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 Mārahau, 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 Mārahau 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.

Tom – General Manager

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

I first came to the Abel Tasman in 2016 to visit a friend for Christmas and never really left. I started out making sandwiches, moved into kayak guiding, stepped into operations, and now I’m the General Manager. I had no idea I’d fall in love with this place — or end up calling New Zealand home — but here we are.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with a guitar or a surfboard in hand (when their is surf). What keeps me here, though, is the people. The Abel Tasman community is something special, and it’s the best part of what I get to do every day.
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.
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 :)
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.
Zac

Kia ora, my name is Zak.

I have worked in the Abel Tasman for around 10 years, but who really knows.

You’ll quickly learn about half of what I say will be jokes.

I have guided in and out of New Zealand as a sea kayak guide but these days I am an operations manager and stay put on the land.

You will find me in the office and likely get my assistance when you are booking online or over the phone.

I don’t need an excuse to bring up my Lord of the Rings knowledge and outside of work you will find me at the gym, my second home.

Looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your experience at the end of the day.
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.
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.
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.
Tom

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

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.
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.
Edouard

Kia Ora, my name is Edouard and I am from Gaspe, Canada. I look forward to sharing my passion for sea kayaking. I have been involved in the Adventure Tourism Industry in Canada for the past 7 years. It feels surreal to be in Aotearoa and to paddle this beautiful coastline! One thing for sure, Abel Tasman Kayaks really seems like the place to be! This summer is going to be amazing! So, come on down and visit us!
Henas

Chur! My name is Henas.
After a 6 year hiatus I’m back in my homeland to guide at Abel Tasman Kayaks again.
I love the small subtleties of the Abel Tasman National Park and the way the water and trees dance.
I use mountaineering, skiing, trail running and kayaking to access the incredible environments and terrain we have here on this beautiful planet.
Sam

Kia ora! Ko Sam toku ingoa.!
This is my first season guiding in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, and I’ve already fallen in love with the place. I first came here earlier in the year with an Adventure Tourism class, and although the weather wasn’t the best, seeing the wildlife, geology, and history inspired me to come back for the summer. While sea kayaking is one of my passions, I also love canyoning and mountaineering, as well as tramping (or hiking if you’re not from New Zealand). I am also very passionate about giving others opportunities to explore these stunning places.
Nga Mihi!
Sam M

Hi! My name’s Sam.
If I’m not paddling or daydreaming, you can find me with my nose in a book. After half a decade kayak guiding in the best part of the USA, I feel incredibly lucky to continue my career here in the jewel of Aotearoa. From the evergreens of my home to the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman, I love getting people connected to their true home in the natural world. Rain or shine, there’s no bad days in the Park! Kia Ora!
Ollie T

Kia ora kautou!
This is my first season here in the Abel Tasman.
The Abel Tasman is wild place and a dream come true.
I’m stoked on anything outdoors, but sea kayaking is my passion!
I studied adventure tourism at NMIT and keen to test my skills out on the water.
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.
Glenn (Cuz)

Kia Ora, I'm Glenn (Cuz)

I grew up in Mārahau with the Abel Tasman as my backyard, so it was probably inevitable I’d end up working on the water. I started with Jack over 25 years ago as a kayak guide, but it didn’t take long to discover I’m not exactly a natural-born kayaker. A motorised version suited me much better—so these days you’ll find me behind the wheel as a skipper, where I can actually go in a straight line.

Since then, I’ve spent countless hours on the ocean in and around the Abel Tasman. I’ve competed in Waka Ama at a regional level and even paddled the Cook Strait, but what I love most is sharing this place with others and helping them have the best experience possible out on the water.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the mountains hiking or hunting—seeing this beautiful region from yet another perspective.
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.

About Us

Our Team

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

About Us

Our Team

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

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