We did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach,... read moreWe did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach, it had fascinating kaka (cheeky native parrots recently released into the wild there). There is a cold (public) beach shower at both locations which was an unexpected bonus to freshen up after a dip in the sea. Anchorage was a grassed canpsite next to another stunning golden beach with interesting caves at the end, lovely for a quiet evening explore when the beach was almost empty despite being peak season. We were blessed with perfect weather and the trip was very well organised with high safety and environmental standards. Non kiwis might need to be aware the sea is not tropical island warm in early Jan, but is fine if you’re used to cooler sea swimming (and if not, take a deep breath and do it.)
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet. read less

Abel Tasman Kayaks deserves ++++++ for their exceptional customer service, communication and professionalism. They made my tramping experience possible with transfers, gear rentals, baggage storage, boat taxi to the trail, and expert advice. They support kayaking AND tramping experiences at Abel Tasman. Every time I requested something, I was always... read moreAbel Tasman Kayaks deserves ++++++ for their exceptional customer service, communication and professionalism. They made my tramping experience possible with transfers, gear rentals, baggage storage, boat taxi to the trail, and expert advice. They support kayaking AND tramping experiences at Abel Tasman. Every time I requested something, I was always met with a “yes”. They were timely and very organized at the start of my trek managing multiple groups simultaneously. I was happy with the quality of their gear. I was even offered a much needed hot shower and the ability to recharge electronic devices upon return from my four day tramp. I was impressed by every staff member that I interacted with. I cannot recommend this business highly enough. read less

We all knew that the trip would be special when we needed more coffee and salami on the first day, and our humble guide Roy (or “Lolli” in Australian) announced that we would be getting “better than average” salami after being grilled about the quality. Our 3-day classic was completely brilliant, with excellent company, excellent food, excellent weather, excellent adventures, and better than average salami (which was excellent too). Roy... read moreWe all knew that the trip would be special when we needed more coffee and salami on the first day, and our humble guide Roy (or “Lolli” in Australian) announced that we would be getting “better than average” salami after being grilled about the quality. Our 3-day classic was completely brilliant, with excellent company, excellent food, excellent weather, excellent adventures, and better than average salami (which was excellent too). Roy knew his stuff, and willingly shared his knowledge of all aspects of the history, the aquatic and marine life, the birds, the flora, the geology, and much more.

Shag Harbour was an absolute highlight, though so too was Cleopatras Pool (and the extra climb/canyoning trip beyond), but the entire coastline made it all pretty special, especially with Roy’s inside knowledge of the best places to go. Throughout the journey we were fed exceptionally well, with plenty of tasty food and drink, and the efficient organisation from start to finish reassured us all that we were not only in safe hands, but above average hands. A big shout out to Bal for the first two days (with the larger group), too.

In summary: a very professional adventure with plenty to see and do, and with expert knowledge to add greater value to the whole trip, and which made it very memorable. Highly recommended. read less

We booked the Park Start which is a 3 day and 2 night trip which starts by taking a water taxi up to the Northern part of the National park where you’re dropped off enabling you to kayak back to Marahau with the wind behind you! The kayaks are spacious with lots of room for tent, other camping equipment and clothes for the trip, and the compartments in the boat... read moreWe booked the Park Start which is a 3 day and 2 night trip which starts by taking a water taxi up to the Northern part of the National park where you’re dropped off enabling you to kayak back to Marahau with the wind behind you! The kayaks are spacious with lots of room for tent, other camping equipment and clothes for the trip, and the compartments in the boat are pretty much water tight. Abel Tasman Kayaks provide a dry bag and big plastic bags if you need them to keep your things dry. They also do a good safety briefing to get you started before you go including a practice paddle on the water. The company booked our campsites which made life easier and the map provided of the coastline is really useful. My only criticism would be that we had to be at the site at 8.15am for a briefing but didn’t actually get our water taxi until 11.30 so felt like we were missing out on time when we could’ve been on the water. All in all an excellent company and way to explore Abel Tasman national Park. read less

This was a beautiful way to experience Abel Tasman and get close to the wildlife in the area. I did a tour that went the full day. We ended up doing good 4h of active kayaking, broken up by lunch and a few other stops. Gear and snacks/lunch were super tasty and the guides even packed up hot drinks (tea/coffee) for the beach. We had great sunny weather but it... read moreThis was a beautiful way to experience Abel Tasman and get close to the wildlife in the area. I did a tour that went the full day. We ended up doing good 4h of active kayaking, broken up by lunch and a few other stops. Gear and snacks/lunch were super tasty and the guides even packed up hot drinks (tea/coffee) for the beach. We had great sunny weather but it was still quite challenging to be rowing all day — as I was solo, I was paired with another traveler and found the two of us had to work quite hard. If one or both in your group aren’t strong kayakers the full day could be quite challenging (I consider myself fairly fit but was definitely wiped by the end). I considered doing the multi day tour but am glad with my choice! Would definitely recommend the full day tour as it was a great, lowkey way to see the bay, but be warned you will likely get quite a workout with the Soul Food option! (I didn’t mind as it made me feel like I really earned a cold beer at the end of the day). read less

Wij hebben gekozen voor een hele dag kajakken, zonder de wandeling, om zo meer van het Marine Reserve te kunnen ontdekken. Na een korte introductie konden we op pad. De watertaxi naar het beginpunt was al beter dan verwacht. De gids nam er alle tijd voor en liet ons al het één en ander zien waar we door het getij wellicht later niet mee bij konden.

Daarna volgde een korte... read moreWij hebben gekozen voor een hele dag kajakken, zonder de wandeling, om zo meer van het Marine Reserve te kunnen ontdekken. Na een korte introductie konden we op pad. De watertaxi naar het beginpunt was al beter dan verwacht. De gids nam er alle tijd voor en liet ons al het één en ander zien waar we door het getij wellicht later niet mee bij konden.

Daarna volgde een korte uitleg over de kajaks en het peddelen en mochten we onszelf te water laten. Onze gids vertelde veel over de natuur, planten en dieren, die daar leven. De tocht was relaxed, maar we konden toch ook lekker door varen. De lunch was uitstekend en we hadden hier ruim de tijd om te relaxen. Het was een kleine groep en dat maakte het nog persoonlijker. Zeker een goede keuze!!! read less