Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures | Abel Tasman National Park

Our Kahu Kayak adventure in Abel Tasman National Park came as part of a full day tour with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures which involved the morning kayaking, a half hour walk for your lunch and then an afternoon sailing, or sunbathing, aboard a catamaran. Sounds like a pretty sweet day, and it was.

Image by Dr Strange Ones via Flickr

Forget St Tropez or Miami, Abel Tasman is the place to relax on the water and has equally as much style as those famous destinations but without the pretense. Although kayaking in Abel Tasman is a must do, sailing around the bays is one of those experiences that just doesn't happen to you very often and is also an excellent way to see some the best areas of the National Park.

Unlike some sailing trips this really is a full afternoon of sailing. It has to be said, the word sailing is down to the individuals discretion. Should you wish to try your hand at steering the boat then you are made to feel welcome but if you want to soak up the suns rays and enjoy the breeze and scenery then that's equally as good. What is not to like? You know those movies where heros and contented people sail off in to the sunset? That is what sailing in Abel Tasman is like, it's quite literally a world away from home and it's tough to beat the experience or feelings like it.

Starting out in Anchorage Bay you may have to be forced to leave this beach as it really is the epitome of a golden sand paradise. You can have your lunch here if you have been part of one of Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures full day trips. They give you a packed lunch and have re-established what is meant by 'packed' lunch. This bag of goodies really is 'packed'. It's pretty hard to go hungry. Full and ready to flop on board the catarmarann, the awesome Abel Tasman weather strikes gold yet again as you sail out and around Pinnacle Island to say a quick hello to New Zealand's Fur Seals.

" ...the forest is endless, the beaches just keep on coming and a few New Zealand penguins bob around in the water around you..."

The time slowly passes and I really cannot explain in words how relaxing this is, the forest is endless, the beaches just keep on coming and a few New Zealand blue penquins bob around in the water around you. After a couple of hours in the sun its time to cool off with a swim stop at the iconic Split Apple Rock. Name says it all, awesome photo stop. Some more sailing around the Islands where the native birds happily live free from us tourists and you arrive in Kaiteriteri at yet another stunning golden sand beach.

It may be the end of the afternoon but seeing as you are sunkissed, relaxed and smiling it seems only right that a beer in the late afternoon sun is in order. Sound like paradise? It's fair to say that it pretty much is. Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures are just that, a variety of sailing adventures ranging from walking and sailing to full day sails, kayaking and sailing to special occasion charters.

The only complaint about Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures is that they have to end and for most of us backpacking through New Zealand we will most likely never get the same idyllic experience again. So if you are thinking of heading to Abel Tasman National Park make sure you allow yourself plenty of days to make the most of Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures.