Awesome Abel Tasman

3 Night Luxury Cruise - Wednesday to Saturday

Small but exquisitely formed, the Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise of golden beaches, granite and marble rock formations, lush native forest and remarkable wildlife encounters. Close to the shore, the water is a tropical shade of turquoise and so clear that you can watch the anchor dig into the sand. Apart from the walking track that traces the park’s boundary with the sea, there’s not a road to be seen.

Daily Itinerary

After boarding Island Passage mid-afternoon, you can sit on deck with a cool drink and watch the Abel Tasman panorama slide by. Hills cloaked in native forest slope down to a procession of perfect beaches. Between the main bays, granite and marble boulders mark the  boundary between forest and ocean.

We’ll pass the Tonga Island fur seal colony and the secret inlet of Shag Harbour before arriving in beautiful Awaroa Bay, our anchorage for the night. While the barman supplies your favourite aperitifs, chef is preparing a gourmet meal that promises to be as outstanding as the scenery.

Towards sunrise, the ship will move quietly to Tarakohe Harbour, so you’ll wake to enjoy Golden Bay views with your breakfast. Today’s main event is a safari to Farewell Spit, which is home to more than 90 bird species. Over summer you can see migratory birds from the northern hemisphere – bar tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels and turnstones. You’ll explore the historic buildings at the century-old lighthouse and stop at Fossil Point, where fossilised shells and wormcasts are emerging from the mudstone cliffs. Back at the ship, we move to Onetahuti Bay for the evening.

Today you’ll experience two of the greatest pleasures of the Abel Tasman – sea kayaking and hiking. From Onetahuti you’ll paddle to the fur seal colony at Tonga Island; delightful encounters with the residents are a certainty. Then you’ll head south, along the granite and forest coastline to beautiful Bark Bay. Watch for little blue penguins along the way. Here you’ll take to the coastal walkway for a two-hour hike to Anchorage, where the ship awaits. Highlights include the swing bridge at Falls River and native birdsong in the forest. If the tide’s out, you’ll get to take off your shoes and cross the Torrent Bay estuary the quick-but-muddy way. Tonight the Captain hosts a farewell dinner under  the stars. Next morning, Island Passage crosses Tasman Bay to Nelson, where you’ll disembark at 11am.

3 Night Awesome Abel Tasman Cruise Rates 2009

The rates below are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and GST inclusive. Valid from 01 November 2008 to 10 December 2009.

Triple bedding rate is based on 3 passengers.

Cruise rates include:

*Prices do not include costs for personal activities and drinks from the bar.  The 6 night cruise rates include the Awesome Abel Tasman and
Spectacular Sounds cruise itineraries.

To book or for more information, please contact your Travel Agent or Enquire Online »