Abel Tasman Waka & Walk

Abel Tasman National Park, NZ
10 Hours

Paddle a traditional waka to Abel Tasman's edge, then explore by boat and foot. Learn Māori language, discover plants for Māori healing and visit four stunning beaches—where Māori history meets natural beauty.

Tour Type
Private tour with shared waka (private waka also available)
Start-End Time
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Inclusions
This fully guided day includes pickup from and drop off to your accommodation, boat transfers, lunch, snacks and refreshments. *Small Group tour pickup is from Nelson City Accommodation

Tour Type

Private

Tour Length

10 Hours

Start-End Time

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Hike Distance

3-6 km

Walking Time

Inclusions

This fully guided day includes pickup from and drop off to your accommodation, boat transfers, lunch, snacks and refreshments. *Small Group tour pickup is from Nelson City Accommodation

Tailored As

Notes

Tour

overview:

Nau mai, Haere Mai (Welcome) to Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui—translated as 'the prow of the canoe' or 'the top of the South Island'. In Māori mythology, the South Island was the waka (canoe) of demigod Maui while the North Island is the fish Maui caught!

Today take your own voyage by waka to the edge of Abel Tasman National Park before exploring further by boat and on foot. This amazing cultural experience makes you feel welcomed and connected to the land while receiving an excellent introduction to both Māori and colonial history of Te Tau Ihu.

Learn how to mihi or pepehā (introduce yourself) in Te Reo (Māori language) and discover Tikanga Māori (protocols and customs). Explore rongoā Māori—the medicinal uses of native plants—while uncovering both Māori and colonial history of this region.

Visit four of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches in one day, enjoying an inclusive experience working together as part of a team in your waka. Begin and end your waka experience with a karakia (blessing).

‍

Highlights:
3-hour traditional waka (Māori canoe) journey to Abel Tasman National Park
Learn Te Reo greetings, Tikanga Māori customs, and rongoā medicinal plant uses
Discover Māori mythology and colonial history of Te Tau Ihu
Visit four of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches by waka, boat, and foot
Inclusive team experience with karakia blessings opening and closing your voyage
Cultural immersion combining water, land exploration, and authentic Māori traditions
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Real

stories

from travellers

Fantastic and magical day in Abel!

It was such a fantastic and most beautiful day in Abel. Alan is the most funny and informative guide I ever had! I had a wonderful time hiking and taking the cruise with this small group day trip from Nelson. Highly recommend if you are a solo traveller like me.

Laura Decker

An absolute must do in Nelson

From start to finish this was an absolutely brilliant experience that we would highly
recommend to anyone who is considering it. Not just a wine tour but a trip around the local area and waterfront. Our driver, Sonia was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the vineyards we visited. Very friendly, easy going and nothing was a problem. Small groups are always the best way to go.

Terry R

Great day in Golden Bay

This is a very valuable excursion because it gives you a taste of lots of the elements that define this region. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who was refreshingly
enthusiastic and accommodating.

Sarah H

If there is one tour you should go on while in Nelson, this is it!

The full day Abel Tasman cruise and hike. Personalised, knowledgeable, and enjoyable. From the moment of pick-up, to cruising the Abel Tasman coast, then a hike to other beaches - learning about the plants and trees, a stop for a fabulous lunch, and a cruise and
drive back. All wrapped up with a terrific guide and host! Thank you Wayne. Truly 5-star!! Outstanding day. Highly recommend

Tony M

Zane was the ideal guide for our day trip exploring this area rich with vineyards, art galleries and nature at its best. Informative and personable, we have every confidence in this business and all they offer.

Margot
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