Wilsons Abel Tasman
Wilsons Abel Tasman
4.5
Boat ToursWalking ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Vista Cruise, Water Taxi, Walk, Sea Kayak and Beachfront Lodges in Abel Tasman National Park. Guided and self-guided Combinations to suit you, year-round. A family business welcoming visitors since 1841! Options from 2 hours to 5 days. Overnight at Torrent Bay Lodge or Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa on the beachfront within Park boundaries. Ensuite accommodation, fine food, no heavy packs to carry. Travel with multiple NZ Tourism Award winners. Let us take care of the details so you can switch off and enjoy. Relax! Life just seems better here.
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Wilsons Abel Tasman
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(41 reviews)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
1,117 reviews
Excellent
875
Very good
161
Average
36
Poor
31
Terrible
15
Paul Bray
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
We did the 5 day 4 night experience. The guides were fantastic (Sarah and Crystal). The track, beaches and views were incredible. The lodges were awesome. The food was so good. Overall the trip exceeded our already high expectations. I highly recommend Wilsons - they are experts at what they do.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley H
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
We spent an amazing few days coastal rowing, kayaking and hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park all organised by Wilsons. . A big 'shout out' to Jack who was our guide/organiser. Couldn't have asked for a nicer, more helpful and fun guide. He made everything work seamlessly and when the weather demanded it , was able to flex and come up with alternative activities to make sure we had fun. 1 member of our group got sick on the 2nd day and the efficiency with which Jack & Wilsons organised her 'evacuation' from a remote beach was world class. They are a most impressive organisation and the 2 lodges we stayed in were lovely, comfortable and clean with great food. I was just sorry when our 5 day trip came to an end - could have gone for a few days longer as it was all so wonderful. Highly recommend this location and this company.
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula G
Brisbane, Australia180 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We chose the Cruise/Walk tour with Wilson’s. With easy booking on line the day before, we turned up next day to a lovely girl behind the counter explaining exactly where to go and what to do. The boat staff were all friendly. The cruise was informative and enjoyable. We cruised to the top of the National Park and hopped off half way back at a beach for a walk and a swim and fill in 3 hours. Went fast. The lunch we chose, that they organised, was amazing. The walk was perfect for us and the weather was spectacular. First time on our 2 week holiday I had been in shorts and a t-shirt.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KWRoberts
Boston, MA2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Sarah was a wonderful guide and educator for our group walking from Tonga Quarry to Medlands Beach. Her excitement about all the wildlife and flora we saw was infectious and she described everything with clarity and good cheer. One of the best guides we've had in New Zealand. Thank you!
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evets1232016
Sydney, Australia437 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We did the half-day cruise from Kaiteriteri along the coast and back again, without going ashore. The cruise talks you past all the islands, inlets and beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, with stops at many beaches to let walkers on or off. Plenty of seals were sighted. Commentary was informative without being intrusive. We'd certainly go ashore and do a bushwalk if we return, but for a first-time visit to the park, it's a great introduction.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climber17382258217
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
We had an amazing day in perfect weather on very clean well run boats Voyager and Vista. Wilsons staff are awesome. Went right to Totaranui and back to Kaiteri with a two hour stop off for swimming and snorkeling in beautiful clean water.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The two of us had a lovely 2.5 days walking through the Abel Tasman Park on the Coastal track.
Day 1.
Drove to Motueka to the Wilson’s office where we picked up the bags to use for the overnight stays and were briefed by Phil and Jade, our guides. Left the car secure at Riwaya and went by coach transfer to Kaiteriteri
Caught one of the Wilson’s boats up the coast to the start. Stopped to view Split Apple Rock and the seal island and to drop others off.
Dropped on to the beach. (No wet feet!) and had a 2 hour 7.5k walk to Awaroa including a walk at low tide across the Estuary. Stayed in Meadowbank Eri lodge. , a replica of the original farmhouse. Dinner with our fellow walkers was good and wine and beer is available to buy.
Day 2. Just over 20km in three sections with food, water and swim stops. Quite a lot of ups and downs but fine if you are reasonably walking fit and spectacular views and beaches. Overnight at Torrent Bay.
Day 3 Short boat trip around the headland (due to tides) and 13k walk before being picked up at marahau at 15.00 to go and get our car. Again stops for drink breaks food and swims for those that wanted.
The trip seems quite expensive for two nights but you get a great boat trip with commentary on the sights and history, 2 nights accommodation, food and two knowledgable guides who talk you through the flora and fauna.
We had a lovely group and met some lovely people from NZ, Australia, US and UK.
Thanks to Phil and Jade, the staff at both lodges and the back office team who organised all. Wilsons is a small family company with great client service.
Day 1.
Drove to Motueka to the Wilson’s office where we picked up the bags to use for the overnight stays and were briefed by Phil and Jade, our guides. Left the car secure at Riwaya and went by coach transfer to Kaiteriteri
Caught one of the Wilson’s boats up the coast to the start. Stopped to view Split Apple Rock and the seal island and to drop others off.
