Overnight Experiences Paraparaumu

Cruising Golden Bay, Tasman Bays, Abel Tasman, Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds including French Pass and d’Urville Island.







Your adventure starts in Picton. Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770’s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook. Visit Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Bellbirds, Kakariki and Saddleback live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along. Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea. Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, including a section of the track from Portage to Te Mahia, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns. We will visit a salmon farm and explain the process of salmon farming and also visit a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of NZ. Go ashore at d’Urville Island and indulge in a wholesome dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café. Cast your rod for Blue Cod, Snapper and other species. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands. Travel through the exciting waters of French Pass and take a walk through the village up to the lighthouse which was first built in the late 1880’s. Cruise through all 3 Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus which makes up the Marlborough Sounds. You will experience something different when visiting each one, whether it is the species of fish, history or incredible scenery. Kick your shoes off and walk along the beautiful sandy beaches of Golden Bay or take a swim in the pristine waters of this extraordinary area of New Zealand. Cruise along the inside of Farewell Spit and see it from a unique perspective. The spit is around 35km long and access is more strictly protected than a national park, so cruising this area on Affinity is an amazing way to view this secluded coastline. You will go to Anatoki – a salmon farm with a difference, where you are able to catch your own salmon in their man-made ponds and eat your catch, this is a great activity for the young and the old, the fisherman and the non-fisherman. Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs – New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity. Join a Farewell Spit Tour with a local operator to the lighthouse, the South Islands northernmost point – home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance. Sit back, relax and cruise the scenic waterways of the captivating Abel Tasman National Park. This area is well known for its golden beaches, sculptured cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Your adventure will finish with a fantastic scenic flight over Golden Bay and the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington Domestic Airport.
All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax or there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.