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

  • Day One

    8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide.
    8.30 am
    Packing kayak and briefing.
    10.15 am
    Kayak 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 pm
    Arrive 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 pm
    Dinner and dessert.
  • Day Two - Four

    8.00 am
    Breakfast.

    9.00 am
    Decamp.
    9.30 am
    Kayak the best spots of the park. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks.
    12.00 pm
    Relax and enjoy lunch.
    4.30 pm
    Arrive and set up camp.
    7.00 pm
    Dinner and dessert.
  • Day Five

    8.00 am
    Breakfast.
    9.00 am
    Decamp.
    9.30 am
    Kayak back to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks.
    12.00 pm
    Relax and enjoy lunch.
    3.30 pm
    Arrive 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.    

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

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 more


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 more


Peter C

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There is something very special about exploring the marine reserve ❤️
The park is rich with history. From its early Māori settlement to its naming after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this landscape lends itself to lots of story telling and discovery.
View from the office ain't that bad! Summer days in the Abel Tasman.
Get paddling, we couldn't agree more, and love we are mentioned as one of the 5 best tours to do this summer.
Read about here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer 

@stufftravelnz
Great to make Stuffs five of the best tours to take this summer article. 

Check it out here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer
There are many great things about exploring the Abel Tasman—stunning scenery is just the start! 🏞️ No prior experience? No problem! Our guides ensure you have the skills for an amazing adventure, whether you're a beginner or a pro. 🚣‍♂️✨
Abel Tasman sunrise - nothing short of magical 🌅
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
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#DoSomethingNewNZ
See the Milky Way the way it's meant to be seen—crystal clear and breathtaking🏕️✨
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
#abeltasman
#purenz 
#airnewzealandme
#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
#seakayakingnz
#nelson
#nzmustdos
#natgeotravel
#aatraveller
#straytravel
#lonelyplanet
#flightcentreau
#quantas
#tripadviser
#southislandnz
#explorenz
#DoSomethingNewNZ
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's the most accessible! 🌿 We make exploring it easy every day with a variety of water taxi options to suit your adventure. 🛥️🏞️
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