About Wilsons Abel Tasman
Nine generations on one coastline.
Where it starts
Long before Wilsons existed as a company, the Newth and Snow families had already arrived on this part of the Nelson coast, in 1841.
Generations later, in 1979, after storm damage cut off the usual way in, John and Lynette Wilson started running a boat called Matangi into Abel Tasman National Park. That one launch is where the business begins, even though the family's connection to this coastline goes back much further.
Read the full storyWhat grew from it
What started as a single boat run is now a fleet, a network of guided walks and kayak trips, and two lodges tucked inside the park itself.
Meadowbank and Torrent Bay sit right on the coastline guests come to see. Still family-run, still built around getting people into the park rather than just past it.
See the fleet
The people
Guides, skippers and lodge hosts, many with decades here between them.
Several are the latest in those nine generations on this coastline. They're the ones who'll meet you at the wharf and know which beach will be quiet that day.
Meet the teamThe values
Running tours inside a national park comes with responsibility.
Wilsons contributes through the Environmental Access Fee and supports the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust's habitat and pest-control work, and asks every visitor to travel under the Tiaki Promise: care for the land, the sea, the culture and the people who call this place home.
See how we look after it
Planning a visit, or just want to talk to someone who knows the park well?
Get in touch