Abel Tasman Family Fun

The Abel Tasman Water Taxi & Beach Day is a full-day activity that's suitable for families with children of all ages, from 0+. You'll hop on the water taxi at either Kaiteriteri or Marahau and get dropped off at one of the park's beautiful beaches, such as Anchorage Bay or Bark Bay.

Spend the day swimming, exploring, and relaxing on the beach. The water taxi will then pick you up at the end of the day and take you back to the starting point. The beaches in Abel Tasman National Park are genuinely world-class, with golden sand and crystal-clear water.

This activity is perfect for families who want to experience the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park without having to go on a multi-day tramp. The water taxi ride itself is also a lot of fun for kids, and the scenery is stunning.

The Abel Tasman Water Taxi & Beach Day is great value for money, with prices starting from $45 per child and $70 per adult. The activity is suitable for families with children of all ages, from 0+, and is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of nature.

The family suitability rating for this activity is 10/10, making it an ideal choice for families with kids of all ages. However, it's worth noting that the water taxi ride can be a bit bumpy at times, so it may not be suitable for very young children who are prone to motion sickness.

The best time to visit Abel Tasman National Park is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it's also a good idea to visit during the shoulder season (October to November or March to April) when the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.

One insider tip is to book your water taxi tickets in advance, especially during peak season. You can book online or through a local tour operator. It's also a good idea to pack plenty of food, water, and sunscreen, as well as a change of clothes in case you get wet.

Several established water-taxi operators run from Kaiteriteri and Marahau, including Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi, Wilsons Abel Tasman and Sea Shuttle. They cover the same main beaches, so compare on departure times, price and whether the schedule suits a relaxed family day. The classic family plan is to be dropped at one beach and walk a section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track to another for pick-up — Anchorage to Torrent Bay, or Bark Bay to Anchorage, are popular, well-graded options.

The Coast Track is one of NZ's easiest Great Walks: wide, well-formed and mostly gentle, so it suits primary-age kids comfortably. Just match the distance to your children's legs — a 2–3 hour section is plenty — and check tide times, as some short-cut crossings (like the Torrent Bay estuary) are only passable around low tide. Note that drop-offs are along the park's coast from the Kaiteriteri/Marahau end; the far Golden Bay (Tōtaranui/Wainui) end is usually accessed separately by road rather than the southern water taxis.

For families with kids around 5 and up, adding a guided kayak or kayak-and-walk combo is one of the best ways to experience the park. Operators offer half-day guided paddles to spots like Watering Cove and the Tonga Island seal colony, where kids can often watch fur seals up close. Doubles let an adult paddle with a younger child, and life jackets are always provided. It costs more than the water taxi alone, but the chance to glide along that golden coastline and spot seals is unforgettable. Pack quick-dry clothes, a warm layer and sunscreen — you will get a bit wet.

You can book your Abel Tasman Water Taxi & Beach Day tickets online or through a local tour operator. It's a good idea to compare prices and look for any special deals or discounts.

One way to save money is to book a family pass, which can work out cheaper than buying individual tickets. You can also look for package deals that include other activities, such as kayaking or hiking.