Seals, caves, dolphins, rugged coastline, golden sand beaches …they’re out there.

This is a trip where you get to sit back and really take your time.  

As the only company specialising in kayak rentals, enjoy provide a comprehensive safety briefing before heading on your adventure. This covers everything: from packing, kayak technique, weather and planning/modifying the journey, stowage and sea-conditions, map interpretation, to those important emergency procedures.

After a safety briefing you and your kayak  travel North to Onetahuti beach by water taxi. Use your new skills, and information of ‘must see places’ from the briefing and make your way south. Heading for Marahau over four wonderful days with the prevailing sea breeze at your back, the pace is leisurely but packed full of wonder.

Recommended campsites: Night 1 Onetahuti. Night 2 Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 3: Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.

  • Enjoy the luxury of kayaking one way with the sea breeze.
  • Don’t paddle the same coastline twice!
  • Explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its surrounds –  you can go as far as Shag Harbour.
  • Wake up to hear the sea lapping and experience the New Zealand dawn chorus – what a way to start the day!
  • Allow time to rest your paddle and explore by foot some of the coastal track.
  • Seek out those special spots our knowledgeable guides shared at your briefing.
  • Enjoy our purpose built base facilities, which include a hot shower, on your return.

Hut accommodation is available for an additional cost, please contact us to arrange and camping gear can be hired at time of booking if required.

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires). During May to Sept the seabreeze changes to a South to North pattern, we run this trip in reverse.

Price

$391

Duration

4 Days

  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
  • Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Includes: Kayak hire, kayak transfer, passenger transfer and camp pass (Abel Tasman Kayaks books on your behalf)
  • Food: Self catered
  • Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
  • Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
  • Base Map

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

Adele Island / Motuareronui is a predator free sanctuary and home to species such as the South Island Robin/Toutouwai (pictured) and Saddleback/Tieke.

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

NZ fur seals Kekeno can be seen at the northern end of the island.

Seal - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Astrolabe

Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves, rocky outcrops and islands.

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Anchorage & surrounds

Paddle into the calm waters of Anchorage or drift into Torrent Bay Lagoon on a high tide. Optional short walks can be accessed from Anchorage.

 

Pinnacle Island

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.

 

Kaka

Kaka New Zealand’s native parrot have been reintroduced to Bark Bay. They are often heard before they are seen, listen out for their call a harsh, repeated, rhythmic “ka-aa”.

Tonga Island

NZ fur seals Kekeno can be seen on Tonga Island, Tonga Island is in the Marine Reserve.

No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)

Enjoy the dusk and dawn bird chorus as you contemplate your days camping at various campsites.

Explore the lagoons

Torrent Bay Lagoon, Sandfly Bay, Frenchman Bay & Shag Harbour (marker & image) are all great places to explore on a high tide.

After being dropped by water taxi, enjoy the luxury of kayaking one way with the sea breeze.

Night 1 & 2

Mosquito Bay Campsite (20 sites) (water access only) or Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites).

Night 3

Observation Beach Campsite (6 sites) (water access only) or Te Pukatea Bay Campsite (marker) 


Departure Times

Please note the Department of Conservation apply differential pricing between 1st October and 30th April. If you are a New Zealand resident choose the New Zealand Resident price, if you are an International Visitor choose International Visitor price.

Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    8.15am
    Check in and start your kayak rental briefing. The briefing highlights areas of interest in the Abel Tasman National Park, weather forecasts and local conditions, hazards, safety and self rescue.
    10.00am
    On water assessment with guide.
    11.30am
    Water taxi up to Onetahuti.
    Explore the park for the next four days.
    Spend the night at Onetahuti.

  • Day 2

    Spend the night at Onetahuti or Mosquito Bay.

  • Day 3

    Spend the night at Observation Beach or Te Pukatea.

    Day 4

    4.00pm
    Return to Abel Tasman Kayaks’ base.

*Please note this is an estimate of timings base on a 8.15am check-in.

Preparation

Camp pass: Provided at check in.

Kayaking clothes: You’re bound to get wet when kayaking bring some quick drying clothes to paddle in. Shorts, t-shirt (long sleeves are preferable), warm top (wool/fleece), hat, sunglasses and shoes. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel!

Campsite clothing: Warm campsite clothing is essential for the evenings. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, warm top (wool/fleece), trainers and socks, sleeping clothing, rainproof jacket.

Personal items: Such as medication, toiletries, camera (with plenty of film or memory space!), personal drinking bottle, first aid kit, torch, sunscreen and insect repellent.

We provide: Buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddle jacket, paddle, safety emergency flares, waterproof map, water pump and a spare paddle. Additional items in the winter: wetsuits, wetsuit booties.

