This stunning trip has been tailored around the tide timetable timetable to explore the marine reserve to the fullest. As mother nature ebbs and flows so does this trip. Experience the magic of the tidal inlets. The park’s rocky coastline is a haven for a myriad of marine life and is a fascinating place to explore. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one of only three operators authorised to undertake marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks at Tonga.
Start Awaroa/Finish Bark Bay
Starting at Awaroa, courtesy of our water taxi transfer, visit Shag Harbour, a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman. Then paddle south, focusing on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its playful inhabitants – the NZ fur seal, Kekeno. After a picnic lunch on one of the beautiful beaches visit Tonga Arches, exploring south along the carved granite coastline through to the tranquil lagoons and golden sand of the ‘heart of the park’ to 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 Marahau by water taxi.
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 covering the Tonga Island Marine Reserve coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 8 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We cater a snack and lunch designed around your health and energy.
Start & finish points based on tide timetable
Price
$300pp
Duration
1 Day
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
- Food: Includes lunch
- Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: No
- Water Taxi: Two water taxi cruises
- 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.
Itinerary
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8.15 amCheck in and meet your guide.8.30 amWater Taxi.
Awaroa - Bark Bay
9.45 amArrive Awaroa.10.00 amKayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks. -
Awaroa - Bark Bay
1.15 pmEnjoy lunch in the Onetahuti area.3.30 pmArrive Bark Bay.3.45 pmWater Taxi to Marahau.Onetahuti - Anchorage
9.30 amArrive Onetahuti.9.45 amKayak from Onetahuti - Anchorage. Total kayak time approx 4 hrs with breaks. -
12.30 pmEnjoy lunch in the Bark Bay area.3.45 pmArrive Anchorage.4.00 pmWater Taxi to Marahau.4.30 pmArrive back in Marahau.
*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, swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, a change of clothes, cameras and any medication.
We Provide
A double kayak, buoyancy vest, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras 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
Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and brought lots of positive energy.
The views were amazing, we saw lots of wildlife and with the high tide we paddled through 3 beautiful lagoons.
The lunch was also delicious!
Saraandaaron
The guide really makes it or breaks it when you are out on an all-day tour like this and we really lucked in by having Daz. He made sure to keep us safe, well-informed about our interesting surroundings, and laughing! This tour is so well done and even though the weather wasn't ideal (windy and gloomy), it ended up being an absolutely fantastic day to be out on the water.... read moreThe guide really makes it or breaks it when you are out on an all-day tour like this and we really lucked in by having Daz. He made sure to keep us safe, well-informed about our interesting surroundings, and laughing! This tour is so well done and even though the weather wasn't ideal (windy and gloomy), it ended up being an absolutely fantastic day to be out on the water. We saw sea lions, lots of bird life, and rays. We also loved the lunch stop with a waterfall and cave to explore, as well as the saling!!! But, just paddling along enjoying the landscape was a lovely way to see the Abel Tasman NP. We'll cherish the experience! Thanks a bunch to Daz and the rest of the Abel Tasman Kayaks team! :) read less
trailingaway
SIMPLY DO IT!! I can't heap enough praise on this full day trip. If the tides are on your side, start from Awaroa Bay and kayak past the seals to Shag Harbour. This place is not to be missed - a beautiful peaceful natural harbour that is just incredible to experience. On our trip the winds were right and we were able to join the kayaks together and sail to... read moreSIMPLY DO IT!! I can't heap enough praise on this full day trip. If the tides are on your side, start from Awaroa Bay and kayak past the seals to Shag Harbour. This place is not to be missed - a beautiful peaceful natural harbour that is just incredible to experience. On our trip the winds were right and we were able to join the kayaks together and sail to our next bay. And then the highlight for us - while resting at Mosquito Bay, we heard about 2 nearby orcas. There was a mad scramble to get out on the water to then have the delight of 2 orcas swimming past us. Superb.
Daryl was our guide and he was simply excellent and kept us well topped up with "home made" chocolate chip cookies. The service was brilliant all day and the provided lunch was delicious.
None of the other kayak companies go this far in to the National Park which meant we were alone for much of the trip.
As I said before... JUST DO IT!! read less
Superpear
We kayak along the splendid Coast of Abel Tasman National park for over 2 hours then we stopped for lunch at the magnificent onetahuti beach. Daryl was our tour guide; he was really nice cool fun and let us stopped and take as many pictures as we wanted and explained us very well the history of the Abel national park .
Bilalifestyle
We had a brilliant time on our Abel Tasman Kayaks trip. We had Darryl looking after our group (my partner and me, a family and a single). He was very competent, entertaining and also really knowledgeable about the birdlife, bush, sealife and history of the area. He also adapted the day based on the conditions to ensure we had the best possible time. The kayaks were in good nick... read moreWe had a brilliant time on our Abel Tasman Kayaks trip. We had Darryl looking after our group (my partner and me, a family and a single). He was very competent, entertaining and also really knowledgeable about the birdlife, bush, sealife and history of the area. He also adapted the day based on the conditions to ensure we had the best possible time. The kayaks were in good nick and we felt safe and well briefed. The day was particularly special as Darryl and my partner were in cahoots - he proposed on the beach when we stopped for lunch. The day would have been awesome regardless though!! Thanks Darryl and the team for our great trip :D read less
laura_25252
Absolutely loved it
I had never ever done Kayaking and got into it as my birthday gift from Sachin, my husband.
Amazing, spectacular and must do !! Excellent well organised and fantastic location with great guides like Whitey and Georgia who were patient and skilled. Loved all the local stories Whitey shared with us….
Would rate this is the best adventure to date I have done read moreAbsolutely loved it
I had never ever done Kayaking and got into it as my birthday gift from Sachin, my husband.
Amazing, spectacular and must do !! Excellent well organised and fantastic location with great guides like Whitey and Georgia who were patient and skilled. Loved all the local stories Whitey shared with us….
Would rate this is the best adventure to date I have done read less
Smita and Sachi... S
