NATIONAL PARK LUXURY

WORDS Liam Stretch

New Zealand is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and the famous walks that allow adventurers to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders. However, if the thought of carrying a heavy tramping pack and staying in basic huts or tents doesn’t appeal to you, there is a more civilised way to experience one of New Zealand’s famous national parks.

Wilsons Abel Tasman, a family-run business, offers guided trips with the luxury of accommodation in exclusive beachfront lodges in Abel Tasman National Park. Since 1841, the Wilson family has welcomed visitors to the Nelson region. Guests don’t need to worry about planning for weather, tides, food or accommodation – the Wilsons team takes care of everything.

To begin this extraordinary adventure, travel to Nelson or Motueka. From there, everything is arranged for you on a journey that can range from half-day excursions to five-day expeditions along the stunning granite coast. These trips can include walking, guided sea kayaking, and boat cruising options.

Overnight trips provide a fully immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the park’s tranquillity after most visitors have left for the day. Three or five-day trips travel between the Wilson’s two beachfront lodges. Guests can choose how active they want to be, then relax with a hot shower in their ensuite room while their hosts prepare a three-course meal featuring local specialities.

After dinner, guests can chat with likeminded travellers, take a romantic beach stroll, or simply wind down to the sounds of waves and birdsong. Start your day with a cooked or continental breakfast to prepare for another day of adventure. Expert hosts and guides assist in designing bespoke itineraries with picnic lunches. abeltasman.co.nz

For independent travellers who value autonomy but still want a touch of luxury with beachfront lodge accommodation, hot showers, meals, luggage transfers, and boat support, there are self-guided walking options available. For those preferring a guided experience, professional guides share the rich tapestry of stories woven throughout the landscape.

Hear about Māori and European settlers who tried fishing, farming, logging, and boat-building on the granite coast. Learn about restoration efforts to regenerate the forest and bring back birdsong to the park. The Wilson’s lodges showcase the region’s unique heritage. Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, built on the same site as their ancestors’ original 1884 home, tells the stories of early European settlement. Torrent Bay Lodge offers a relaxed family holiday cottage ambience, blending modern comforts with nostalgic charm.

If you only have a day or a couple of hours to spare, Wilsons’ Vista Cruise provides swift access to the park. It offers a full range of half-day or full-day options with departures every day from Kaiteriteri. The Vista Cruise service meets the high standards expected by international travellers and is priced for local New Zealanders.

What really sets Wilsons Abel Tasman apart is their commitment to guilt-free indulgence. As industry leaders, they adopt the latest technologies to provide modern comforts while striving to minimise their environmental impact.

With three generations of the Wilson family working alongside their team of professionals, you are guaranteed a warm welcome.