Wilson's Abel Tasman
A guest walking through native bush on the Abel Tasman Coast Track

Our Environment

Operating in a national park comes with responsibility.

Wilsons Abel Tasman works in one of New Zealand's most treasured coastal environments. Conservation, thoughtful visitor access and caring for this place are woven into how we operate every day.

Our Approach

Caring for Abel Tasman, for generations to come.

Since our family first arrived in Nelson in 1841, our connection to this region has shaped how we think about land, community and responsibility.

Over time, we've seen the landscape evolve from early settlement and working land to one of New Zealand's most treasured national parks. As that relationship has changed, so has ours.

Today, caring for Abel Tasman means more than reducing our environmental impact. It means operating thoughtfully, supporting conservation, working alongside local organisations and helping visitors understand the part they play in protecting this remarkable place.

Qualmark Gold Award

Qualmark Gold

Recognition for sustainable visitor operations and an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

Birdsong Trust

Supporting long-term conservation and native biodiversity through one of the region's most significant environmental partnerships.

Tiaki

Tiaki Promise

Encouraging every visitor to care for New Zealand's natural environment, culture and communities while exploring Abel Tasman.

Our Journey

Growing alongside the park.

The way we care for this place has evolved over generations. As the region has changed, so too has our understanding of what responsible tourism looks like.

1841

Our family's connection to the Nelson region begins.

1942

Abel Tasman becomes New Zealand's smallest national park.

1977

John and Lynette Wilson launch the first scheduled visitor boat service into the park.

2005

Early members of the Nelson Tasman Sustainable Tourism Charter.

2007

Founding members of the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust.

2013

First operator in the park to achieve Qualmark Enviro Gold.

2022

Environmental Access Fee conversations begin, helping visitors better understand how their contribution supports the park.

Today

Continuing to improve the way we operate while helping future generations experience Abel Tasman.

Putting Responsibility Into Practice

Sustainability by design.

Environmental responsibility isn't a single initiative. It's reflected in the way we operate, the partnerships we invest in, the conversations we have with visitors and the practical decisions we make every day.

Wilsons vessel at Kaiteriteri

Smarter transport

Our transport network is planned to improve visitor access while reducing unnecessary boat movements and congestion throughout the park.

  • •Efficient vessel design
  • •Coordinated timetables
  • •Working alongside other operators
  • •Better Bus partnership
  • •Great Taste Trail connections
Read our environmental policy
Torrent Bay Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park

Sustainable lodges

Our beachfront lodges are designed to work sensitively within the national park, using practical systems that reduce resource use while maintaining guest comfort.

  • •Solar and hybrid energy
  • •Water-saving systems
  • •Wastewater treatment
  • •Recycling and waste removal
  • •Sustainable purchasing
More on our environmental policy
Native coastline in Abel Tasman National Park

Conservation partnerships

Looking after the park is a shared responsibility. We work alongside conservation organisations, community groups and industry partners to help restore native habitats and biodiversity.

  • •Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust
  • •Department of Conservation
  • •Project Janszoon
  • •Foreshore Scenic Reserve advocacy
Learn about Birdsong Trust
Wilsons guide with guests

Visitor education

Our guides, lodge staff and skippers help visitors better understand the park they're exploring and the role they can play in protecting it.

  • •Tiaki Promise
  • •Environmental Access Fee
  • •Guide interpretation
  • •Responsible visitor behaviour
Read the Tiaki Promise Understand the Access Fee
Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa

Beyond the Park

Supporting our community.

Looking after Abel Tasman also means supporting the people and stories connected to it.

We're committed to employing local people, working with local suppliers, contributing to community initiatives and preserving places like Meadowbank Homestead so future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from them.

Local suppliers

Local employment

Community partnerships

Schools & charities

Abel Tasman coastline from above

Looking Ahead

Our commitment.

We believe it's our responsibility to use resources thoughtfully, protect the environment and create experiences that respect both the land and the people connected to it.

“It's vital to our business that we use all our resources as thoughtfully as possible so we can share the national park without compromising visitors' enjoyment, our values and our environment.”

Darryl Wilson, CEO
Guests exploring Abel Tasman with Wilsons

Experience Abel Tasman with care.

Every visit plays a part in the future of this remarkable place. Discover the experiences, people and landscapes that continue to shape the Wilsons story.

Explore our experiences Learn about our history