Abel Tasman: Small Group Day Trip Cruise & Wildlife Kayak

Summary

Kayak with seals cruise Split Apple Rock taste local lunch relax in sheltered bays

You’ll cruise Abel Tasman’s coast in a small group, spotting fur seals and penguins up close before kayaking or hiking through lush bush tracks like Pitt Head loop. Enjoy a relaxed platter lunch with fresh local ingredients and drinks on board as you soak up views from sheltered bays—there’s no rush here, just space to breathe and take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Golden light flickered off the water as we left Kaiteriteri — I remember the salty tang in the air and how our skipper, Tom, grinned as he handed out coffee. There were just nine of us, so it felt more like piling into a friend’s boat than a tour. We drifted past Split Apple Rock (Tom called it Tokangawhā — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Māori), and the cliffs were streaked with orange lichen, almost glowing. The engine was quiet enough that you could hear oystercatchers piping somewhere along the shore.

I didn’t expect to see fur seals so close — they lounged over rocks by Tonga Island Marine Reserve, blinking at us like we’d interrupted their nap. Tom pointed out a couple of Little Blue penguins bobbing near the surface (they’re smaller than I imagined). Someone asked about dolphins but he said they’re rare this time of year; still, nobody seemed disappointed. The water was clear and cold when I dipped my hand in — not sure why I did that but it felt right.

We anchored in a bay where the sand squeaked underfoot. Some folks kayaked out (the paddles were lighter than I thought), while a few of us wandered up through ferns for the Pitt Head loop. That walk is short but you get this view over Te Pukatea Bay that just sort of stops you for a second. Lunch was set out on deck — fresh bread, smoked fish, local fruit. Wine too, if you wanted it. It tasted better because everyone was sun-warmed and hungry from paddling or walking or just sitting quietly watching clouds move over the hills.

I keep thinking about how easy it was to chat with people from all over — or not talk at all if you didn’t feel like it. No pressure to do everything; Tom just checked in now and then (“You good?”) and let us set our own pace. On the way back someone napped on deck under their hat and nobody minded. That’s what stuck with me most — feeling unhurried for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abel Tasman National Park day trip

• Cruise along Abel Tasman coastline
• View Split Apple Rock and learn history
• Cruise to Tonga Island Marine Reserve
• See New Zealand fur seals
• Choose to kayak, hike, or relax
• Walk Pitt Head loop track
• Enjoy platter style lunch on board

Top questions

How many people are on the Abel Tasman day trip?

The group is limited to 5 couples or 11 passengers total.

Is lunch included on this Abel Tasman cruise?

Yes, a platter-style lunch with fresh local ingredients is included.

Can I kayak during the Abel Tasman day trip?

Yes, kayaks are available for guests to use during the trip.

Will we see wildlife like seals or penguins?

The skipper looks for New Zealand fur seals and Little Blue penguins along the route.

Are drinks provided on board?

Coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, wine and beer are offered during the tour.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board for guests’ use.

What walks are possible during this Abel Tasman day trip?

You can do bush walks including the Pitt Head loop overlooking Te Pukatea Bay.

Are special diets catered for at lunch?

The lunch caters for a range of diets using fresh local produce.

What’s included

Your day includes small group cruising along Abel Tasman’s coast with all kayaking gear provided if you want to paddle out; guided wildlife spotting led by your skipper; coffee, tea, soda and bottled water throughout; a fruit bowl stocked with local produce; wine and beer served with your fresh platter-style lunch; plus time ashore for bush walks like Pitt Head loop before returning by boat in comfort.