• The Park For all Seasons

    The Park For all Seasons

Famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular scenery New Zealand’s smallest and most accessible national park is a quietly beautiful place to explore. Kayaking here is considered the best in New Zealand and the coastal track is part of the New Zealand Great Walk network. Whatever time of the year, option or combination of options you choose the Abel Tasman National Park will leave lasting memories.

Kayaking times and distances

The Abel Tasman has roughly 50 kms of coastline to explore. Unguided kayakers can explore from from Marahau to Shag Harbour, those wanted to go beyond Shag Harbour need to be on a guided trip. The below times are paddling times for experienced kayakers in calm conditions and without stops.

Marahau to Observation Beach 2 hrs
Observation Beach to Anchorage 2 hrs
Anchorage to Bark Bay 2 hrs
Bark Bay to Onetahuti 2 hrs
Onetahuti to Awaroa (guided only) 2 hrs
Awaroa to Totaranui (guided only) 2 hrs

Walking times and distances

The Abel Tasman has a coastal walking track and a more remote inland track. Walking sections of the coastal track can be integrated with sea kayaking along the Abel Tasman coastline. Department of Conservation advertises the following walking times:

Marahau to Anchorage Hut  3.5 hrs 11.5 kms
Anchorage Hut to Torrent Bay    
High tide route 1.25 hrs 4.0 km
Low tide route 20 mins 0.9 km
Torrent Bay to Bark Bay 3 hrs 7.8 km
Bark Bay to Onetahuti 2.5 hrs 6.1 km
Onetahuti to Awaroa Hut 1.5hrs 5.3 km
Awaroa Hut to Totaranui 1.5 hrs 5.5 km
Totaranui to Whariwharangi 3.5 hrs 7.5 km

The Park For all Seasons

Climate

The Nelson Tasman region generally gets the annual most sunshine hours in New Zealand. Winds can occur during any time of the year and can affect kayaking itineraries and timing. Autumn and early winter are generally calmer.

Day Night
Summer (Dec-Feb) 22 Degrees 13 Degrees
Autumn (Mar-May) 18 Degrees 8 Degrees
Winter (June-Aug) 13 Degrees 3 Degrees
Spring (Sept-Nov) 17 Degrees 7 Degrees

Current weather and forward forecasts can be viewed:

NIWA National Park forecast

Abel Tasman coastal forecast

Short forecast for Abel Tasman area

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Camping in the Abel Tasman ❤️
The Abel Tasman coastline has a lot of variety.  In some spots, the lush bushline is down to the sea, while in others, it steps back. No matter where you are, it’s always spectacular. ✨🏞️
Help out this great project @projectjanszoon  are running.

Robin (kakaruai or toutouwai) are making a comeback in the Abel Tasman National Park. After an absence of about 30 years they’re now being seen occasionally on the coast track. 
 
Project Janzoon have just launched their citizen science project – Report a robin – in order to get people telling us about their robin sightings, and talking about the wonderful birdlife in the Park.
 
If you have been or about to go in the park report your sightings via the Abel Tasman App – Have you seen this section ; or via www.janszoon.org/reportarobin ;  Jot down the nearest trap number, looking for the numbered triangles.
Waking up on a beautiful beach - what's not to love, especially if someone has made you a cuppa!
The Abel Tasman National Park is teeming with wildlife, from the playful NZ fur seals to the charismatic kākā. 🐦🦭 Head to the northern section of the park for a chance to encounter these unique, endemic New Zealand treasures in their natural habitat!
We're nearly a quarter of the way through the century—2025 starts tomorrow! 🎉 Is exploring the stunning Abel Tasman on your bucket list for the year ahead?
Did you know there are two main islands in the Abel Tasman to explore, Adele Island & Tonga Island but there are a few more unknown one's that are fun to kayak past.
Merry Christmas from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks. 🎄
Marahau boasts one of the largest tidal ranges in New Zealand! 🌊 This unique feature adds an extra layer of adventure to every kayak trip that includes a water taxi as you experience the dynamic rhythm of the tides during your landing and departure.
Embracing that 'yes' moment .... ❤🛶
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