Water Transport

Getting On the Water in Abel Tasman

The water taxi scene in Abel Tasman is genuinely the smartest way to use the park. Instead of doubling back on foot, you take a sea shuttle one way and walk back, or get dropped deep into the park and let the boat collect you later. The Full Park Cruise is worth doing in its own right too - 3.5 hours covers a lot of ground and beats the cruise-plus-walk combo where you end up with too little of both.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.3 399 reviews

Wilsons Abel Tasman

Promo code RANKERS. Save 15%

4.1 243 reviews

Get the Timing Right

Earlier is better on the water. Conditions tend to be calmer in the morning, and spots like Split Apple Rock get absolutely hammered by boat traffic between 9am and 4pm. Aim to be out before the rush or go late in the day. Mid-March to mid-May is actually a favourite time - the sea settles down and the seal pups have grown up a bit. If you're booking a boat cruise, the promo code RANKERS gets you 15% off, which is a decent saving on top of an already good day out.

Kaiteriteri is the main departure point and worth knowing about - you'll see more coastline from there than from Marahau. Just avoid the Dec 27 to Jan 20 window if you can, when the whole place gets a bit full-on.