This is an incredible journey exploring the full length of the Abel Tasman Coastline from end to end.
Our classic trips serve up everything that is special about the Abel Tasman National Park. Treat yourself to memories you’ll cherish for life.
The Five Day Classic allows time to really get to know the park. Five days in the National Park allows the freedom to showcase the gems of the park on the best tides and weather conditions. We hand pick our most experienced guides who will take you where few others get to go. Our guides have the time to share their depth of knowledge about this beautiful coastal environment. We stay in the best beach side campsites and explore the coast by sea and land. Each trip is unique and we tailor your journey to your interests, the weather and tide conditions.
The 5 Day classic does not have a set itinerary our aim is to introduce you to as many of the following highlights: Fisherman Island, Adele Island, Cleopatras Pool, the Pitt Head Loop Walk, Falls River, Tonga Island,Tonga Island Marine Reserve, various lagoons, Shag Harbour, Awaroa Inlet, the sky walk, and if we’re lucky even Separation Point for the really energetic. And then there are the secret spots… there will be plenty of adventure and relaxation and much more.
Paddling is our business, with all activities supported by our purpose-built kayak base, complimentary hot showers, wifi, equipment storage & client transporters. We also provide high-quality soft gear – fitted for each client by our guides and high-quality hard gear – customised for comfort for each client.
On this trip you have a professional guide with you for 5 days sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. This is a fully catered trip which includes all meals and snacks for the journey. Highlights include fresh plunger coffee, local wines beer and juices, we cook with seasonal ingredients and where possible we source them locally. Vegetarian and dietary requirements can be catered for, please ask at time of booking.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
If we don’t have a date open please give us a call on 64 3 527 8022 or click here to send us an email.
Current open dates, we open these on demand with a min of 4.
Wed 6 Nov 24
Thurs 12 Dec 24
Thurs 16 Jan 25
Sat 1 Feb 25
Sat 15 Feb 25
Price
$1800pp
Duration
5 Days
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
- Food: Fully catered
- Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Yes – optional short bush walks
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Departure Times
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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Day One
8.15 amCheck in and meet your guide.8.30 amPacking kayak and briefing.
10.15 amKayak out from Marahau to explore the southern end of the Abel Tasman. Total kayak time approx 4.5 hrs including lunch and breaks.
4.30 pmArrive and set up camp.
Awaroa to Onetahuti, 1 hr 30 min, (4-5 km)
Highlights: Skinner point lookout, Goat Bay, Awaroa Lagoon, Tonga Saddle, boardwalk prior to Onetahuti beach.
Arrive Onetahuti campsite.
7.00 pmDinner and dessert.
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Day Two - Four
8.00 amBreakfast.
9.00 amDecamp.
9.30 amKayak the best spots of the park. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks.12.00 pmRelax and enjoy lunch.
4.30 pmArrive and set up camp.
7.00 pmDinner and dessert.
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Day Five
8.00 amBreakfast.
9.00 amDecamp.
9.30 amKayak back to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks.
12.00 pmRelax and enjoy lunch.
3.30 pmArrive Marahau and unpack gear. Enjoy showers and refreshments at the Abel Tasman Kayaks base.
*Please note this is an estimate of timings and based on our summer 8.15am check-in. There may be times when this trip will be reversed.
What to bring
Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, a change of clothes, camera and any medication. Evening: Long pants, t-shirt, warm top (wool or fleece), trainers and socks, rain proof jacket. Personal: Toiletries, sleeping bag (we can provide this), torch.
We provide
A double sea kayak, buoyancy vest, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras, 2 person tents, thermarest inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags if required, plates, cutlery, cups, gas cookers, filtered water, all meals, accommodation in beachside campsites and of course an awesome Abel Tasman Kayaks guide.
FAQS
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Environment Access Fee
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
A portion of your ticket price goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the National Park. Fees are adjusted according to your trip, you can see your contribution when you purchase a ticket.
Find out more on how we are looking after this special place including our commitment to the Mārahau Pledge.
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What is the minimum age for guided kayaking?
Guided customers need to be 12+. Under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult for all tours excluding Split Apple Classic. The age for Split Apple Classic Guided is 8+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
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Is food included on our tour?
