Abel Tasman Backpackers FAQ

1. Is Aquapackers a party boat?
   NO! Aquapackers is a great place to socialise and enjoy the peace and quiet of the evenings and early mornings. It is a condition of our Department of Conservation Concession to operate that we keep night noise to a minimum.
2. Do you sell alcohol?
   No but you are welcome to bring your own (BYO).
3. Can I drive to Aquapackers?
   You CAN NOT drive to Aquapackers. The road ends in Marahau where there is plenty of free car parking. From there you will have to make your own way up to Anchorage Bay. (link to location)
4. How do I get onto the floating backpackers?
   Aquapackers will meet you on Anchorage Beach anytime between 4 - 6.30pm. We have a blue inflatable boat to ferry passengers to and from our floating backpackers.
5. Does our floating backpackers GO anywhere?
   Yes, we go to Bark Bay every 3 days to fill up with fresh water, charge the batteries etc.
6. Do I need a Department of Conservation (DoC) pass?
   No, not when you stay on Aquapackers or at our cottage. You only need a DoC pass when you are staying in a DoC hut or DoC campground. You do not need a DoC pass if you are just walking the track.
   
7. Once we are on board the boat are we stuck on board?
   No. We normally encourage people to stay on the beach as long as they like but if you are on board and want to go ashore, one of our staff will take you in one of the blue inflatables.
8. What does Aquapackers provide?
   Aquapackers provides a BBQ dinner, a basic breakfast and bedding.
9. What time is dinner?
   Normally about 7pm.
10. Do you cater for vegetarians, vegans and allergies?
    We DO cater for vegetarians in our normal menu. If you have any allergies please inform us at the time of booking. We are SORRY but we don't cater for vegans however if you are a vegan you are welcome to bring your own food and use our kitchen facilities.
11. What's for dinner?
    A delicious BBQ dinner: marinated steak, beef sausages, coleslaw, rice salad and a spicy vegetarian pie.
12. What time is breakfast?
    Breakfast in on from 7am until about 9am.
13. What's for breakfast?
    We offer a continental breakfast of cereal, toast, tea, coffee.
14. What do I need to bring?
    Your basic over night stuff, toiletries, towel, change of cloths.
    Swim suit.
    Lunch for the next day depending on what you are up to.
    Some money if you want a soft drink or snack/nibbles.
    Whatever you may need for the following days activity.
15. Is Aquapackers child friendly?
    Yes, Aquapackers is child friendly.
16. When is this unique Abel Tasman accommodation open?
    Aquapackers is open from 23rd September till sometime in April after Easter.
17. Can Aquapackers help me with activities in the Abel Tasman?
    Aquapackers staff can book water taxi or kayak trips for you while you are on board.
    We're happy to advise you of the tide times if your Abel Tasman walk involves a tidal crossing.
18. Can I book the whole boat?
    Why not book the whole boat for group functions?
19. What forms of payment do you accept?
    We accept cash, Visa or Mastercard.
20. What's mobile phone coverage like in the Abel Tasman?
    There is no mobile phone service in the Abel Tasman unless you're on top of a high hill. So why not relax and enjoy it?
21. How do you get all your supplies out here?
    We have a supply boat, so at least every 3 days we take all the rubbish, dirty laundry, etc. out by boat and bring fresh food, clean laundry, fuel, etc back in.
22. How DID you get permission to operate your business in the Abel Tasman NP?
    When we started in 1999 it was easier to get a Commercial Operating License from the local council. Now however, the Department Of Conservation administers all of the commercial operators and will not issue any more licenses.
23. Why are there houses in the Abel Tasman National Park?
    The whole of the Abel Tasman National Park used to be privately owned and was donated to the government in 1942. However there were some bits of land that remained in private ownership, mainly Torrent Bay and Awaroa but there are also a few others around the coast as well.
24. How long do people normally stay?
    Normally 1 or 2 nights but some enjoy it so much they stay 6.

Cancellation policy:

Cancellation within 48 hours prior to stay - no refund.
Cancellation due to very bad weather (e.g. kayak trip cancelled) - rebook or cancel with no penalty.
We may ask for a 50% non-refundable deposit for group bookings and for peak season Christmas holidays - February.