The 15 National Park Tours in New Zealand That Go Early

1.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127Our pick

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by powerful jet boat along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect three Lord of the Rings filming sites, native forest, a short guided walk, high-speed turns, and 360-degree spins. Warm gear is supplied, and boats carry no more than 11 people.

“It was a great experience. Skipper Harry was fun and informative. I would definitely recommend. Only regret is that I wish we had added the biking extension option.”

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2.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80Best value

Start with a skippered catamaran sail from Kaiteriteri, passing Split Apple Rock, golden bays, islands, and New Zealand fur seals. After lunch and a swim at Anchorage Bay, follow the marked coastal track back to Marahau for 3.5 to 4 hours. Guides such as Inky, Claudia, Nick, and Frank provide local nature and park insight.

“Perfect combination, small group and a very authentic skipper. We got a lot of information and enjoyed the time on the water. The track was easy to walk and surprised with nice beaches for swimming 😃”

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3.Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

Start at Kaiteriteri, cruise by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, walk the Pitt Head loop to Te Pukatea Bay, then sail the coast aboard a yacht or catamaran. Guides such as Inky, Claudia, Frank, Angela, Nik, and Nick have led trips with swimming, seal spotting, local stories, and chances to help sail. Lunch is optional.

“Good and varied day out with very friendly guides and fellow tourers. We enjoyed the long walk at Anchorage Bay and the sailing on the catamaran, Power of Two.”

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4.Abel Tasman National Park: Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · from $158

Sail from Kaiteriteri into Abel Tasman National Park aboard a comfortable catamaran with an English-speaking skipper. You can relax, help sail, or learn as you go. See Split Apple Rock, fur seals, islands, and native birds, then spend an hour at Anchorage Beach with lunch, swimming, or a short walk.

“Beautiful ship with friendly crew. The views were mind blowing. The lunch is below average but everything else was great.”

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5.Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $371

Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, cruise into Abel Tasman National Park, then hike forest trails and golden beaches with a guide such as Al, Lucy, Angelika, or Zane. Expect a small group of up to six, lunch, snacks, hotel pickup, and a return water-taxi ride from Anchorage.

“This was even better than we expected it to be! Angelika, our guide, was great - she told us everything we wanted to know about local flora and fauna, made sure everyone was able to keep up and kept us well-fed and hydrated throughout the day. Also, her picking us up in town was really convenient, as we were travelling by bus and train, and getting to Kaiteriteri and beyond would have been impossible otherwise. Would definitely recommend this tour to others hoping to explore Abel Tasman, one of the most beautiful parts of NZ - which is saying something :)”

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6.Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $167

Spend about 7.5 hours sailing from Kaiteriteri through Abel Tasman National Park. See Split Apple Rock, fur seals at Adele Island, native birds, golden beaches, and Anchorage Bay. The trip includes lunch, hot drinks, light refreshments, a forest walk, swimming time, and commentary from the crew.

“Excellent crew. Emphasis on relax & enjoy. Talks were short but they knew the stuff and would answer if asked. Great boat not too crowded. I did get sea sick. But they made me comfortable and let me sleep it off.”

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7.30-Minute Fiordland National Park Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 41 reviews · 30 min · from $230

Fly from Te Anau into Fiordland National Park with an experienced English-speaking pilot, viewing the Kepler Track, Hidden Lakes, alpine tarns, and rural basin below. The 30-minute trip includes a mountain landing beside a tarn and room for up to six people. Bring warm layers, sturdy shoes, and every passenger’s weight.

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8.Day Trip: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 31 reviews · from $92

Travel from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with guides such as Daniel, TJ, Rintaro, and Ban. Stop at Peter’s Lookout and Tasman Glacier, then walk the Hooker Valley Track at your own pace. The 8 to 9-hour shuttle includes WiFi, snacks, water, chargers, and snow spikes when needed, but not lunch.

“The scenic view is specular, and we were allowed for a 3-hour hiking on the track. Driver was punctual in picking up. But better prepare some food yourself as coach stopover at restaurant only at 2 p.m.”

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9.Abel Tasman National Park: Self-Guided Walk & Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · 6 hours · from $88

Walk independently from Marahau to Anchorage through native forest and along golden beaches, then meet your skipper at 1:15 pm for a three-hour sail to Kaiteriteri. Tea, coffee, onboard toilets, and a free return transfer to Marahau are included. Bring lunch, water, warm layers, and sun protection.

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10.Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $127

Start at Kaiteriteri with a water-taxi ride past Split Apple Rock and fur-seal colonies. Walk the Pitt Head loop at Anchorage Bay, then sail back on a catamaran through coves, islands, and golden beaches. Allow six hours, bring food and water, and plan your own transport to Kaiteriteri.

“The walk is way more strenuous than they advertise . Not leisurely at all! Mostly uphill but beautiful scenery.”

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11.Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 20 reviews · 40 min · from $379

Fly with Southern Lakes Helicopters from Heliworks Mt Cook for a 40-minute circuit over Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. You’ll see Aoraki/Mt Cook, Murchison Glacier, hanging ice, mountain huts, and the full length of the Tasman Glacier, with a weather-dependent snow landing. Captain Toby Morris has received particular praise for his calm, friendly flying.

“It was too good, worth it totally! Special shout out to our captain Toby Morris - very humble and experienced navigator. Kudos”

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12.Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Kayak, & Hike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 9h 30m · from $417

Spend a full day in Abel Tasman National Park, cruising from Kaiteriteri past Split Apple Rock, kayaking along the Adele Island coast, and hiking to Anchorage. Local guides such as Alan, Carter, Jeremy, and Lucy lead small or private groups, with lunch, gear, refreshments, and Nelson pickup included.

“Wir hatten das Glück alleine mit Alan unterwegs zu sein. Mit seiner wundervolle, lockeren, humorvollen und lebensfroher Art hat er uns empfangen und durch den Tag begleitet. Danke auch an Carter für die super geführte Kayaktour mit Kayaksailing. Ein unvergesslicher Tag mit tollen Eindrücken, leckerem Lunch, tollen Menschen und wunderbarer Tiersichtung in der schönen Natur !”

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13.3 Day Unguided Kayaking starting in the Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $225

Start in Marahau with a safety briefing, kayak test, weather update, and water taxi to Onetahuti Bay. Then paddle south for three days, stopping at beaches for swimming, picnics, and rest. Kayaks, safety equipment, maps, and a national park camping pass are included, but you bring or hire your own camping gear.

“They have a very long safety discussion prior to going out, so we felt very safe. The water was extremely blue and overall conditions were great. When it did downpour, the anchorage bay hut/campsite had plenty of space to hide from the rainRead more”

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14.Heli-Picnic Alpine Lake Kahurangi National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews

Leave Nelson Airport by private helicopter for about 50 to 60 minutes of flying over Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks. Pilot Tom or Theo may handle the flight, with two-way communication throughout. You will land beside a remote alpine lake, walk to a nearby waterfall, and return to Nelson after roughly three hours.

“It was a surprise trip for my newly wed wife she said she would never forget it ,the Nelson helicopter crew and pilot were fantastic and put on a great picnic for us .”

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15.Abel Tasman National Park: Waka & Walk Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 10 hours · from $417

Travel from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park for a guided waka outing, boat rides, and a 3 to 6 km hike. You’ll learn a mihi in Te Reo Māori, follow Tikanga Māori customs, hear about Rongoā Māori plants, visit four beaches, and enjoy lunch, snacks, and drinks. Guides have included Angelika, Allan, and Jeremy.

“Alles an dem Ausflug hat mir gefallen. Es war überwältigend. Unser Giude (zweisprachig deutsch und englisch) Angelika war super. Diese Tour würde ich immer wieder buchen. Nur zu empfehlen.”

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