-walk adventure including a visit to the Tonga Marine Reserve. Our comfortable charter boats and friendly, knowledgeable skippers ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Delicious platter-style lunch, snacks and refreshments included.

ABEL TASMAN ECO TOURS - Motueka

Mobile-friendly -  Personalized boat tours, guided walks. Local van tours, exploring the treasures of the Abel Tasman, learn ecology, history, in a relaxed atmosphere with expert guides. Our Golden Future boat tour explores the Abel Tasman Coastline. Promised Land walking tour takes you to the remote inland part of the track. Treasures van tour combines short walks, beaches, rivers, even a cave.

ABEL TASMAN KAITERITERI KAYAKS - Abel Tasman National Park

Mobile-friendly -  Kaiteriteri Kayaks, the only kayak operator to operate from Kaiteriteri Beach. Come and enjoy our blend of good times, great people, personality-plus guides and interactive trips! So go for big day out, big lunch, lots of laughs join a trip with Kaiteriteri Kayak—great little kayak trips. Operating sea kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman National Park for nearly 20 years.

ABEL TASMAN SAILING ADVENTURES - Nelson

Mobile-friendly -  Day sailing tours aboard fast comfortable catamarans. The most peaceful and relaxing way to see the Abel Tasman—New Zealand's best sailing location and close to Nelson. With half-day, full-day, and multi-day options, we'll make the most of your time. Private charters for specialised tours available for groups up to 40.

ABEL TASMAN SEA SHUTTLES - Abel Tasman National Park

Mobile-friendly -  Come to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park in comfort and safety with experienced skippers from Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. Seven-days-a-week service. All trips offer viewing stops and commentaries about the unique Abel Tasman National Park features. See wildlife, golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush native bush and rivers. Abel Tasman National Park Scenic Cruises and Water Taxis.

FIRST LIGHT TRAVEL - New Zealand Wide

Mobile-friendly -  An extraordinary selection of unique small group tours. Premier experiences using the most qualified people, personalities, locations and knowledge. Our trips range from guided adventure and dive tours through to educational tours with marine mammals. We are constantly striving to build greater ecological awareness of the highly sensitive and vulnerable nature of the environment.

KAHU KAYAKS - Abel Tasman, Nelson

Mobile-friendly -  A range of guided tours and freedom rental sea kayaking trips in kayak canoes. Guided kayak trips with guides that will take you along a stunning stretch of coastline for a fantastic sea kayaking experience. Enjoy panoramic views of Abel Tasman National Park, check out nesting cormorants, sea caves, islands and the world famous Split Apple Rock.

NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - New Zealand

Mobile-friendly -  Join New Zealand's top landscape, nature and wildlife photographers to help you to get the most from your photography or visit to New Zealand. From 1-day Photography Workshops to 17-day NZ Photo Tours with New Zealand's leading landscape and wildlife photographers.

SOUTHERN WILDERNESS - Nelson

Mobile-friendly -  Southern Wilderness specialises in 'Gourmet Guided Walks' on the Heaphy Track, Old Ghost Road and throughout the Nelson Lakes and Abel Tasman National parks. Our guided walks all depart from Nelson and we take care of all the logistics. Our team of guides carry and prepare all meals, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of these areas.

Other Options

Select by Map

This Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park eco and nature tours map displays tourism business locations in your chosen region, area, city or township. Click on a Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park map location icon to display more information.

Call Us: NZ + 64 21 62 94 98

Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest but most-visited of all of New Zealand national parks, and it offers some spectacular day trips. This often surprises travellers, because they expect the record to be held by Fiordland. In comparison however, Abel Tasman is much more accessible and better-connected, being just an hour from Nelson. It also benefits from a mild sunny climate year-round, with stunning beaches and plenty of opportunities for water excursions such as kayaking and boat tours. Needless to say, there is a LOT to do here!

The value of a guided tour

At Guest NZ, we’ve always been big advocates of guided tours. Why? Because they add so much value to any holiday. New Zealand is a pretty easy destination to get around and explore. But there’s only so much you can see in the space of a few weeks. If you really want to get ‘under the skin’ of somewhere in this timeframe, you will need the help of the locals. They can give you information and ‘secrets’ that you simply won’t find on your own. For this reason, we always suggest that travellers put at least a couple of tours into their itinerary.

And that’s before we even mention just what fantastic people New Zealanders are. By and large, people run tours because they are genuinely passionate about showing their country to travellers, not simply to make money. Getting to know the locals is the best part of any holiday, but it’s especially rewarding here.

Stew Robertson

Abel Tasman Eco Tours 

Abel Tasman Eco Tours has a great company slogan “Open your eyes.” The owner Stew Robertson has these words written on his boat and t-shirts. It’s a great way to show his passion for the Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman Eco Tours have gained popularity with international travellers who are genuinely interested in eco-tourism. Started in 2013, their mission is simple; to deliver the highest quality eco tours to the Abel Tasman region. Determined to spread the word about the unique ecology of this region, they offer all staff in the national park the opportunity to come on one of their tours. They are also extensively involved in marine conservation, and are the only tour operator in Abel Tasman who are SMART certified by the Department of Conservation. This means that they promote and practice responsible behaviour around marine mammals.

