Featuring: Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
The season has certainly gotten off to an awesome start with summer weather arriving early. Bucket loads of sunshine, hot temperatures and steady sea breezes all making for great sailing. Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park under sail is well known for being the most peaceful and relaxing way to discover the park’s golden beaches, lagoons and islands with its famously clear turquoise waters, and now is certainly the time to do it.
As you sail the bush clad coastline there are plenty of great Instagram worthy shots. If you are keen, take a quick swim at the famous Split Apple Rock and have your photo taken ”holding” the rock apart. The southern Fisherman, Adele and Pinnacle Islands are where you’ll enjoy the antics of native NZ Fur Seal (kekeno). The seals love to lie on the rocks and laze in the sunshine where their brown colour camouflages them amongst the rocks. The best part is that a quiet sailing catamaran allows you to get close without disturbing them. You should also keep your eyes open to see little blue penguins, native birdlife and, if you are really lucky, dolphins! And maybe even a rare treat of Orca, which have been seen in the bay recently!
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures have a variety of daily scheduled tours where you join others out on the water. The sailing tours have a relaxed timetable meaning the tour can be altered on the day to make the best of opportunities, the weather and the interests of those on board.
The most popular tour is the Full Day Sail departing from Kaiteriteri at 10am and return at 4.30pm with a one hour lunch break at Anchorage Bay allowing time for swimming or a short walk. Typical summer weather means a little less wind in the morning which allows for great sightseeing as you get up close to the beaches and islands. Then after lunch the afternoon summer sea breeze kicks in and you have a stronger sailing experience as you catch the wind and cruise home.
The small group size on the sailing catamarans (max 19 people) means you have a more personalized experience. The experienced skippers are passionate sailors who have been sailing the region for years and their local knowledge and stories will keep you well entertained.
You are welcome to have a go at sailing if you want – just have a word to the skipper! Some people are happy and chilled enough to just to lay back and soak in the sunshine and the joy of sailing over the water. It can be windy so it’s always suggested to bring a wind proof jacket, even on the sunny days. And don’t forget the sun screen and sun protection!
For those feeling a little more energetic you can combine a half day sail with a half day freedom walk, on the Sail & Walk tours. The Abel Tasman coastal walk is designated as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and as such has a well maintained track and is well signposted with awesome views over the park, not to mention the beautiful lush green bush that you walk through.
There are also other tours where a half day sailing can be combined with kayaking or a water taxi – there are tours and combos to suit everyone!
Cruising the Abel Tasman under sail is scenic sailing at its best! The Abel Tasman National Park is a definite ‘Must Do’ while in New Zealand and what better way to do it than with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. It’s the peaceful, quiet and relaxing way to enjoy the best of the Bays. See you soon!
Ready to sail the beautiful bays of Abel Tasman National Park? Book a tour with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures through your Stray driver guide!
