When paddling in paradise is your business, it doesn’t seem like 34 years since pioneers Tom and Ingrid Horne took a beat up 1946 Ford truck, some borrowed river kayaks, and launched New Zealand’s very first sea kayak company in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman Kayaks has grown into one of our country’s premier tourist experiences, with over 150 double and single kayaks, a purpose-built home base in Marahau, dozens of guides with over 225 years combined expertise, and thousands of deeply satisfied customers.

Sea kayaking is such a unique, low impact way to explore the beautiful golden beaches, peaceful coves and lagoons, offshore islands, wildlife and the native forest fringing our granite coastline! We offer a seamless kayak product from return transport to/from Nelson or Motueka, purpose-built kayak base, water taxi with seating configured to start your kayak trip as soon as you board our boat.

We have continued to lead the way with a strong commitment to high safety standards and experienced guides with incredible passion and extensive local knowledge of the park. As the owner of Abel Tasman Kayaks, I feel privileged to have our team introduce this beautiful place that we call home.

Jack Kelly

Our Team

Every day the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks offers a seamless kayak product which is delivered by a dedicated team of industry legends who keep delivering and expanding on the promise of the very first trip we operated from Marahau to Fisherman’s Island in 1986. Our guides and safety instructors are chosen for their outgoing, warm personalities and their natural enthusiasm for the environment. They come from all walks of life. Their love of adventure and people is invigorating and they return to the Abel Tasman year after year to share this unique coastline with you. They say it doesn’t feel like work, working in this beautiful environment but more like a day with great friends. We are proud to say we have world class guides and instructors who will share their passion for the Abel Tasman. All instructors are certified through NZOIA or have equivalent qualifications.

Darryl

Kia ora, my name is Darryl but people call me Daz.

I'm from Riuwaka and my association with the Abel Tasman National Park goes back to my first summer in 1989 working as a guide in the park. I have just started my 30th season. I'm passionate about loving, life and sailing. Something I'm super proud of is the first successful solo circumnavigation of Rakiura/Stewart Island. What I like most about the Abel Tasman is the water, rocks, sand trees, birds....basically everything.
Jezza

Kia Ora my name is Jeremy. I have worked in the Abel Tasman Park for 13 years. I love sharing this special place to all visitors enjoying the pristine coastal line and breath taking lagoons.
Isaac

Kia ora, I’m Isaac from West Auckland.

I have been guiding in the Abel Tasman for 9 years, mostly with ATK. I have guided kayak and rafting trips around Aotearoa, as well as Canada and Norway, but I keep coming back to the Abel Tasman because I am convinced it is one of, if not THE most beautiful place in the world. I am proud to be part of the team that opened nearby Motueka’s first ever youth centre over this part winter, and I am looking forward to spending another summer season in this beautiful area!
Louisa

Kia ora, I'm Louisa and I'm from Papakaio, Otago. I have been involved in tourism the last decade and this will be my 8th summer in the Abel Tasman. The sense of community and passion for the environment and the space and knowledge I get to share about the importance of protecting it has led me to keep coming back to Abel Tasman Kayaks. Here for the environment and the team that help makes it all happen.
Awatea

Kia ora, I'm Awatea and I'm a local here from Motueka.

My association with the Abel Tasman area goes back to 2012 when I stayed with my friend at their batch in Torrent Bay. I am passionate about living my best life. One thing I'm super proud of achieving is the Whenua iti Outdoor Leaders Award. A couple of favourite memories of the national park is sleeping on the beach during a full moon at Onetahuti, my year 9 camp at Anchorage and practicing my rolls there too.
Mark

Hi I'm Mark. The Abel Tasman national park has been my second home for over fifty years and I have been guiding trips in it for the last thirty. I love it and love to share that with others.
Jazz

Kia Ora my name is Jazz and this is my 6th season guiding in the Abel Tasman. I am extremely passionate about the region and everything it has to offer. My strong love for the outdoors has led me to some amazing work and travel opportunities but there really is no place like home! I look forward to facilitating your trips through the park or joining you for a day on the water!
Tom

Kia Ora I’m Tom, my turangawaewae is here in Marahau.

I am immensely passionate about many things in life and in particular this amazing place we get to live and work in. I love being able to share that with all kinds of people I meet along the way! I have been working in this industry since I was 15 and year after year my love and enthusiasm grows for it so can’t wait to show you how simply epic this place is!!!
Henry

Kia Ora my Name is Henry and I’ve called the Able Tasman home the entirety of my life.
I’ve recently began my journey into working in the outdoors but I’m no stranger to it, I’ve been engulfed by a deep love and respect for it since as long as I can remember . My passion and enthusiasm for this place is ever growing and so is my desire to share it.
Tom – Head Operations Manager

Kia ora, Ko Tom tōku ingoa, Nō Wales ahau.

This is my 4th year working in the national park and it all started when I was visiting a friend here for Christmas. I had no idea that I would still be loving it and currently enjoying the best summer of our lives. I'm passionate about music and surfing. I'm most proud of leaving the United Kingdom with no idea where I'm going – it was a leap of faith. The people in the Abel Tasman area are what I like the most.
Christian

Hi, my name is Christian, they call me CK. Im the owners son so I feel like its my destiny to be here. I have grown up in and around the Abel Tasman and the kayak base used to be my home growing up. I feel as though the park is ingrained into my soul and I love giving other people the opportunity to find themselves within the national park. You will see me in the office all summer, so come in and have a chat.
Maria – Marketing Manager

Kia Ora, I'm Maria. Totaranui is my favourite place in the park. I love kayaking, walking, camping and exploring that part of the park with my family - whether it’s summer or any time of year! One of the things I truly appreciate about my role is the strong team culture, which is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from clients.
Kieran

Kieran, aka “Kezza,” is an English/Kiwi sea kayak guide. He has been guiding and teaching sea kayaking since 2013 and has worked all over New Zealand and parts of Australia and most recently Norway Being enthusiastic and passionate about the outdoors, Kieran also has some great banter and some horrible dad jokes.
Gareth

Kia ora I'm Gareth originally from New Forest in England.

I am passionate about the sea, sun and sand and how it provides a fun and safe environment for everyone. Something I'm super proud of achieving is representing New Zealand in sailing and recently changing my life to live in the Abel Tasman. My favourite Abel Tasman experience – being at Onetahuti by myself and watching the sunrise.
Nicole

I have been guiding in both the Abel Tasman and Norway for 8 years summers/winters.

I have a passion for the outdoors and being able to share this stunning place with people from all over the world.

Since having my first daughter I have taken on the challenge of being an operations manager here at Abel Tasman kayaks.
Although I rarely paddle the waters now, I enjoy assisting with the organization of making sure everyone enjoys their adventure in the national park. Tell me all about you trip! You'll find me in the office :)

About Us

Our Team

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

About Us

Our Team

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

<img src="https://www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/abel-tasman-logo-white.svg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" decoding="async" />