Sea kayaking for the first time, I opted for a short introductory half day. It was beautiful, fun and rewarding. The guides were excellent, group "sailing" was an unexpected fun activity that saved energy and lunch on the beach after was tasty, filling and relaxing. Water taxi back including being towed (while still in the boat) by a tractor.
Jo-Anne K
An adventure activity needs to balance two things a sense of energised fun with a serious attitude towards safety.
ATK is always fun to work with the teams have a great sense of humour and make the day a positive and highly personable experience from the moment you check-in. to the moment you leave. In other words, is a classic Kiwi experience. However, that is tempered with providing timely instruction... read moreAn adventure activity needs to balance two things a sense of energised fun with a serious attitude towards safety.
ATK is always fun to work with the teams have a great sense of humour and make the day a positive and highly personable experience from the moment you check-in. to the moment you leave. In other words, is a classic Kiwi experience. However, that is tempered with providing timely instruction reminding you subtly that adventure activities need everyone involved to manage risk and respect those risks.
The soul food excursion is very clever you work your way around islands noiselessly so surprise surprise the wildlife doesn't disappear as it does when confronted with diesel engines and jet boats.
The coastline is fascinating and an experienced guide like Tim puts you in the right place at low tide and high tide and anywhere in between at the optimum moment.
Kayaking 15 K is tiring and it's great to stop on a Beach and enjoy a generous lunch and the classic Kiwi sandwich experience not to mention naughty brownies and chocolate truffles!
it's easy not to cover the basics but the start and finish are executed with great efficiency so you get into the trip quickly and get off home quickly which enables the really memorable part to stay in your mind.
I look forward to more well-executed fun with ATK!
Please note this excursion was carried out on 1/1/2020 TA has not updated their calendar options yet. read less
Michelle J
We did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach,... read moreWe did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach, it had fascinating kaka (cheeky native parrots recently released into the wild there). There is a cold (public) beach shower at both locations which was an unexpected bonus to freshen up after a dip in the sea. Anchorage was a grassed canpsite next to another stunning golden beach with interesting caves at the end, lovely for a quiet evening explore when the beach was almost empty despite being peak season. We were blessed with perfect weather and the trip was very well organised with high safety and environmental standards. Non kiwis might need to be aware the sea is not tropical island warm in early Jan, but is fine if you’re used to cooler sea swimming (and if not, take a deep breath and do it.)
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet. read less
Greer7
Such an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness... read moreSuch an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness and not experienced kayakers but we managed the kayaking just fine. Highly recommend doing the kayak/walk split as it was a great way to break it up and it was beautiful out on the water. Also very impressed with our pickup crews boating skills - it was a VERY choppy day on pick up, but they operated like a well oiled machine to get us and our gear safely on the boat. Abel Tasman Kayaks were great and really helpful and I would certainly recommend using them. Overall a great experience, good camping facilities (some with flushing toilets!) and incredible views. Make sure to check the tidal crossings and watch out for Wekas!! read less
Amelia R
We did a combo kayak and sailing trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks and Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. We LOVED the kayak portion of our trip! Our guide was super knowledgeable, and since our group moved quickly, we were able to see seals, stop on Adele Island and listen to the birds, and explore different portions of Abel Tasman via kayak. We had the best time — a great activity for... read moreWe did a combo kayak and sailing trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks and Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. We LOVED the kayak portion of our trip! Our guide was super knowledgeable, and since our group moved quickly, we were able to see seals, stop on Adele Island and listen to the birds, and explore different portions of Abel Tasman via kayak. We had the best time — a great activity for spring in Abel Tasman! read less
S7322DWandreac
Full day of kayaking. Numerous Fur seals and birds seen. Beautiful scenery. Louisa was a great guide with lots of information about history, animals, birds, flora, fauna, tides, marine life etc.
96carolyna