A perfectly paced half-day cruise into Abel Tasman National Park, gliding past the iconic Split Apple Rock and pausing at a resident New Zealand fur seal colony — the most photogenic and accessible introduction to this breathtaking coastline.
What to expect
Depart Kaiteriteri Beach and cruise along the park's golden-sand coastline under towering granite headlands. The Split Apple Rock — a perfectly cleaved granite boulder sitting in the sea — is the iconic centrepiece of every photographer's Abel Tasman collection. Guides narrate Māori legend and the park's ecology as you drift beside playful fur seals on their rocky haul-out. The pace is unhurried and the scenery relentlessly spectacular.
Good to know
Kaiteriteri Beach is approximately 1.5 hours from Nelson by road. Half-day tours run morning and afternoon — confirm departure times directly with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles to align with your port schedule. Pre-booking essential in peak season (December–February).