Lunch is included on all our guided tours except the Split Apple Classic. It is one of the great reasons to go on a trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks. Summer lunches are a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack, fruit, fresh plunger coffee and local juice. In winter we offer hot seasonal soup, home made bread rolls, fresh plunger coffee and local juice. Vegetarian and dietary requirements can be catered for, please ask at time of booking. Two, Three & Five Day Classic’s & Source to Sea are fully catered. Two Day & Three Day Tiki Tour trips require some catering by you. Check out the trip description to see what meals are required.
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More FAQ’s
A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.
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What our customers say
Did the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to... read moreDid the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to offer and had an absolutely fantastic time camping in stunning secluded scenic spots. There was even time to get a bit of hiking done to explore more of the park. The ocean going kayaks are of a high standard and easy to paddle and navigate. Our first one developed a small tear in the side, but the company was super quick in getting a replacement out.
Our amazing guide, Nicole, was very friendly, outgoing, and professional, and really engaged with our small group of 7 who were mostly kiwis. Nicole has an enthusiastically passionate knowledge of the Abel Tasman National Park, including its history, wildlife and nature, and the best spots to see as well as being an amazing host, cook, tour guide and skilled kayaker. Truely couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us this stunning part of New Zealand. Thanks again Nicole! :)
Our group got along really well together and we really enjoyed our time with them. Everyone did their part to help run the camp, get the kayaks going, and keep the wekas at bay which made for an easy going experience. The catering was excellent with ample food and refreshments. All the camping gear is provided, and is of good quality. We packed way too much of our own stuff, but now know for next time.
Weather was perfect except for the last day where it got a bit rough causing us to capsize, for the only time, just meters away from the finish. However, all part of the fun experience and made the hot shower at the end feel so much better.
Truely one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. Can’t wait to come back! read less
weka777
Find the time to put this trip on your bucket list, but more importantly make the time to take the trip so it's not on the list anymore. We did the 5 day kayak trip with ATK- Kyle was our guide and I can't think of a way we could have enjoyed the trip more.(oh, wait ...if I had zero sandfly bites...) Not Kyle's fault and still not a detractor... read moreFind the time to put this trip on your bucket list, but more importantly make the time to take the trip so it's not on the list anymore. We did the 5 day kayak trip with ATK- Kyle was our guide and I can't think of a way we could have enjoyed the trip more.(oh, wait ...if I had zero sandfly bites...) Not Kyle's fault and still not a detractor for this wonderful trip. I kayak in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and have wanted to explore this part of New Zealand for years. I had a hard time trying to decide if the three day or five day trip would be best....Soooo glad that I booked the five day and would tell anyone thinking about this experience to find the extra two days in your life and commit to the 5 day trip. It really let us explore so much more of the park and the actual paddling was not difficult if you have done at least some paddling before hand. If you paddle regularly than you'd be silly to not take the five day trip. My other concerns going in were the food, and that the itinerary seemed quite vague on all the websites from ATK. Well both of those concerns were a joke looking back. I'd guess most people gain a few kilos on the trip as the food was really well done, lots of options, and even more quantity than eveyone in our trip would ever eat.(Pretty much every dinner Kyle would have to go find hungry backpackers to share our extra's with)(Find hungry backpackers was never a problem!). The itinerary concern I was creating in my head, I'm embarrassed to say I should have figured out in advance. The reason is that the guides for the five day trips have their act together and balance the trip to weather, tides, ability of the group, etc... and then due to a high number of places to go and camp- take you to the best places based on all the data. I spoke with many other people about if how our group operated was unique (no), if the other guides were as good (yes) (however I'm keen to think Kyle was phenomenal anyway). We had great weather for the entire trip, wind was a factor a couple times, but our guide Kyle adjusted his timing and it all worked out. Other key parts that make this a 5/5; The shuttle bus driver was already waiting for us on our early morning pick up from Nelson..and we were early, he was also very professional and fun. The office staff were quick to provide answers to questions from pre trip, to check in, to departure afterwards. The nice little food kiosk on site had great coffee to help launch us, and they had nice treats to eat after the journey. The equipment was in decent condition and the guide was very well equipped with supplies, radio, and plans for pretty much anything. I brought along several friends on this trip and ATK made this trip exceptional for everyone of us. I really could not say enough complementary things about how well organized, thoughtful, prepared, and professional their team we experienced was. Best use of five days of my life ever!
Highlights- Our guide Kyle and the trainee( he had for first day and a half), food, variety of marine life, swimming, clean toilets at campsites. read less
Peter C