Full Day
A full day allows you to enjoy epic views and extraordinary activities at a more leisurely pace, with necessary breaks to savour the region's artisan fare.
If you love cycling, or want to try the e-bike option out, you could enjoy more of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Browse the boutique cool-store galleries on the Mapua Wharf, before continuing on to the gorgeous golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach, stopping off to indulge in world-famous donuts in Motueka and delicious craft beer in Riwaka. The rolling hills, mountains and seascape views along this section of the trail are unparalleled elsewhere in the world, and can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
If the full Abel Tasman experience is what you're looking for, book a transfer to Kaiteriteri with one of the local operators and set out on your day's adventures. You can explore the picturesque coastline in any number of ways: cruise vessel, sailing catamaran, aqua taxi, eco-tour, kayak, helicopter, foot or a combination of them all! One of the most popular options is to kayak the Astrolabe Roadstead, farewell your guide from a nearby beach, take a stroll amongst the lush native surrounds, and then hop on board a scenic cruise to explore the rest of the majestic Abel Tasman coastline. For those more adventurous, you might try canyoning or even sky diving over this extraordinary part of the world.
If you have transport over the Takaka Hill, it's definitely worth venturing further afield to Golden Bay for a tour of Farewell Spit. One of the largest natural sandspits in the world and a wetland of international importance, the spit is a whopping 35km long, and is home to an endless array of wildlife guaranteed to mesmerise your group. A colony of gannets, playful seal pups and cheeky oyster-catchers provide hours of entertainment, and nothing quite compares to the rush of adrenaline you feel as you roll down the towering sand dunes.
Depending on the time of your Farewell Spit tour, which is dictated by the tides, you won't want to miss visiting Te Waikoropupu Springs. A short walk through manuka and kanuka forest will land you at the largest freshwater springs in the southern hemisphere, with water so clear it’s almost impossible not to see the eels and fish darting around under the surface. The Mussel Inn, a quirky live music venue known for their artisan beers, ciders and soft drinks, is the perfect place to refuel before venturing back over the hill.