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.

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.
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.
Louisa

Kia ora, I'm Louisa and I'm from Papakaio, Otago.

I am passionate about sharing my enthusiasm for the outdoors and conservation. I am proud of the journey I am on. One of my favourite experiences in the national park would be kayaking with a pod of dusky dolphins.
Roy

Kia ora, Ko Roy tōku ingoa, Nō United Kingdom ahau.

My association with Abel Tasman National Park goes back more than 19 years. I have worked in the national park for more than 10 years. I'm passionate about our environment, rivers, seas and animals found here. I am proud of achieving a Bachelor's Degree in Aquaculture and Marine Conservation at a local study center. My favourite part about the Abel Tasman area is the connection of people. Between both staff but also guests who are able to connect from different parts of the world.
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 :)
Balveer

Kia ora, Ko Balveer tōku ingoa, Nō Uttarakhand, North India ahau.

My association with Abel Tasman National Park goes back to 2015. I have worked in the national park for 4 years. I'm passionate about learning in all aspects of my life. I am proud of the decision I took to come to New Zealand. My favourite things about the Abel Tasman is the nature, sun, beaches. But ultimately it feels like home and I love running on the great walk track. Namaste.
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.
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.

About Us

Our Team

What our customers say

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