Sailing in Abel Tasman National Park

Located at the top of the South Island, the Nelson region “suffers” through the longest and most sunny days a year of almost anywhere in New Zealand – poor them! We’ve always said that by far the best way to experience the Abel Tasman National Park is through a combination of both land and water, and it’s hard to think of a better way to spend one or two days than leisurely sailing around the secluded bays, stopping occasionally for a swim, walk, dive or kayak.

Sailing aboard a performance cruising catamaran you can expect to see Split Apple Rock, secluded coves, golden sand beaches, pristine clear waters and native wildlife. After lunch visit a NZ Fur seal colony before stepping ashore in Bark Bay. Walk the best part of the track south 3 hours to Anchorage where you are going to spend the night aboard floating accommodation. That evening enjoy a Kiwi style BBQ dinner with the other guests on board then settle into a good book, nice bottle of wine or just relax under the stars. Wake to the morning chorus of native birds, before your official start of the day with a continental style breakfast. Then either dive in the heart of the Abel Tasman Marine Reserve with a local guide or take a gentle walk to Te Pukatea Bay or Cleopatra’s Pool, or simply relax aboard, sunbathe on the beach and go swimming before water taxiing back to Marahau. The two day trip is all inclusive of transport, accommodation and meals and gives you the best in Abel Tasman experiences.

If that doesn’t sound appealing I can’t think what would!

Motor Homes

Motor home, camper van, or Winnebago – whatever you call them, they are a great way to explore our country. What makes them so popular in New Zealand are a number of factors:

• Flexibility – they give you the opportunity to go with the flow and change your plans as you wish, to an extent. You may find that it pays to book certain activities or side-trips simply because you have to if you want to do them, but then keep some flexibility between key locations.
• Free camping – in many places around New Zealand (particularly on the South Island) it is perfectly acceptable and legal to pull up the van next to a hidden lake, a sandy beach, or just about anywhere. Places you can’t camp are clearly marked, but for every one place you can’t stay there are many times more that you can. And being a self-contained unit, a van with shower, toilet, stove, fridge and battery powered lights has everything you really need for a very comfortable camp.
• Simplicity – a lot of skill and effort has gone into making motor homes very simple to use and drive. If you can drive a car then you can easily drive a motor home. In reality they are only a longer than your average car, and with efficient diesel engines are an economical way to get you and your luggage around. And speaking of luggage, you’ve only got to unpack and pack once – once when you move in, and once at the end of your trip.

Because of these factors though, available vans can be EXTREMELY scarce over some parts of the summer months, and if you haven’t got one booked already for the Christmas period then you’re chances are getting pretty slim – almost impossible over the Christmas/New Year period.

If you are wanting to travel by motor home over our summer months, don’t despair - but don’t delay either! Let us know your preferred vehicle type and travel dates and we’ll do our very best to find a suitable vehicle.

Horse Riding Treks

We’ve been getting a huge number of enquiries of late regarding horse treks, and as you would expect there are some great rides around NZ. Rides range anything from 1 hour to 1 week, so depending on how well seasoned you are in the saddle there is sure to be a trip to suit.

One of the most popular by far is “The Ride Of The Rings” just outside of Queenstown on the South Island. On this trip you’ll be transported to Middle-Earth astride your own steed!

The trip starts with a short drive, which follows the beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing Ithilien and stopping en-route to admire The Misty Mountains, and ends up in Paradise (yes that is the real name of the area) where your 1½ hour ride starts. Winding through the golden woods of Lothlórien, passing Amon Hen, the track opens up and the 'Golden Mile' begins. From here the views of the Wizard's Vale and the mighty peak of Methedras are breathtaking. A gradual descent takes riders down into Nan Curunír, finally dismounting at the base of Isengard.

This is probably the most scenic horse ride in the world, and a must for The Lord of the Rings' fans. Suitable for beginner riders upwards.