Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure in Abel Tasman National Park
Experience multi-day walking adventures in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, enjoying luxurious nightly accommodations aboard our spacious 55 ft yacht. Slip into plush cotton sheets in your own private cabin, and unwind in comfort.
Explore Breathtaking Landscapes
Relax on world-famous golden beaches and explore pristine waters, or immerse yourself in nature on the trails. With our mothership providing hot showers and delicious meals, you can focus on walking, paddleboarding or just relaxing in the sun on the deck. Our experienced guides will assess your fitness level and interests to create a personalized walking plan tailored just for you—ensuring you never walk longer than you’re comfortable.
Personalized Itineraries and Walking Plans
Let our experienced guides craft a customized walking plan based on your fitness level, mobility, and the day’s weather. Choose to walk the full trail or select the best segments to explore. Enjoy the convenience of unpacking only once; each night you’ll return to your comfortable cabin after a day of adventure. Airport pickup is available upon request, and we can organize complimentary activities for before or after your trip.
Exciting Activities
Discover what your Abel Tasman adventure could look like. While each journey is unique, this sample itinerary gives you a taste of the experiences awaiting you. From serene mornings to starlit evenings, every day brings new opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
Day 1: Your Abel Tasman Adventure
Morning: Welcome to Paradise
Your journey begins at 10 AM in Kaiteriteri, where you’ll meet our friendly crew on the beach before boarding your home on the water – our beautiful yacht.
Midday: Coastal Exploration & Lunch
A nutritious lunch will be provided to fuel your afternoon adventures as you explore the coastline.
Evening: Sunset Dinner & Bird Songs
Return to the yacht for a delicious dinner served on deck, where you’ll dine to nature’s soundtrack – the gentle serenade of native birds.
Day 2: Coastal Discovery
Dawn: Sunrise & Breakfast at Sea
Begin your day at your leisure with excellent coffee and a hearty breakfast. Early risers won’t want to miss the spectacular sunrise over the sea – a truly magical start to your day.
Morning: Hidden Tracks & Coastal Walks (9:30 AM)
At approximately 9:30 AM, we’ll take you ashore where you can choose your own adventure: explore several lesser-known tracks that most visitors miss, or stretch your legs along the spectacular coastal walk.
Afternoon: Beach & Water Activities
After enjoying your packed lunch and an afternoon of blissful exploration, we’ll pick you up at your pre-arranged location at 4 PM. There’s plenty of time for paddleboarding and swimming before happy hour and dinner.
Day 3: Choose your adventure
R&R or walk the northern tracks.
Walk the northern end of the park or choose a day of pure relaxation? We’ve got you covered with picnic blankets, sun umbrellas, beach toys, and snorkeling equipment. Our vessel comes equipped with paddleboards and kayaks – perfect for gentle exploration of the coastline or simply enjoying being on the water. As night falls, the clear skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities, free from light pollution. Don’t miss our special anchorage featuring a magical cave filled with glowworms for the curious adventurer.
Adventure Options
For thrill-seekers, swing from the mast into our azure blue waters or take an optional full-day canyoning trip in the spectacular Falls River or guided sea kayak adventure (additional charge applies). When the tide is right, enjoy a dinghy ride up Falls River or into Shag Harbour. Cap off your day with a scenic cruise to spot wildlife or simply soak in the stunning scenery.
Accommodation
Enjoy yacht accommodation each night aboard our 55ft Beneteau “Simply Wild” Each of the four cabins has a double bed and private en-suite bathroom. Unpack your bags and enjoy walking each day without having to repack or sleep in crowded tramping huts.
Culinary Delights
To fuel the adventurous spirit, our galley prepares hearty meals each night, complete with delicious desserts. Each morning, enjoy fresh coffee and a cooked or continental breakfast. We’ll ensure you have a nutritious packed lunch and plenty of water for your daily activities. We are a licensed premises and can provide wine, beer, or cider—please no BYO. Dietary preferences? Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian? No problem! Just let us know your preferences when you book.
Affordability
We offer two booking options: either reserve the entire yacht for your group or share the experience with fellow adventurers. The cabin-only option is NZD 550 per adult per night, including meals—stay as long as you like, or just for one night! Children under 13 travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. For exclusive use of the yacht, the rate is NZD 3,600 per day, providing you with the same exceptional service but all to yourselves.
Our Vessels
Tasman Trails and Sails operates two vessels. Our main vessel, a 65 ft ketch with wide, flat decks, accommodates up to 8 guests in private cabins or up to 12 for larger groups. Originally designed for charity work testing drinking water on remote islands, she has been chartering in Nelson for 10 years and boasts thousands of bluewater miles, ensuring a safe and comfortable retreat after your daily adventures.
We also offer a 50 ft Beneteau sloop, accommodating eight in four private cabins. Both vessels can operate in tandem for larger groups.
Meet Our Crew
Owner-operators Andy and Michelle Swanson have been sharing the wonders of our native wilderness with guests since 2017. Andy brings 30 years of maritime experience, having sailed the globe from the Pacific Islands to Greece. A native of Queenstown, he now knows all the hidden gems of Nelson after settling here 20 years ago. Michelle, a qualified nurse with 25 years of experience and a former chef in a 4-star lodge, will ensure that you feel neither hunger nor discomfort on your journey.
Our Location
We operate in the spectacular Abel Tasman Park on the top of New Zealand’s South Island or, upon request, the stunning Marlborough Sounds. With lush forests and golden beaches providing a picturesque backdrop, our idyllic sheltered anchorages and access to New Zealand’s most iconic walks will make you reluctant to leave.
Testimonials
Beautiful boat, beautiful food
We couldn’t believe the value for money. We were served an amazing 4 course meal whilst spending a wonderful 4 hours cruising around Nelson harbour. Two thumbs up.
ANDREW P
AMAZING EXPERIENCE DONT MISS THIS ONE
We had the best time, the staff went out of their way to provide a very friendly service, going above and beyond any expectations we had. We were extremely well fed and watered by their amazingly delicious food. Nothing was too much trouble. We felt like V.I.P’s….couldn’t recommend more for a truly wonderful experience in am absolutely
stunning scenic part of the world…..this experience will be remembered fondly for years and years to come…. lovely memories for us to treasure.
Margaret-Kim P
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
If you would like to get an estimate of your trips cost, feel free to use our handy Trip Planner below!
Please note that the prices mentioned are a guideline and prices may vary
Trip Planner
Contact Us
Email: sailorboyandy@gmail.com
Cell Phone: +64 27 566 8729
Reach out to our skipper via email, call, text, or SMS. Please note that cell reception may not always be available, but he will return your call as soon as he’s in range.
Where to Find Us
Our vessel docks in the Nelson Marina when not on charter, but we can easily meet you in Kaiteriteri to commence your adventure.