We sailed and motored around the Abel Tasman Sound, periodically taking a Zodiac onto land to hike the Abel Tasman Track, hang out on the beautiful beaches, kayak and swim. One morning we chartered a Waka canoe and learned some Maori language and culture from our guides. The meals were fantastic; one highlight was a beach picnic complete with a table, chairs and canopy. The water in mid-February was very comfortable, sunscreen was mandatory and our crew--Andy and Sharon--were great cooks and great company. We were on the boat four days and three nights, which was perfect for us. The boat was large enough to be comfortable but one very gusty day was a reminder that boats can rock too! We moored in lovely coves for very comfortable evenings under the Southern Cross.

Andy was our skipper and Sharon was our steward/gourmet chef - they were the BEST. We did a 4 day/3 night through the Abel Tasman Sound. It was a experience we won't forget. Great hiking, kayaking & swimming plus phenomenal meals. We chartered the 65' boat and only had 4 passengers so it was plenty spacious. An added bonus was Milo arranging a private Waka canoe with Maori guides. The coves we anchored in at night provided calm waters for sleep. It was flexible and great communication by Gourmet Sailing. THANKS !!

We recently did a family visit to New Zealand - my husband and I, our eldest daughter, son-in-law, and two other adult children. The six of us had an incredible experience sailing with Milo and Melissa along the Abel Tasman National Park. We had three comfortable, clean, beautiful rooms, and enjoyed hot showers and great nights' sleeps. The food was absolutely delicious - Milo smoked salmon and corn on the yacht grill the first night, and he and Melissa made filet minion and udon noodles with bok choy in an incredible sauce for dinner the second night. All of the meals were wonderful, and the kitchen was stocked with fresh growing herbs among the many other great ingredients. Melissa was always ready with a treat for us between all activities. The local wine was superb, and was offered whenever we wanted it. We had great champagne on the yacht for New Years Eve, while we watched fireworks set off at a town on the beach.
One of the many highlights of the trip was the southern hemisphere night sky - great views with no light pollution! Milo and Melissa took exceptional care of us. He dropped us off for easy and enjoyable hikes in the park each day, then picked us back up on the beach at the end of the trails. We went swimming, and our kids went kayaking, right off the anchored yacht, in the crystal clean waters that border the park.
Milo was so helpful - he did so many things for us, including picking us up at the airport in Nelson, and arranging a car for us to use after the trip, which was ready and waiting when he dropped us off from the yacht. He was a great resource for planning the rest of our New Zealand visit too. We are very grateful to him and Melissa for their perfect hospitality.