Seal Sanctuary Tour

Price

$260pp

Duration

Half Day

Discover the playful world of New Zealand fur seals, kekeno and encounter Abel Tasman’s most charismatic marine life on this thrilling half-day kayak adventure.

Your journey begins with a scenic water taxi ride to Observation Beach, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters and set the perfect stage for your coastal exploration. From here, you’ll paddle out to Adele and Fisherman Islands, home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals, kekeno.

Watch in delight as these play, lounge on sun-warmed rocks, dive gracefully through the turquoise waters, and perform their entertaining antics just meters from your kayak. Keep your eyes peeled for the charming Little Blue Penguins who often make surprise appearances, adding an extra touch of magic to your wildlife encounter.

As you paddle back along the coastline to Mārahau, you’ll be treated to views of native bush-clad headlands, secluded golden beaches, and the waters that make Abel Tasman truly special. This perfect blend of up-close wildlife encounters and stunning coastal scenery creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Departs daily at 8:15 am and 11:00 am. This description reflects the 11:00 am departure.

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 Astrolabe coastline your professional guide will be with you for around 4 hours sharing stories, local knowledge, and their love for this incredible place – the Abel Tasman. We also cater lunch designed around your health and energy.

Every trip is unique like each of our clients.

Print Itinerary

Check-in: 8:15 am & 11.00 am
Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
Food: Includes lunch
Age: Minimum age is 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio
Paddling: Approximately 2 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
Abel Tasman Great Walk: No
Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
Bus: $80 Nelson return, $40 Motueka return operating 1 Nov – 30 Apr. Please note we only offer one pick up in the morning and one return in the evening
Media Pack:
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Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

Adele Island / Motuareronui is a predator free sanctuary and home to species such as the South Island Robin/Toutouwai (pictured) and Saddleback/Tieke.

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

NZ fur seals Kekeno can be found at the northern end of the island.

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

Water Taxi

Scenic water taxi ride setting the stage for exploration of the coastline by kayak.

Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches and islands.

Using the water taxi makes for a great half day of exploring the Southern end of the Abel Tasman.

Beyond-belief beautiful — the southern Abel Tasman

Full Park Map

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

8.15 am

Check in and meet your guide.

8.30 am

Kayak briefing.

9.00 am

Kayak from Mārahau to Observation Beach. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.

12 noon

Arrive Observation Beach.

12.15 pm

Lunch.
1.15 pm

Water Taxi to Mārahau.

1.30 pm

Arrive back in Mārahau.

11.00 am

Check in.

11.15 am

Water Taxi to Observation Beach.

11.45am

Arrive at Observation Beach and relax before meeting your guide.
12.15 pm

Lunch.

12.30 pm

Kayak briefing.

1.00 pm

Kayak from Observation Beach to Mārahau. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.

4.00 pm

Arrive back in Mārahau.

*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.

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.

What to bring

Personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, a change of clothes, cameras and any medication.

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 in all our guided tours, except for the Split Apple Classic, making it one of the many reasons to join Abel Tasman Kayaks. Summer lunches are a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack and fruit. We also provide fresh plunger coffee, tea and local juice; however, drinks are not included on the Earth Sea Sky trip due to timing. 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

What a fabulous half day paddling with AT kayaks after 3 days walking the track. Tachelle was a top notch guide who definitely knows her stuff and was also passionate about sharing info on the local birds, seals and Mārahau history. Thanks Tāwhirimatea for keeping an eye on the weather for us. Especially after a rather blustery previous day walking where we had seen what it could be like paddling without a guide!! We loved the opportunity to explore via the kayak, some caves a peaceful estuary and Adele Island. We even got a swim in at the Observation Bay lunch stop. Great lunch too. Having walked heaps the last 3 days we opted to water taxi back. So fortunate to live in this beautiful country “ Living our best lives in our 60’s.

Glenys B

Had a half day kayak with Balveer. He was friendly and informative and catered well to the needs of our small family group. Aside from talking about the area, he was a really interesting guy just to talk to. My son loved chewing the fat with him.

mlb209

Great half day kayak trip with Georgia and Brody! Lots of good info about the area from them both. It was a bit rainy when we started, but ended up being a really beautiful day complete with seals and a killer beach. Would recommend.

Lauren S

Abel Tasman Kayaks - awesome experience. Idyllic conditions, amazing views and great guide. Alatea (or Aowtea) was an amazing guide. He was fun, informative and skilled. We had a wonderful morning tour - saw the fur sea lions and a delicious lunch and swim at the end. The colour of the water, the beautiful mountains around us made for a fantastic trip. Highly recommend.

Tania W

Outstanding 1/2 day out. Great gear and really nice staff. Best kayak company in New Zealand and would highly recommend them.

Lancs33

We booked the Seal Sanctuary tour and were not disappointed. We saw many seals on our trip and then explored some of the coastline in the park before lunch. Our guide Nicole was knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife as well as providing ideas of what to do for the afternoon and in other cities in NZ that we planned to visit. I would definitely recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks if you are planning a trip to this area.

JackieB1234567

Social-ready photos & video

Complimentary lunch

Price

Duration

Discover the playful world of New Zealand fur seals, kekeno and encounter Abel Tasman’s most charismatic marine life on this thrilling half-day kayak adventure.

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

Water Taxi

Departure Times

Itinerary

We Provide

What to bring

FAQS

Guided Kayak Tours

Split Apple Classic

Kayak Rentals, Walking Tours

1 Day Kayak & Walk

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Seal Sanctuary Tour

Social-ready photos & video

Complimentary lunch

Price

Duration

Discover the playful world of New Zealand fur seals, kekeno and encounter Abel Tasman’s most charismatic marine life on this thrilling half-day kayak adventure.

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

Water Taxi

Departure Times

Itinerary

We Provide

What to bring

FAQS

Other trips you may like

Guided Kayak Tours

Split Apple Classic

Kayak Rentals, Walking Tours

1 Day Kayak & Walk

What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

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