Guided Tours

Full Day tours

 

No two journeys are the same...we offer a comprehensive portfolio of day trips. Our interpretation of the environment is renowned and gives you the knowledge to see beyond the obvious beauty. Join us for one of special day trips.

Kayak and Walk - $105 pp


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Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

This trip showcases the Bird Sanctuary of Adele Island and our continued contribution to the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

A great combination to see some of the stunning southern parts of the park.

Outstanding value! This leisurely one-day journey gives you a big serve of the Abel Tasman. Warm up with an easy walk along the coastal track discovering scenic outlooks, clear streams and native bush. Incredible views over Anchorage and the Astrolabe Islands make great photo opportunities before the short descent to Watering Cove.  Once on the beach, tuck into one of our great lunches before embarking on your guided kayak adventure back to Marahau. Live the day!.

Please note this trip may run in reverse.


Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Check-in: 8.30am (1 Oct - 30 Apr)
9.00am (1 May - 30 Sep)
Open: Open all year
Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary
Food: Includes lunch
Paddling: Approximately 2 hours
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: No, but an unguided walk of 3.5 hours
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return
Boat: No

 

Adele Island Birdsong Tour - $129 pp


Map

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

This trip showcases the Bird Sanctuary of Adele Island and our continued contribution to the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust

Our most eco trip!

Great Southern paradise! This trip is our most environmentally friendly on offer. The forest-fringed Astrolabe offers 12 stunning golden sandy beaches to explore. The highlight of this trip is cruising past Adele Island, now predator free due to the efforts of Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust (partnered by Abel Tasman Kayaks). Adele Island once again produces a cacophony of bird sound that is unique to the Island and as this trip is 100% paddle power you are reducing your carbon footprint. If conditions permit, kayak-sail back into Marahau on the afternoon sea breeze.

Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Check-in: 8.30am (1 Oct - 30 Apr)
9.00am (1 May - 30 Sep)
Open: Open all year
Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary
Food: Includes lunch
Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: No
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return
Boat: No

Seals & Remote Coast - $225 pp


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Marine Permit

Scroll over icon for more information on how Abel Tasman Kayaks holds only one of three commercial permits to view marine mammals on our kayaking tours!

Our best one day adventure combining all our favourites!

Join u and we will take you to a treasure trove of our special spots. Starting the tour at Awaroa, courtesy of our Aqua Taxi transfer, allows us to visit Shag Harbour* a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman. We then paddle south, focusing on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its playful inhabitants - the NZ fur seal, Kekeno. After a great picnic lunch on one of the seven beautiful beaches we'll paddle past delightful rock sculptures and peaceful lagoons to our final destination at Bark Bay Beach. The best thing abut this trip is that ou see plenty of seals and very few fellow kayakers - hence the name of trip.*Tide dependent

Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Check-in: 8.30am
Open: 1 Nov - 31 Mar
Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary
Food: Includes lunch
Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: No
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return
Boat: Two Aqua Taxi cruises

Tonga Island Seals & Guided Walk - $225 pp


Map


Marine Permit

Scroll over icon for more information on how Abel Tasman Kayaks holds only one of three commercial permits to view marine mammals on our kayaking tours!

Get close to nature on this once in a lifetime adventure!

A scenic Aqua Taxi ride north from Marahau to the endless golden sands of Onetahuti where you begin your day. From here journey out into calm blue waters of the sheltered bay and head out to witness the spectacle that is the seal colony of Tonga Island! Kekeno (seal) are a true delight to watch. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Blue Penguin or two! Next we paddle south past the sculptured granite coastline, tidal lagoons and luxuriant native bush. After your lunch swap your paddle for your walking shoes and enjoy your guided walk down to Torrent Bay. This section of the track crosses the Falls River swing bridge and the famous fairy glade. Your guide will help interpret the New Zealand flora and fauna. Highlights include the natural history of this picturesque area, uses of many of the native trees in the park including Maori medicinal uses. It is very likely you will see the New Zealand fantail Piwakawaka. You finish your walk at Torrent Bay where you will board the Aqua Taxi and cruise back to Marahau.

Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Check-in: 8:30am - (1 Oct - 30 Apr)
9:00am - (1 May - 30 Sep)
Open: All year (please see our winter version of this trip at the end of the page)
Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary
Food: Includes lunch
Paddling: Approximately 1.5 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: Yes approximately 2 hours
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return
Boat: Two Aqua Taxi cruises

Seal Swim - $179 Adult $130 child


Map


Marine Permit

Scroll over icon for more information on how Abel Tasman Kayaks holds only one of three commercial permits to view marine mammals on our kayaking tours!

Seal Swimming Adult: $179pp, Child: $130pp
Seal Watching Adult: $90pp, Child: $70pp

Join these playful and curious creatures at close quarters in their environment at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Our low impact, eco-friendly swim allows these beautiful animals to respond in their own way. The trip includes a return Aqua Taxi ride from Marahau to Tonga Island, a guaranteed hour swim with the seals. With small group numbers your experience will be engaging and personal. The Abel Tasman Seal Swim is true magic!

Duration: Approx 5 hours
Check-in: 8.30am, 10am, 11.15am or 1pm (tide dependant check timetable - will be updated end of April 11)
Open: 9 Dec - 29 Apr
Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary, need to feel comfortable swimming
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return (on 8.30am, 10am & 11.15am check-in)
Boat: Two Aqua Taxi cruises

Tonga Island Seals and Unguided Walk (Winter Only) - $190pp


Map


Marine Permit

Scroll over icon for more information on how Abel Tasman Kayaks holds only one of three commercial permits to view marine mammals on our kayaking tours!

Our most popular trip with a twist! Many clients have requested a half day guided seal kayak tour, and an unguided half day walk . . . we're happy to oblige!

A scenic Aqua Taxi ride north from Marahau to the endless golden sands of Onetahuti where you begin your day. From here journey out into calm blue waters of the sheltered bay and head out to witness the spectacle that is the seal colony of Tonga Island! Kekeno (seal) are a true delight to watch. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Blue Penguin or two! Next we paddle south past the sculptured granite coastline, tidal lagoons and luxuriant native bush. After your lunch swap your paddle for your walking shoes and enjoy an unguided freedom walk south to Torrent Bay. This section of the track crosses the Falls River swing bridge and the famous fairy glade. It is very likely you will see the New Zealand fantail Piwakawaka. You finish your walk at Torrent Bay where you will board the Aqua Taxi and cruise back to Marahau.

Duration: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Check-in: 9.00am
Open: 1 May - 31 Oct
Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 16 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
Prior Experience: Not necessary
Food: Includes lunch
Paddling: Approximately 1.5 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: Yes approximately 2 hours
Bus: $20 Nelson return, free Motueka return
Boat: Two Aqua Taxi cruises