Food & water: Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey, food tips can be found here. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Dinner  Lunch Dinner
Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks

Cooking equipment: If you plan to cook a hot meal ensure you bring a cooker and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain parts of the park, at certain times of the year. Pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, plates and cups will also come in handy.

Camping equipment: During the evening it can become quite cool in the park so please make sure you pack a tent, camping mat and a warm sleeping bag.

FAQS

  • Can we hire/rent single kayaks?

    No. Due to the safety procedures in place, you cannot hire or rent single kayaks. The exception is if your group size is an odd number where there will be one single kayak provided along with double kayaks. E.g For a group of 3 – 1 x double kayak, and 1 x single kayak, group of 5 – 2 x double kayaks and 1 x single kayak.

  • Environment Access Fee

    Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

    A portion of your ticket price goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the National Park.  Fees are adjusted according to your trip, you can see your contribution when you purchase a ticket.

    Find out more on how we are looking after this special place including our commitment to the Mārahau Pledge.

  • What is the minimum age for renting a kayak?

    Rental customers need to be 14+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

  • Is food included?

    All kayak rentals & kayak & walk rentals are self catered (unless you have opted to add lunch for day 1 at time of booking) the trip description provides suggestions of meals. Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey, food tips can be found here. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.  

     

  • If I am on my own can I rent a kayak?

    It’s possible to join a guided trip if you’re a solo traveller. We will pair you with another guest or a guide. No rentals are available to solo kayakers due to safety.

  • Do I need any previous kayaking experience to rent a kayak?

    While past kayaking experience is desirable, a reasonable level of camping and outdoor skills and water confidence is essential. Before you go out on a kayaking trip you are briefed by a qualified sea kayak guide who is very familiar with the park and will provide you with information about places to go, how far you are likely to get in the time you have and information on safety, weather and sea conditions.

  • Do you hire camping gear?

    Yes, from gas bottles to a full set of gear. It can be booked online at time of booking or over the phone a full list can be found here. These items are subject to availability.

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

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What our customers say

Had the very best time out there today! Amazing foggy completely still and quiet morning! Then some baby seals playing around our boat, amazing! And best of all was our guide - Tom! Thank you so much for this adventure


theaaa1234567

One day walk and 2 days kayaking. Lucky enough to have Dez as a guide - genuinely the best guide I’ve had. Funny, intuitive and so knowledgable. Really cares for his work. Learnt loads. Had a great time doing so and even saw a penguin. The glamping is with an incredible couple who love hosting - definitely buy their pizzas! And the Aquapackers is another amazing couple doing what they... read more


Tomclowes22

Did the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to... read more


weka777

Great half day kayak trip with Georgia and Brody! Lots of good info about the area from them both. It was a bit rainy when we started, but ended up being a really beautiful day complete with seals and a killer beach. Would recommend.


Lauren S

Had a great day out kayaking with our guide, Amber. The day was perfect, I didn't even notice time passing just enjoyed every moment and never felt like any aspect of the day was too rushed or too long. The lunch provided was delicious and we took our time kayaking around Adele island talking about the history, wildlife, and seal spotting. Sounds like there is always something going on there... read more


975caitlinf

Such a great way to spend a day! The hike to Observation beach was great with lots of spots to view the ocean and beaches along the way. Lunch was excellent; I am so impressed with how tasty it was, especially since it was so simple. Our guide Louisa was helpful, knowledgeable and clear in her instructions and was also super friendly, really enjoyed chatting to her along the way.... read more


Sophielouwho

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Paddling during shoulder season: crisp, clear days and fewer crowds. 🚣‍♂️☀️ #QuietAdventures
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Photo credit @whatdoesbassee

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Paddling during shoulder season: crisp, clear days and fewer crowds. 🚣‍♂️☀️ #QuietAdventures . .. ... Photo credit @whatdoesbassee

Keep your 👀 eyes peeled for these guys around the park! At this time of the year, there are a lot of pups around.

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Keep your 👀 eyes peeled for these guys around the park! At this time of the year, there are a lot of pups around.

Our guides provide loads of valuable tips as part of the rental briefing.

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Our guides provide loads of valuable tips as part of the rental briefing.

There are not many places in the world where you start your trip sitting in a boat traveling down the road. ❤️ launching from Marahau.

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There are not many places in the world where you start your trip sitting in a boat traveling down the road. ❤️ launching from Marahau.

Where to next? ❤️ the options in the Abel Tasman.

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Where to next? ❤️ the options in the Abel Tasman.

Paddling in sync 🚣‍♂️ the perfect way to explore the Abel Tasman.

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Paddling in sync 🚣‍♂️ the perfect way to explore the Abel Tasman.

Happy Leap Day! Perhaps these kayakers are catching a glimpse of dolphins leaping on this special day? 🐬🛶

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Happy Leap Day! Perhaps these kayakers are catching a glimpse of dolphins leaping on this special day? 🐬🛶

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