The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s only coastal national park – and its golden sandy beaches and clear turquoise water makes it popular. The sheltered bays are popular for cruising, sailing and sea kayaking. On land, the Abel Tasman Coast Track follows the coastline through lush native bush, over limestone cliffs and along golden sandy beaches.

Walking the length of the park requires a 3-5 day walk, kayaking involved too many hours of a repetitive motion for us two old kids with shoulder surgeries in our recent past. Taking a water taxi for a day was an option but did not divert to the seal colonies which we thought was a highlight.

Golden Futures Conservation tours was our winner. A charter boat operator who asked what we wanted to see in the park, and showed us the full length of the park in a way that made total sense. Stew, the owner/operator and a naturalist, used the tides to determine the days itinerary. In low tide we found small tide pools to investigate, or made sure we made it to the backside of a particular island because its highlights were best seen at that time. In high tide there were back bays to be found with the Maori history and stories of their warrior canoes. With mountains, valleys, river plains and all flavors of coastline, Golden Futures promises to keep you captivated. Point yourself in a different direction and discover a new view, don’t forget to bring great cameras.

Stew has a passion for the outdoors. His goal is to promote an appreciation and understanding of nature, to preserve and enjoy it. He manages to explain the impact on the food chain, and weather and importance of original forests and many other concepts at an inter-related conversation. When our goal was to see the seal colony off Tonga Island Marine Reserve (because we read it) Stew knew that the seals had repositioned themselves. (because he lives it every day). Sure enough, he knew exactly where to go. I believe that the opportunity to experience this place with Stew was a joy and a privilege.