Cruise & Walk 4.9

Day trip

Coastal Highlights Journey

Cruise to Medlands, then walk to Anchorage on one of the Coast Track's most varied sections. Includes swing bridges, Cleopatra's Pool and coastal forest, with longer options available in summer.

Trip Overview

The full Coast Track experience in one day.

Cruise to Medlands, then walk to Anchorage on one of the Coast Track's most varied sections. Includes swing bridges, Cleopatra's Pool and coastal forest, with longer options available in summer.

Best for

Active AdventurersWalking TrailsSalty ExplorersHidden Gems

Book this trip

From

NZ$94

Includes standard departure and return boat travel.

Departure Location

Kaiteriteri

Sailing Options

Depart9.15am ·10.30am ·12.45pm
Return4.15pm ·6.00pm

Cruise Time

2hr

Walk time

4hrs or 6hrs

Walk distance

14km

Difficulty

Active

Highlights

Cleopatra's Pool

A natural swimming hole in the Torrent River, a well-known highlight of this section.

Swing Bridges

Multiple suspension bridge crossings along one of the most varied sections of the Coast Track.

Route map
Abel Tasman route map

Gallery

See the experience

Trip information

Plan your experience

Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.

Suggested itinerary

Check-in

Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket office 20 minutes before your departure time. If you have already exchanged your booking confirmation for a boarding ticket, please check in at the boat.

Cruise out

Relax and enjoy the journey into the national park as you cruise from Kaiteriteri to Medlands Beach, your starting point for the walk.

Choose your walk

Walk from Medlands to Anchorage, or continue on to Apple Tree Bay for a longer day (see Walking Options above). Both routes follow the Coast Track through swing bridges, native forest and Cleopatra's Pool.

Return cruise

Rejoin your cruise at Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay and relax as you cruise back through the Astrolabe Roadstead, keeping an eye out for New Zealand fur seals around Adele Island.

What to bring
  • Small day pack
  • Warm layer and waterproof jacket
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Drinking water
  • Swimwear and towel, if swimming
  • Lunch or onboard food plan
  • Camera or charged phone
  • Comfortable walking shoes where relevant
Destinations

Choose your pace

Walking options

Select the option that best suits your fitness, time available and how you'd like to spend the day.

Anchorage

10.6 km · 4 hours · 110m max elevation

Enjoy one of the most spectacular sections of the Coast Track, finishing at iconic Anchorage Beach. Cross impressive swing bridges, wander through native forest and have time to add optional side trips to Cleopatra's Pool or the Pitt Head Loop, or simply relax on the beach before your return cruise.

★ Recommended: extend this walk with our seasonal Extended Cruise (9.15am departure, 6.00pm return, 1 Nov–31 Mar) — cruise the full length of the park to Tōtaranui before returning to Medlands to begin your walk.

Apple Tree Bay

17 km · 5 hours · 150m max elevation

Continue beyond Anchorage to experience even more of the Coast Track. This longer walk follows the beautiful southern coastline through native forest and panoramic coastal viewpoints before finishing at peaceful Apple Tree Bay for your return cruise. Ideal for fit, active walkers wanting to maximise their day on the track.

FAQs

Common questions

Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.

How do I know this trip is right for me?

Use the category, highlights and practical details on this page to compare the pace and activity level against similar Wilsons experiences.

When should I book?

Peak dates can fill quickly. Use the booking window to check live availability for your preferred date and departure.

What happens in poor weather?

Operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Guests should check confirmation details and Wilsons advice before travelling.

Where do I check in?

Check-in location depends on the selected trip and departure point. Your booking confirmation will include the correct location and time.

Do I need to return on the same boat I departed on?

No — your fare covers any of the listed departure and return sailings, not a fixed pair. Catch whichever crossing suits your day; the times don’t need to match.

Still not sure which trip is right for you?

Talk to our team

Extend your trip

Extend your walk in summer

Continue on to Te Pukatea BayExtended Walk

Continue on to Te Pukatea Bay

Summer only (Nov–Apr)

In summer, continue your walk beyond Anchorage to Te Pukatea Bay and the Pitt Head Loop for extra coastal views before your cruise back to Kaiteriteri.

+1.5hrs walkingTe Pukatea Bay & Pitt Head Loop
View on map

Guest reviews

What guests say

4.9 average rating Recent feedback from guests who have experienced this trip.
5.0 Guest review

Easy to choose and book

The page made it clear what the trip included and how it compared with nearby options. A useful way to understand the park before booking.

Amelia

Australia

5.0 Guest review

A smooth day out

Transport, timing and expectations were easy to follow. The experience felt well organised without taking away from the freedom to explore.

Mark

New Zealand

5.0 Guest review

Beautiful part of the coast

A simple way to see more of Abel Tasman and still feel like the day had enough structure. The scenery was the highlight.

Sophie

United Kingdom

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