Wilsons Abel Tasman
Wilsons Abel Tasman
4.5
Boat Tours • Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
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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
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Wilsons Abel Tasman
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,089 reviews
Excellent
850
Very good
159
Average
34
Poor
31
Terrible
15
Kirsti L
Whakatane, New Zealand30 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Excellent boats, reliable service, no stressing about missing times, easy changes. Went on their kayaking package with Liana, me and 14 years loved that. A little time out at sea, a little time spent in lagoons and estuaries, after doing the walk across 3 nights, being on the sea is must do fuller way to experience the diversity of the abel tasman. Safe. Good explanations. The bays are mind blowingly beautiful. Truly another planet.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BJK NZ
Sapa, Vietnam5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Entire trip a highlight. Excellent humorous, hard working guides and lodge staff. Great accommodation and meals. Beautiful scenery and beaches. A most enjoyable walk.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Experience593458
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Wilson’s provides a 5+ star guided hiking experience in Abel Tasman national park. Just returned from their 3 day guided hike. Staff stellar…Karin and Ruby were the guides. Lodges have and understated luxury feel. Great meals. Other guests were mostly New Zealanders and were exceptionally nice people. All around an incredible experience. Thanks Wilson’s!
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kiwiexplorer
Napier, New Zealand2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
My son who is 12 years old and I, just finished the Wilson’s Abel Tasman self guided 3 day hike! Wow what an incredible experience. Our host/guide Phil was exceptional, kind, communicative and with a great sense of humour. He kept us up to speed with everything and pointed our things of interest. The lodging was also exceptional and the food first class! Our packed lunches were delicious - everything very well organized.
The scenery and wild life were some of the best in the world - beyond gorgeous - white sandy beaches! My son and hiked from Totaranui (heading north) to Anapai Bay on the first day. We had lunch and the entire beach to ourselves - just magical! We wore hiking boots - probably would have been better in sneakers - especially for my son! Some of the group did kayaking on the second day - I will definitely book this in the future as it gives your feet and legs a rest and allows you to explore the coastline!
In a nutshell - I would highly recommend this adventure - either as a single, couple, group or with kids (although I think 12 and older is the ideal age). Wilson’s was well organized, professional and allows you to truly enjoy the journey - without carrying tents and cooking supplies etc!
This was truly a trip that my son and I will remember for many years to come! Thank you Wilson’s and Phil!
The scenery and wild life were some of the best in the world - beyond gorgeous - white sandy beaches! My son and hiked from Totaranui (heading north) to Anapai Bay on the first day. We had lunch and the entire beach to ourselves - just magical! We wore hiking boots - probably would have been better in sneakers - especially for my son! Some of the group did kayaking on the second day - I will definitely book this in the future as it gives your feet and legs a rest and allows you to explore the coastline!
In a nutshell - I would highly recommend this adventure - either as a single, couple, group or with kids (although I think 12 and older is the ideal age). Wilson’s was well organized, professional and allows you to truly enjoy the journey - without carrying tents and cooking supplies etc!
This was truly a trip that my son and I will remember for many years to come! Thank you Wilson’s and Phil!
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim T
Cranbourne, Australia20 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Booked this as a tour. All it was is a water taxi dropping people at different places along the coast.
We were packed on like sardines until people started departing.
I originally booked the BBQ lunch tour which had been pulled from the services, therefore left with the 9:20 so called tour.
Very Disappointed.
We were packed on like sardines until people started departing.
I originally booked the BBQ lunch tour which had been pulled from the services, therefore left with the 9:20 so called tour.
Very Disappointed.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joanne F
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Friends
From the time we arrived at Wilson’s at Marahau Sarah and Kevn the guides were very helpful and obliging. Sarah was very helpful with giving us advice for our self guided walk and when we joined the guided walk she was very informative. Kevin was also very helpful and informative as well when we were kayaking. Our accommodation and meals were excellent.
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RobynGeorge
New Plymouth, New Zealand37 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Great trip and very informative. Service outstanding. Very well organised and they stick to the timetabl which is refreshing. Very clear instructions. Loved hiking in the Abel Tasman. I’ll be back to do more. Highly recommend
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna-Lena
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Our family did the 3 day self guided walk with Wilsons Abel Tasman first week of March. Our 1 year old and 3 year old came with us in backpacks and Grandma had our lunches in her backpack. We have a good level of fitness and the kids have spent a bit of time in the backpack so are comfortable to spend long periods sitting on our backs.
Day 1 we walked from Marahau to Torrent Bay (16km) and was achievable but a big walk and big day. Our backpacks were approximately 18-20kg. Started walking at 11.30am, stopped at Apple Tree Bay for a swim (1.5hr stop) and we arrived at Torrent Bay lodge at 5.30pm.
Day 2 we thankfully decided to reduce the walking down to 7km and catch a water taxi from Torrent Bay to Tonga Quarry Campsite. We spent 2.5hrs at Onetahuti Bay which was amazing then walked to Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa Bay. The walk was significantly steeper and harder than Day 1 so we were grateful to only walk 7km.
Day 3 we were unable to do the walk from Awaroa to Totaranui due to a 2hr walking time limit to get there (water taxis at each end of the walk determining the 2hr limit). So instead our guides advised us to take water taxi back to Anchorage and do the loop walk to Te Pukatea Bay which was an easy walk and beautiful beach swim spot.
The accommodation was perfect and catered well for our 1yr olds with cots provided at both Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowback Homestead. Hot showers, comfy large beds and plenty of towels and toiletries to recover from the big walks.
Cold beer, cider and wine was great at the bar.
The food was delicious with good menu selection and really thoughtful meals specially for the children. The lunches provided were also great for everyone.
Recommendations for people thinking of doing this experience with young children - take LOTS of snacks and allow enough time for plenty of stops. You definitely need a good base level of fitness to do this walk with heavy backpacks on.
Good footwear is critical as there are steep sections of the walk which are slippery due to loose stones on the track. A walking stick would have been helpful to maintain stability going downhill with the extra weight on the back.
Take lots of water - we carried about 4L and never had any left over once we reached camp each night so probably wasn't enough.
The water taxi are really safe and easy to onboard with children - this was not a concern.
There were no carseats or seatbelts in the Wilsons transfer bus so children sat on our laps.
The guides were really helpful and although we did the 'self guided walk' this time we would recommend having a guide for the walk with children next time. The best way to ensure you safely reach your destination in reasonable time.
Day 1 we walked from Marahau to Torrent Bay (16km) and was achievable but a big walk and big day. Our backpacks were approximately 18-20kg. Started walking at 11.30am, stopped at Apple Tree Bay for a swim (1.5hr stop) and we arrived at Torrent Bay lodge at 5.30pm.
Day 2 we thankfully decided to reduce the walking down to 7km and catch a water taxi from Torrent Bay to Tonga Quarry Campsite. We spent 2.5hrs at Onetahuti Bay which was amazing then walked to Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa Bay. The walk was significantly steeper and harder than Day 1 so we were grateful to only walk 7km.
Day 3 we were unable to do the walk from Awaroa to Totaranui due to a 2hr walking time limit to get there (water taxis at each end of the walk determining the 2hr limit). So instead our guides advised us to take water taxi back to Anchorage and do the loop walk to Te Pukatea Bay which was an easy walk and beautiful beach swim spot.
The accommodation was perfect and catered well for our 1yr olds with cots provided at both Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowback Homestead. Hot showers, comfy large beds and plenty of towels and toiletries to recover from the big walks.
Cold beer, cider and wine was great at the bar.
The food was delicious with good menu selection and really thoughtful meals specially for the children. The lunches provided were also great for everyone.
Recommendations for people thinking of doing this experience with young children - take LOTS of snacks and allow enough time for plenty of stops. You definitely need a good base level of fitness to do this walk with heavy backpacks on.
Good footwear is critical as there are steep sections of the walk which are slippery due to loose stones on the track. A walking stick would have been helpful to maintain stability going downhill with the extra weight on the back.
Take lots of water - we carried about 4L and never had any left over once we reached camp each night so probably wasn't enough.
The water taxi are really safe and easy to onboard with children - this was not a concern.
There were no carseats or seatbelts in the Wilsons transfer bus so children sat on our laps.
The guides were really helpful and although we did the 'self guided walk' this time we would recommend having a guide for the walk with children next time. The best way to ensure you safely reach your destination in reasonable time.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly B
16 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I booked the 5 day walk and kayak tour, it was a great trip. With this trip it was the best of both worlds. The accommodation, food and staff were fantastic.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Max G
Los Angeles, CA1,003 contributions
Mar 2023
We booked the kayak and Abel Tasman cruise experience and it was excellent. Our day began with a 2.5 hour kayak experience exploring the shoreline towards the national park. From our kayaks, we were able to get a unique perspective of the shoreline and the bay.
When the kayak trip was over, we had time to eat lunch and then board a boat that would take us to Anchorage in Abel Tasman National Park.
At Anchorage, we had 2.5 hours to explore this section of the national park. We opted for a 3 km hike with some great vantage points.
When the kayak trip was over, we had time to eat lunch and then board a boat that would take us to Anchorage in Abel Tasman National Park.
At Anchorage, we had 2.5 hours to explore this section of the national park. We opted for a 3 km hike with some great vantage points.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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
Motueka58 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, Canada328 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
Motueka58 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
Motueka58 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
Motueka58 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
Motueka58 contributions
Yes, there is access via Project Janszoon's network, for a nominal fee. You will get details at the Lodges.
Kaia T
Surfers Paradise, 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 : ) ?