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 |
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:
