Conservation & Community

Project Janszoon

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles and Kaiteriteri Kayaks are heavily involved with supporting Project Janszoon. Since 2013, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles has donated more than $45,000 ‘in kind’ by subsidising water taxi transport for schools and students to carry out conservation work in the Abel Tasman National Park!

Project Janszoon is a privately funded trust set up to restore and preserve Abel Tasman’s rich wildlife for all to enjoy. It is a team effort involving conservationists, iwi, locals, scientists, tourism operators and volunteers. Together we’re making a difference.

Project Janszoon (named after explorer Abel “Janszoon” Tasman) was launched in 2012 with the generous support of New Zealand couple Neal and Annette Plowman, who have since established the $100 million philanthropic NEXT Foundation. Project Janszoon has committed millions over 30 years to make transformational change in the Abel Tasman National Park. Project Janszoon is unique – this was the first time philanthropists had offered to partner with a government department to restore the ecology of a national park.

The trust aims to reverse the trend of ecological decline in the park. We’re working with iwi, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the community-led Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust to put things right. Together we’re getting rid of pests and weeds, bringing back native birds and bush, and inspiring a culture of care for Abel Tasman.

Abel Tasman Tree Collective
Whitebait Connection
Experiencing Marine Reserves

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles and Kaiteriteri Kayaks have been involved with the Tree Collective since its inception in 2017. Our guests have donated via our website, well over $1,000 to the Abel Tasman Tree Collective and this will continue to grow as visitors become more aware of the impact of travel and tourism.

The Abel Tasman National Park is a jewel in New Zealand’s tourism crown. It is the main drawcard for visitors to the Tasman Region, sustaining revenue and employment for many tourism operators, accommodations, retail and service providers. In this time of dwindling resources and increasing environmental awareness, visitors to the region who come for our out-standing natural values are rarely offered a chance to mitigate the impact of their activities with tangible solutions in the local environment.

The Abel Tasman Tree Collective aims to pioneer a culture of philanthropy from the park’s international guests, directly funding the planning, eco-sourcing, propagation, planting and maintenance of native tree restorations in local protected areas.

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles and Kaiteriteri Kayaks have donated well over $46,000 since 2013 to the Abel Tasman BIrdsong Trust. We have also been involved since its inception in 2011.

The objectives of the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust are:

To preserve native flora and fauna in Abel Tasman National Park.
To enhance the Park and its environs for recreation and enjoyment by residents and visitors now and in the future.
To promote the sustainable management of resources in the Park and its environs.

The Vision:

The forests and beaches of Abel Tasman are once again filled with the birdsong that awakens and delights visitors.

Kia whakaoho te mauri o te Ata-hapara. Kia rongo, Kia Kite, Ki te reo koro tui o Te Tai tapu

Charity Cruises

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles has partnered up with the Motueka Rotary Club to operate charity cruises circumnavigating d’Urville Island. This has raised well over $100,000 and all proceeds have gone to local organisations such as, Nelson Tasman Hospice, Jack Inglis Community Hospital, St John, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, ROMAC and the Motueka Community Swimming Pool.

Schools and Education

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles have donated and subsidised School Groups and Students, water taxi transfers into the Abel Tasman National Park to experience nature and explore the beauty of this special place. Since 2013, well over $270,000 has been subsidised to make the water taxi transport affordable for students to understand more about the National Park & Conservation.

Environmental Access Fee

Helping us to protect the natural environment

The Environmental Access fee (EAF) will come into effect on the 1st of October 2022. The EAF supports the local community’s efforts to improve the Abel Tasman National Park.

This fee directly improves the park for future generations by;

Improving tracks, infrastructure, and amenities within the Abel Tasman National Park.

Supporting ongoing visitor impact monitoring conducted by the Department of Conservation.

Supporting charitable trusts such as Project Janszoon and Abel Tasman Bird Song Trust. These fantastic organisations are getting rid of pests and weeds, bringing back native wildlife and bush, and inspiring a culture of care for the Abel Tasman.

Helping to reduce the carbon footprint while traveling in the park.

The EAF is not commissionable, therefore this fee stands separately from any rates provided. Fees are calculated for each tour and are usually around $5 – $10 per person.

We thank you for supporting this community environmental initiative.