Abel Tasman: Full-Day Sailing Tour, Anchorage Beach Lunch

Golden beaches, fur seals and sailing from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage

You’ll board in Kaiteriteri and sail past fur seals and Split Apple Rock before landing at Anchorage Beach for lunch. Swim or wander, then catch the afternoon breeze home. Expect easy laughs with your local guide, the hush of open water, and time to really slow down—Abel Tasman’s pace gets under your skin.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from designated points if arranged ahead, all taxes and fees covered, light refreshments like tea or coffee on board, plus a picnic lunch at Anchorage Beach before returning to Kaiteriteri with your local skipper guiding you throughout.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day sailing in Abel Tasman Park

• Meet at Kaiteriteri ticket booth 9:30 am
• Depart sailing adventure at 10 am
• Sail past Split Apple Rock and Fur Seals
• Enjoy scenery of beaches, bays, and islands
• Arrive Anchorage Bay for one hour lunch stop
• Have packed picnic lunch and explore beach
• Sail further into the park after lunch
• Return sailing to Kaiteriteri with afternoon breeze
• Learn about park history and wildlife from skipper

The Experience

“You know you can eat these?” our skipper grinned, holding up something that looked suspiciously like seaweed. I just laughed—I wasn’t about to try it before coffee. We’d barely left Kaiteriteri when he started pointing out little stories in the coastline, like how Split Apple Rock got its name (not what I guessed). The water was this unreal green-blue, and the wind felt sharp but not cold—just enough to keep your cheeks awake. There were a few of us on board, all sort of quietly excited, watching the sails fill and ripple as we headed toward Adele Island. Someone spotted the first fur seal lounging on a rock, looking like it owned the place.

I didn’t realize how much I’d missed that sound—the soft slap of water against the hull, nothing else for a while except seabirds and someone’s thermos clicking open. Our guide was easygoing but knew his stuff; he told us about the Abel Tasman area without making it feel like school. By the time we reached Anchorage Bay for lunch (picnic stuff packed up for us), my stomach was ready. The sand there is so fine it squeaks under your feet. A couple of people went swimming—I just lay back and watched clouds drift over the hills. It’s funny how fast an hour goes when you’re not really watching time.

On the way back, the breeze picked up and we all tried to help with the ropes, which was more confusing than I expected. The skipper didn’t mind—he just laughed and let us muddle through. We sailed past Split Apple Rock again (I still think it looks like a giant dropped his snack). Heading into Kaiteriteri, I felt sun-warmed and a bit salty, in a good way. I’d do this Abel Tasman sailing tour again just for that feeling of being out there, no rush, nothing but sea and sky for a while.

Top questions

How long is the Abel Tasman full-day sailing tour?

The tour lasts a full day, departing at 10 am from Kaiteriteri and returning in the afternoon.

Is lunch included on the Abel Tasman sailing trip?

Yes, a packed picnic lunch is included during your stop at Anchorage Beach.

Are transfers available from Marahau to Kaiteriteri?

Yes, free transfers can be arranged between Marahau and Kaiteriteri upon request.

Can you swim during the sailing tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim or explore at Anchorage Beach during the lunch stop.

What wildlife might you see on this Abel Tasman sailing day trip?

You may see New Zealand fur seals around Adele Island and various seabirds along the coast.

Is coffee or tea provided on board?

Yes, tea, coffee, and juice are included during your sailing trip.

Do I need any sailing experience to join?

No experience is needed; you can relax or help out as much as you like.