Dropped on to the beach. (No wet feet!) and had a 2 hour 7.5k walk to Awaroa including a walk at low tide across the Estuary. Stayed in Meadowbank Eri lodge. , a replica of the original farmhouse. Dinner with our fellow walkers was good and wine and beer is available to buy.
Day 2. Just over 20km in three sections with food, water and swim stops. Quite a lot of ups and downs but fine if you are reasonably walking fit and spectacular views and beaches. Overnight at Torrent Bay.
Day 3 Short boat trip around the headland (due to tides) and 13k walk before being picked up at marahau at 15.00 to go and get our car. Again stops for drink breaks food and swims for those that wanted.
The trip seems quite expensive for two nights but you get a great boat trip with commentary on the sights and history, 2 nights accommodation, food and two knowledgable guides who talk you through the flora and fauna.
We had a lovely group and met some lovely people from NZ, Australia, US and UK.
Thanks to Phil and Jade, the staff at both lodges and the back office team who organised all. Wilsons is a small family company with great client service.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaye J
London, UK327 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
The Abel Tasman park is amazing. I was pleased to have chosen a kayak & hike as I got the best of both worlds. I booked the 3 day, 2 night however I thought it was actually 3 nights & whilst the trip was great, I think it is a little overpriced at $NZD 1900, £950 for 2 nights. The lodges were ok but in fact, the 2nd lodge whilst having an amazing outlook had a lot of noise in the rooms due to wood movement & therefore I didn't get much sleep.
Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy H
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Professional operation coupled with sincere Interest in the walkers made this such a great experience superb food( too much!)
Some foam rollers would be very welcome after a long day hiking.
Some foam rollers would be very welcome after a long day hiking.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison F
Orsett, UK51 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
The information I got from leaflets and on the phone was great. The boats are easy to access and the operation was smooth and well organised. Lovely to get a beer on board on the way back! I booked the 3 day pass which meant I attended the ticket office in Kaiteriteri each day, Tui at the office was an absolute delight, friendly, helpful and even remembered my name! Thanks Tui 😊
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie N
Fort Worth, TX8 contributions
We are planning to book a date in Nov. I am able to walk 2 miles or so but not scramble over rocks. What is our best choice for seeing as much of the park as possible? We are able to kayak in a two person kayak. Thanks.
whosgoingtobali
Concord115 contributions
You can take a trail that's out and back and go only as far as you'd like
Estefania R
Downey, CA
Hi!
How quick are email responses? I need to book a water taxi but do not have phone service here in NZ so I emailed them.
Is there a different option I can do online?
Thanks!
HLHAbeltas
Motueka59 contributions
Hi Estefania, thank you for reaching out to us. All our emails have been answered so without your email address I can't check what happened to your inquiry. All our trips can be booked online. Please email us again if you have further inquiries and I will ensure it is answered immediately if you use your Trip Advisor name, so I can trace it.
Estefania R
Downey, CA
Hi!
How quick are email responses? I need to book a water taxi but do not have phone service here in NZ so I emailed them.
Is there a different option I can do online?
Thanks!
JJawandering
Lethbridge, Canada333 contributions
Try emailing the I-Site information centre at Nelson or Motueka. I found staff very helpful at the Nelson centre.
Phil R
Castlepollard9 contributions
Hi. We are booked for the 18th March. The trip says it includes beaches, bays and seals and guided kayaking with lunch. Just wondering do I have to do the kayaking or can I opt out of that bit? My husband will definitely want to do all. Thanks, Phil and John Regan
HLHAbeltas
Motueka59 contributions
Hi there, it is possible for one to kayak and the other to walk, cruise or relax on the beach. Please email us or call us with your booking number to discuss all the options
jeyates
Mountain View, CA
Does Wilsons provide a bus service from Nelson to Kaiteriteri?
HLHAbeltas
Motueka59 contributions
For day trips, we use Abel Tasman Coachlines. Overnight, Lodge-based trips include transport on our own coach from Nelson.
How would you rate the picnic lunch? Are we better to bring our own
HLHAbeltas
Motueka59 contributions
There are photos on the website. Hover over A Day in the headings along the top of the home page to find the page for Picnic Lunches.
Peter B
Melbourne, Australia8 contributions
Are there wifi facilities in the lodges?
HLHAbeltas
Motueka59 contributions
Yes, there is access via Project Janszoon's network, for a nominal fee. You will get details at the Lodges.
Kaia T
Australia62 contributions
I am going on the 3 day kayak and walk trek very soon... What type of clothing did you wear? We have been told to bring 2 sets of thermals ? is it that cold at the moment
Any tips please re what to wear
Martyn P
Bright.197 contributions
Two weeks ago we had warm weather with some sunshine and one day of rain. It did get cool at night but not thermals weather. I was walking in shorts and a rain jacket. In the kayaks it can get cold and windy so the suggested thermals may help as they keep you warm and they dry quickly.
4acadia
Boulder, CO198 contributions
I have another question...
On the split apple rock + walk tour do you ever run into seals : ) ?