While booking with us is easy, we understand you might have a few questions before you set off. That’s why we’ve compiled all the information you need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable booking and planning process with us. These are some of the questions our guests have asked us previously, and we hope they help you too!
Where you check in depends on what tour you have booked with us. We have four meeting locations - Kaiteriteri Beach ticket booth (most common), Marahau, Mapua & Nelson Waterfront.
Kaiteriteri Beach Ticket Booth (located between the Cafe and Kaiteriteri Convenience store)
If you are taking part in the Full Day Sail trip, Sail and Cruise - Full Day, or Sail and Cruise - Morning tour, then please ensure that you check into our Kaiteriteri booking office, by 9:30am. Your sailing catamaran departs at 10am.
The Sail and Cruise - afternoon and Cruise Walk and Sail tour please ensure that you pick up your water taxi ticket from our ticket booth at least half an hour prior to your pre-arranged departure. You will depart Kaiteriteri Beach by water taxi first and meet with your sailing skipper at Anchorage Beach by 1:15pm.
Marahau
While the Sail and Walk trip departs at 10am from Kaiteriteri Beach, we provide a courtesy morning transfer from Marahau National Park Entrance. In Summer this pick up is scheduled for 8:30am, meeting at the bus shelter alongside the Abel Tasman National Park Carpark. There is plenty of all day free carparking. By doing this your vehicle is waiting for you at the end of your day and allows you to take as long as you wish on your walk.
The Sea Kayak, Stroll, Seals and Sail tour requires check in directly with your kayaking team in Marahau at 8:30am. AS the walk portion of this tour is self-guided you will then meet your skipper at the sailing catamaran by 1:15 pm on Anchorage beach, just in front of the DOC hut. Don't forget to head to the ticket booth on Kaiteriteri beach at the end of your day for your free transfers back to Marahau.
The Walk, Seals and Sail tour does not require a morning check-in as the first portion of your day is the self-guided walk. We suggest departing Marahau hut by 8:30am to allow plenty of time to walk to Anchorage beach. You will then check-in with your skipper at the sailing catamaran by 1:15 pm on Anchorage beach, just in front of the DOC hut. Don't forget to head to the ticket booth on Kaiteriteri beach at the end of your day for your free transfers back to Marahau.
Nelson Waterfront
Nelson Harbour Cruise Tours and Functions require check in at Nelson waterfront at 272 Wakefield Quay (unless otherwise arranged). You can find your catamaran just past Styx restaurant, come straight down to meet your crew who will assist you on board.
For more info on Where To Find Us, follow this link.
There are all-day parking areas in the public carpark just as you arrive into Kaiteriteri beach, and in the Department of Conservation carpark at the start of Abel Tasman Coast Track in Marahau. There is no charge for parking your car in these designated locations for the day, except for in Kaiteriteri during peak season of mid December through to end of January.
If you are on one of our multi day tours our office crew will show you were you can park when you check in
We provide a courtesy shuttle between Kaiteriteri beach and Marahau, please do let us know if you wish to take advantage of this free service.
We can also arrange for a coachline return service from Nelson to Kaiteriteri beach, or from Motueka to Kaiteriteri beach . This is additional charge and is essential you book this in advance with us.
We do have lots of children join our trips, however you will have a better idea on how your child will handle a day on the water. A popular trip for families is our Sail & Cruise - Morning tour. With this you have the morning sailing to Anchorage, seeing the sights, checking out the seals. After beach time, building sandcastles or even a short walk you would join your pre-arranged water taxi for the 30 minute ride back to Kaiteriteri.
The child fare is for ages 5 to 14 years old. Infants/ younger than 5 years are at no charge.
We have life-jackets for all sizes. Please do let us know the ages of your children so we can prepare these accordingly.
The Abel Tasman National Park is a great place to visit any time of year, Our sail boats run daily in the sunny summer season, which lasts from November to April each year. Outside this time trips may be subject to group size.
Our region has one of highest sunshine hours in the country and our usual summer weather usually means a calmer morning with a predictable sea breeze kicking in for a great afternoon sail. Unfortunately as much as we would like, we can’t control the weather! If you do have concerns give us a call the day before your trip.
In the event that the weather restricts us from sailing, we will be happy to change the day of your scheduled trip, or alternatively offer you a full refund. See our T's & C's for more information and please do check in with us a day prior to your schedule sail trip to reconfirm your sail details.
The walk from the Abel Tasman National Park entrance in Marahau to Anchorage beach is 12.4km. This walk takes around 3-4 hours, we therefore recommend that you start your self-guided walk at 8:30am to ensure you meet our sail boat at Anchorage beach by 1:15pm.
All of our scheduled sailing and walking tour packages are not guided, which allows you to go at your own pace. This includes the Sail, Seals & Walk tour, the Anchorage Walk & Sail tour, the Cruise, Walk & Sail tour, the Sea Kayak, Stroll, Seals & Sail tour.
The Abel Tasman National Park track is well sign posted and simple to follow. The walk between Marahau and Anchorage Beach is 12.4km which takes around 3 - 4 hours.
Walking the Pitt Head Loop track from Anchorage Beach and back again via the stunning Te Pukatea beach is around 1.5 hours return.
Your packed lunch includes a delicious filled roll, a sweet treat, a savory item and a piece of fresh fruit. We can cater to all dietary requirements - just let is know your preferences when you book, and we'll ensure your meal is tailored to suit your needs.
We would recommend that you bring warm clothing (thermal or quick dry clothes are best), a wind-proof jacket, and your swim wear and towel for the beach.
Drinking water, snacks (check if lunch is included in your tour), and sun protection (hat, sun glasses and SPF 30+) is also essential. Insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes are required if you plan to walk any part of the track.
Our catamarans have a shared storage cabin on board to store your day pack.
No, there are no shops or cafes within the Abel Tasman National Park. Some of our tours include a pre-packed lunch or you may bring your own (check with us if you are unsure). Tea and coffee is provided complimentary, selected items are also made available to purchase while on board.
Kaiteriteri beach (where our catamarans depart from in the morning) has a cafe and convenience store if you require any last minute items before setting sail with us.
A portion of your ticket price is the Enviro Access Fee which goes directly to the Department of Conservation for accessing the National Park. This compulsory levy is retained in our region for restoration, maintenance and improvements to the National Park, tracks, and facilities for your use; to make the Abel Tasman a better place for all to enjoy.
For any other questions or to discuss your trip personally, we are only a phone call away.
Free phone 0800 GO SAIL (467 245) or simply email info@sailingadventures.co.nz.
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