This stunning trip is carefully timed with the tides, allowing you to experience the Abel Tasman’s Marine Reserve at its absolute best.
As mother nature ebbs and flows, so too does this dynamic journey—delivering a rich, ever-changing adventure along the coast.
Explore tidal inlets alive with movement and marine life. The park’s sculpted granite coastline provides the perfect environment for sea creatures large and small, and offers a truly immersive paddling experience. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one of just three operators authorised to view marine mammals from sea kayaks at Tonga Island—giving you an exclusive opportunity to observe NZ fur seals (kekeno) in their natural habitat.
This is our premier one-day kayaking experience, shaped by the rhythm of the tides—offering the very best of the Abel Tasman’s natural beauty and wildlife encounters.
We offer two route options based on the tide:
Start: Awaroa | Finish: Bark Bay
Begin your day with a water taxi ride to Awaroa, where your kayak journey kicks off with a visit to Shag Harbour*—a secluded tidal inlet unlike any other in the park. Paddle south through the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where you’ll encounter playful seals and dramatic coastal scenery. Stop for a picnic lunch on a golden beach, then continue to Tonga Arches and the calm lagoons that define the heart of the park, finishing your trip at Bark Bay.
Start Onetahuti/Finish Anchorage
Paddle from Onetahuti out to Tonga Island to see New Zealand fur Seals, Kekeno. Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands, tranquil lagoons and everything that’s special about the heart of the Abel Tasman. Enjoy lunch at this beach, before heading to Anchorage. Finish at Anchorage and return to Mārahau by water taxi.
Start: Onetahuti | Finish: Anchorage
Launch from Onetahuti and paddle out to Tonga Island to see kekeno up close, before continuing south with the breeze at your back. Discover headlands carved by time, peaceful lagoons, and vibrant coastal life. After a beachside lunch, paddle on to Anchorage, where your adventure concludes with a scenic water taxi ride back to Mārahau.
All of our trips are supported from our purpose-built kayak base, where you’ll have access to complimentary hot showers, Wi-Fi, secure gear storage and carparking, and client transport services. We provide top-quality soft gear, expertly fitted by our guides, along with top-quality kayaks and equipment tailored for your comfort and safety—so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
On this trip covering the Tonga Island Marine Reserve coastline your professional guide will be with you for around 8 hours sharing stories, local knowledge, and their love for this incredible place – the Abel Tasman. We cater morning tea and lunch designed around your health and energy.
Start & finish points based on the tide timetable.
Start & finish points based on the tide timetable for the summer season 2026 – 2027 can be found here.
