FAQ's

What should I bring?

We would recommend that you bring warm clothing (thermal or quick dry clothes are best), a wind-proof jacket for sailing, and your swim wear and towel for the beach. You may get your feet wet when boarding the yacht so shoes that can slip off easily are recommended.

Drinking water, snacks (check if lunch is included in your tour) and sun protection (hat, sun glasses and SPF 30+ sunblock is recommended) is also essential.

Insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes is required if you plan to walk any part of the track.

Our Sail boats have a cabin on board to store your day pack, which means you can bring everything you think you may need.

What shoes should I wear?

You may get your feet wet when boarding the yacht, so shoes that can slip off easily are recommended. Sensible walking shoes if you are doing any of the walks.

Do you have storage on the yacht for my day bag?

Yes there is a cabin on board our day sailing catamaran, which is suitable for storage of your day bags.

Are there cafés or shops in the National Park?

No, there are no shops or cafes in the Abel Tasman National Park. It is therefore very important that you bring your own packed lunch or pre-arrange for us to provide this. Some of tours have this included so check with us.

What is the Enviro Access Fee (EAF)?

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.

Where is the Kaiteriteri office located?

Our ticket booth is located opposite the centre of Kaiteriteri beach, between the Shoreline Cafe and Kaiteriteri Store. Directions to Kaiteriteri beach are well sign posted from Motueka (around 25 minute’s drive). Our address is; 5 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road (GPS: Lat: -41.037847 Long: 173.01687).

Where should I check in?

Your check in point depends on which trip you have booked with us, we have four points of interest - Kaiteriteri Beach, Marahau, Mapua & Nelson Waterfront.

Our booking office is located on the main beach of Kaiteriteri (5 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay road) and is where all payments are handled. You can find our booth in between the Shoreline Cafe and Kaiteriteri Convenience store. For most Abel Tasman trips you will check in at our booking office on the morning of your trip, while other Abel Tasman combination tours require check in directly with the skipper at Anchorage Beach. In the later instance payment is requested at the end of your sail with us.

Nelson based tours require most check in at Nelson waterfront or the Mapua Wharf, unless otherwise arranged.

Kaiteriteri Beach

If you are taking part in the Full Day Sail trip, Southern Island Cruise, Sail and Cruise - Full Day or Sail and Cruise - Morning trip, then please ensure that you check into our Kaiteriteri booking office, by 9:30am. Your sailing catamaran departs at 10am.

For all water taxi and sail tours, such as Sail and Cruise - afternoon or the Cruise Walk and Sail trip please ensure that you pick up your water taxi ticket from our ticket booth at least half an hour prior to your scheduled departure. You will depart Kaiteriteri Beach by water taxi first and meet with your skipper at Anchorage Beach by 1:15pm.

Marahau

While the Sail and Walk trip departs at 10am from Kaiteriteri Beach, we provide a courtesey morning transfer from Marahau National Park Entrance. In Summer this pick up is scheduled for 8:30am, meeting just in front of The Park Cafe. You will have plenty of time to meet your 9:30am check in at our ticket booth.

The Sea Kayak, Stroll, Seals and Sail trip, or Walk, Seals and Sail trip departs from Marahau at 8:30am, however you will 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 Kaiterteri beach at the end of your day to pay and arrange your transfers.

What time is check in?

If you are sailing with us in the morning, check in time is 9:30am for a 10am departure from Kaiteriteri beach.

If you are sailing with us in the afternoon, check in is on Anchorage Beach in from of the DOC hut at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm departure. Please ensure you also visit our ticket booth at the end of your sail with us.

What time do I return to Kaiteriteri beach?

Our sailing catamaran returns from Anchorage to Kaiteriteri beach at 4:30pm.

Where can I park my Car?

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. If you are on one of our multi day tours our office crew will show you were you can park when you check in.

Can you help with transfers?

Yes, 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 coach line return service from Nelson to Kaiteriteri beach ($40 per person) or from Motueka to Kaiteriteri beach ($20 per person), please ensure you book this in advance with us.

Are the trips suitable for children?

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.

What age is a child fare?

The child fare is for ages 5 to 14 years old. Infants younger than 5 years are at no charge.

Do you have a life-jackets available for smaller children?

Yes, we have life-jackets for all sizes. Please do let us know the ages of your children so we can prepare these accordingly.

When is the best time to sail the Abel Tasman?

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 minimum numbers.

What will the weather be like?

Unfortunately as much as we would like, we can’t control the weather! 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. If you do have concerns give us a call the day before your trip.

When is low tide?

The size and and time of tides varies by about 1 hour each day. For tides in Abel Tasman National Park, go to the Tide Timetables page on Dept. of Conservation website.

What happens if it is bad weather on the day I am booked?

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.

How far is the walk?

The walk from the Abel Tasman National Park entrance in Marahau to Anchorage beach is 12.4km. This walk takes around 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.

Are the walks guided?

All our combination walk trips are freedom walks (no guide) which allows you to go at your own pace. The track is well sign posted and you simply need to follow the signs between Marahau and Anchorage Beach, this 12.4km walk takes around 4 hours.