Abel Tasman Coastal Cruise: Granite Coast & Fur Seals
Cruise past Split Apple Rock and pause beside fur seal colonies along the Abel Tasman coast
The Abel Tasman Vista Cruise is a coastal sightseeing tour along New Zealand's Abel Tasman granite coast, departing from golden sands beach and running three to six hours depending on your choice of stops. You stay aboard for live commentary on the coastline and wildlife, or step ashore for optional beach stops and walks ranging from one to four hours along the Abel Tasman Great Walk. National Park fees and on-board commentary are included. Food and drinks are available to purchase, and alcoholic drinks can be ordered on board.
Step-by-step itinerary
Abel Tasman Vista Cruise Experience
- Board from golden sands beach
- Cruise north along Abel Tasman Coastline
- View Split Apple Rock and wildlife
- Optional beach stop and walk
What’s included
- National Park fees.
- live skipper commentary on the coastline and wildlife.
- comfortable on-board seating with views.
- optional beach stops with walks ranging from one to four hours along the Abel Tasman Great Walk (subject to availability).
- food and drinks available to purchase on board, including alcoholic beverages for guests 18 and over.
Times
- Every day 09:00 13:10
Before you book
Operated by Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Limited
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves from the golden sands of Abel Tasman beach and heads north along the granite coastline. Your skipper introduces you to Split Apple Rock, the iconic offshore formation, and explains its history as you pass. The crew keeps the boat steady and quiet so the views stay clear from your seat, and they're there to help if you need anything during the cruise.
The tour runs between three and six hours depending on what you choose to do. You can stay on board the whole time with comfortable seating and live commentary, or you can opt for a beach stop: some passengers walk a section of the Abel Tasman Great Walk (one, two or four hours, depending on the option) while others stay put. The boat pauses beside offshore islands so you can watch fur seals from the water. All choices are subject to availability, and the crew will walk you through what's possible on the day you book.
National Park fees are included in the price. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome. The boat ride itself is smooth, so it suits all fitness levels. The main variable is whether you want to walk once you're ashore.
Is this one for you?Pick the three-hour cruise if you're passing through and want to stay on board. Choose the six-hour version if you want to walk a section of the Great Walk itself.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What is Split Apple Rock and why do people come to see it?
Split Apple Rock is an iconic offshore formation along the Abel Tasman coast, split down the middle by natural forces. Your skipper introduces its unique history and the wildlife around it as the boat passes, so you learn about it from the water without needing to land.
Can I walk on the Abel Tasman Great Walk during this cruise?
Yes, the tour includes optional beach stops where you can walk a section of the Abel Tasman Great Walk. You choose the length (one, two or four hours) when you book, and the boat picks you up afterward. Staying on board for the full cruise is also an option.
How long does the whole cruise take?
The Abel Tasman Vista Cruise runs between three and six hours depending on whether you add a beach stop and how long you walk. A cruise without walking is shorter. Adding a four-hour walk extends the full outing to the longer end.
Will I see fur seals on this cruise?
Yes, the boat pauses beside offshore islands where fur seals live, so you can watch them from the water. Your skipper provides live commentary about the wildlife as you cruise along the coastline.
What's included in the ticket price?
National Park fees and live on-board commentary are included. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board, including alcoholic drinks if you're 18 or older.
Do I need to get off the boat if I don't want to?
No. You can stay on board for the entire cruise with comfortable seating and views of the granite coast, Split Apple Rock and fur seal colonies. Beach stops and walks are optional, not required.
Abel Tasman Coastal Cruise: Granite Coast & Fur Seals
3h–6h
from NZ$ 125 per person
≈ US$ 72 in your currency
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