There are three different tour options on offer. We chose the Golden Future Boat day tour. This is a small group tour with a maximum of 14 people, which takes you on a coastal boat tour around the bays and inlets of the park.

Abel Tasman – A Nature Paradise

The photos in the Abel Tasman Eco Tours brochure are true to life. Heading out to the open sea, the emerald green of the water was striking! We came across a school of curious Dusky Dolphins. What a moment that was!

Larger boats don’t have access to the idyllic inlets along the coast – but Abel Tasman Eco Tours do! It was in these areas that we managed to get a close-up view of Eagle Rays gliding elegantly beneath us. There were also a number of very relaxed fur seals chilling out alongside the boat:

There’s very little sea traffic in this coastal paradise. And the local operators you occasionally meet on the journey are happy to share the information of the day. This kayaking guide stopped for an interesting chat just before we exited the inlets.

Stew’s knowledge is impressive.  Throughout the tour, he was able to answer every question fired at him. This is a sign of a truly exceptional tour guide. On eco-tours especially, you are usually dealing with a group of people who want more in-depth information.

Abel Tasman Eco Tours – Forest Walk

We stopped at Sandfly Bay for lunch and a  peaceful forest walk.  Silver ferns (Pongas) feature all along the track here.

This waterfall provided a welcomed moment of serenity!

Stew was determined to find some whitebait and after a bit of wading around, he found some of this New Zealand delicacy…

…plus some rather impressive jellyfish!

Abel Tasman Eco Tours helps in various conservation projects and pest control programmes all across the park. It’s always a great feeling when you support tour operations who are doing such great work. Stew knows where to find those cute little Blue Penguins, gannets and cormorants!

Flexibility is always the key to any good eco-tour.  Stew was able to change the plan at any time to suit a particular request. It truly makes all the difference to have tour guides who are willing to cater to the individual desires of their customers. It’s a sign that rather than being on aut0-pilot, guides treat every tour as unique, no matter how many they have taken.

For more information, you can check out Abel Tasman Eco Tour’s website here. For more itinerary ideas for the Abel Tasman region, check out our dedicated nature and lifestyle itineraries!

Happy Travelling!

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Day Trips in the Abel Tasman

During Low Season (1 June to 30 September) go to recommended Low Season Options

9.20am Vista Cruise

Beaches, Bays & Seals Plus Walk

3 Day Guided Walk

Timetables and Fares

Autumn Locals' Deal

Schedules to Suit You

Beaches, Bays & Seals Kayak

Private Water Taxi Charter

Abel Tasman Dream Day Out

The Great Taste Trio

Anchorage/Pitt Head #1

Medlands/Bark Bay Falls #2

5 Day Guided Walk

Evening Barbecue Cruise

Abel Tasman Coastal Run

Vista cruise charters, 9.20am low season cruise.

Split Apple Beaches, Kayak & Walk

Discounted Return Fares

Beaches, bays & seals hot deal.

All-Seasons Locals' Deal

Awaroa Dine & Explore #8

Beaches, Bays & Adele Island

Vigour taxi cruises.

The Classic Kiwi Barbecue

Abel Tasman Coastal Rowing

Privately Guided Trips

Beaches, kayak & walk hot deal.

3 Day Self-Guided Walk

Split Apple Kayak Seals & Beach

3 day walk hot deal.

10.30am Vista Cruise

Double Beach Stop

Adele Island Birdsong & Seals Kayaking

Abel Tasman Women's Wellness Retreat

5 Day Self-Guided Walk

Seals & Beach #3

Split Apple Paddle Morning or Afternoon Kayak

Beachfront Lodge Stay

10.30am Vista Cruise HOT DEAL

Kids Cruise Free

Split Apple Kayak Seals & Walk

1pm Vista Cruise

Adele Island Beaches Kayak & Walk

The Great Day Out

Low Season 3-Day Trip

Split apple paddle hot deal.

Kaiteriteri Highlights Afternoon Kayak

One Day Park Walk

3 Day All The Way

Adele island kayak seals & walk, 10.30am vista coffee cruise.

5 Days Beech to Beach

Kaiteriteri highlights kayak taster & cruise.

10.30am Coffee Cruise HOT DEAL

Southern 1 Day Park Walk

Beaches & bays kayak & walk.

Track Walker's Day Kayak

5 day trip hot deal.

Torrent Swing Bridge #4

1pm Vista Coffee Cruise

Kaiteriteri Cruise, Walk & Kayak

Awaroa pioneer trail #9.

4.30pm Happy Hour Cruise

Awaroa Pioneer Plus #10

Vista Barbecue Cruise

Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach #6

9.20am Barbecue Cruise

Southern Beaches #7

9.20am low season vista cruise, open day pass, 3 day kayak & walk.

3 Day Explorer Pass

5 Day Kayak & Walk

DOC Walker Special

Tōtaranui Dine & Stride

5 day walk & kayak limited edition, 3 day kayak/walk hot deal.

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Conservation Projects

We fund and support local conservation projects and sustainability. A dollar per person who goes on tour with us goes to each of these two organisations we support. We acknowledge our impact and strive to leave a positive result through our environmental, educational and community work.

