Affordable, Comfortable & Unique Backpackers Hostel Accommodation in the Abel Tasman

Aquapackers started off as a charter boat company in 1999. We offered fishing, scuba diving and scenic charters in New Zealand's scenic Abel Tasman National Park and Marlborough Sounds, with our original boat 'PARORE' , an old WW2 Navy Patrol boat built for the NZ Navy in 1943, in Seattle.

We started providing backpacker hostel accommodation on board during the 2000/2001 summer season as a way to keep the boat busy between charters.

Backpacker accommodation on board the PARORE in the Abel Tasman National Park quickly became a very popular option for backpackers looking for affordable, comfortable and unique accommodation in the Nelson region.

In August 2003 we purchased the 'ETOSHA' and spent the next 2 months completely refurbishing her specifically for use as hostel accommodation and renamed her 'CATARAC'.

Now in our 10th season Aquapackers is a well established and very popular accommodation for visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand's beautiful South Island.

Aquapackers is owned & operated by locals, myself Chris Waide and my father Gordan.

We were born and raised in the area and are happy to share our local knowledge to make your holiday here in New Zealand's Abel Tasman, a memorable one.

Call Chris on 0800 430 744 or Email: chris@aquapackers.co.nz