Tasman Bay Guardians

Conservation, Education and Collaboration in our marine and freshwater environments.

We acknowledge that the survival of species depends upon the health of Mother Earth. Te Taiao (our environment) needs our help and our passion lies in the sea. At Abel Tasman Eco Tours, we believe in putting our skills into improving our environment and the community. So in 2017 Abel Tasman Eco Tours established Tasman Bay Guardians. They have developed a strategy tackling a range of identified threats to the aquatic environments of Tasman and Golden Bays, through action projects, integrated spatial management and of course education. They believe that by conducting successful action projects between stakeholders, they can then more easily tackle the big decisions that we face in ensuring a healthy future for our bays and community. Please click on the buttons below to see their plan.

$1 per person per tour goes directly to Tasman Bay Guardians, you can add more to your donation when you book, should you please. Your contribution is much appreciated!

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

Pest animal and weed control.

When Abel Tasman Eco Tours was founded in 2013, the Birdsong Trust was our first avenue to donate to conservation. The Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust is a partnership between commercial operators, the community and the Department of Conservation The vision is to protect and enhance biodiversity and improve the visitor experience in Abel Tasman National Park. It is a Charitable Trust, formed in 2007 and registered with the NZ Charities Commission, and the Inland Revenue Department as a charity. It is separate from the Department of Conservation and commercial tourism operators in the Park, but works closely with them and the local community, on local projects for local benefits.

EcoTours represents the tourism operators on the board of Trustees and we are also a platinum donor.

$1 per person per tour goes directly to Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust. Your contribution is much appreciated!

Project Janszoon

Project Janszoon is a privately funded trust working with the Department of Conservation, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, the community and local iwi to restore the ecology of the Abel Tasman National Park over a 30-year time frame.

Named after the Dutch Explorer Abel “Janszoon” Tasman, the trust aims to reverse the trend of ecological decline in the park by reducing predator numbers and weeds, restoring ecosystems, and re-introducing native birds, animals and plants into a thriving park environment. Project Janszoon was launched in 2012 and will complete its work on the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of the park and 400-year anniversary of Abel Tasman’s “discovery” of New Zealand in 2042.

Abel Tasman Eco Tours has in the past collaborated on several projects with Janszoon, including The Sir Peter Blake Young Environmental Leaders Forum, tree planting and survey work. Abel Tasman Eco Tours has assisted Trustee Philip Simpson in the writing of his book on the park. Abel Tasman Eco Tours is also the only company to take visitors to the Aviary at Wainui clearing and feed the captive birds acclimatizing for their release into the park.

The Mārahau Pledge

Abel Tasman Eco Tours is a founding member of The Mārahau Pledge.

The pledge is a practical commitment by businesses working in the visitor sector to protect and enhance the environment that they love and work in. A portion of your ticket price (Environmental Access Fee (EAF)) goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the national park.

Click on the image to read the Pledge.

The Department of Conservation administers the National Park

All of the conservation is done in partnership and with guidance of the Department. As commercial operators we must own a concession to be able to operate in conservation areas and we pay an annual fee to the department for every visitor we bring into the park. This fund goes directly back into the park’s infrastructure to make the park a more enjoyable and safe place to be.

Travel Adventure: New Zealand, Australia, and Tasmania

A six week tour of new zealand and australia, abel tasman eco tour.

Even at the end of the summer tours fill up quickly. There are several companies offering different sorts of tours from a simple Ferry Service to a day on the water and beaches with no particular purpose except quiet relaxation. Sue and I booked a guided eco-tour with Abel Tasman Eco Tours for our last full day in the park. The tour mixed a day on the water with information about the ecology of the area. Unfortunately Sue got sick and couldn’t go but encouraged me to carry on without her while she rested and tried to recover.

Introduction of non-native plants and animals including rats had decimated the local bird populations and many of the forests that had been clear cut for ranching were being allowed to regenerate.

But keeping in mind the goal of the tour was not to spread the collective guilt for the sins of the past his focus was on the good things that were happening: the reemergence of the forest; the recovery of endangered species; and just seeing many of the unique local sights, and enjoying a beautiful day on the water.

We stopped a few times at remote sites like this small cove. Stew gave us time to relax and enjoy our surroundings and took the time to find and point out any local birds and sea life he might come across.

Late morning we stopped at Te Pukatea Bay for tea or coffee and a snack, then headed out for an hour long circuit walk through the forest and were treated to some striking views of the Abel Tasman coast.

We took in more sights after our snack and hike and stopped at a secluded beach for lunch.  We were treated to clouds the like of which I have never seen in the northern hemisphere.  I hope the pictures give you some feeling for what they were.

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Related posts.

Day 1 and 2: Travel to Auckland

Day 3: Arrival

Day 4: America’s Cup Experience

Day 4: Phantom of the Opera

Days 5 – 7: Whangamata and Coromandel region

Day 6: Whangamata Beach

Day 7: Karangahake Canyon

Day 8 – 9: Rotorua

Day 9: Waitomo Caves

Day 10 – 11: Wellington

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