• Seal Sanctuary Tour

    Seal Sanctuary Tour

    Also includes:

    • Media Pack included

      Social-ready photos & video

    • Packed lunch included

      Complimentary lunch


    Book Now

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:

    Free social-ready images and video

  • Base Map

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.
Seal - Abel Tasman Kayaks

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


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.

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What our customers say

Sehr nette Leute, die einen ausführlich beraten und Entscheidungshilfen geben. Der Ablauf ist reibungslos und man fühlt sich gut aufgehoben. Während der Wassertaxi-Fahrt oder der Kajaktour gibt es interessante Infos über die Gegen, Flora und Fauna


Viksu B

This was an absolutely amazing experience! Would do it again in a heartbeat! The service we received was excellent and all the staff were wonderfully welcoming. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed both the hike and the kayaking and could not decide which of the many highlights of this day, was our favorite. The scenery is just gorgeous! I can highly recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks. Thank you, Jack and Mitchell, for making this a truly unforgettable day.


Kathleen

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


Lancs33

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

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

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

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the excitement of what’s ahead.

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Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the excitement of what’s ahead.

Most days out here are sunny and golden ☀️ — but every now and then, the rain rolls through. And honestly? It still makes for an awesome trip. 🌧️🌊

The colours pop, and the adventure vibes crank up a notch. Rain or shine, it’s always a good day to explore the Abel Tasman.

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Most days out here are sunny and golden ☀️ — but every now and then, the rain rolls through. And honestly? It still makes for an awesome trip. 🌧️🌊 The colours pop, and the adventure vibes crank up a notch. Rain or shine, it’s always a good day to explore the Abel Tasman.

Golden light, calm seas, and a coastline waking up in the most magical way - and a fresh brew makes it even better. ☕💛🌅✨

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Golden light, calm seas, and a coastline waking up in the most magical way - and a fresh brew makes it even better. ☕💛🌅✨

Happy New Year! ✨ If you’re looking to change it up in 2026, start with an adventure that gets you outside, moving, and inspired.

Swap screens for coastline, deadlines for tide lines, and step into a year where you choose adventure, and the unforgettable. 🌊🌿

Let’s make this the year you explore more.

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Happy New Year! ✨ If you’re looking to change it up in 2026, start with an adventure that gets you outside, moving, and inspired. Swap screens for coastline, deadlines for tide lines, and step into a year where you choose adventure, and the unforgettable. 🌊🌿 Let’s make this the year you explore more.

Explore the Abel Tasman in all its duality — even from the water. 🌿🌊
Where lush bush drops right down to sea level, and every paddle stroke takes you between two worlds.

📍Abel Tasman National Park

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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

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Explore the Abel Tasman in all its duality — even from the water. 🌿🌊 Where lush bush drops right down to sea level, and every paddle stroke takes you between two worlds. 📍Abel Tasman National Park . .. ... #abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

Seasons Greetings from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks.

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Seasons Greetings from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks.

Our Sea Bear kayaks are built for adventure — stable, comfortable, and designed to glide smoothly along the Abel Tasman coastline. 🌊🐻

Perfect for multi-day journeys, they carry everything you need while keeping you steady through changing conditions. Whether you’re crossing open bays or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks are all about confidence and capability on the water.

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Our Sea Bear kayaks are built for adventure — stable, comfortable, and designed to glide smoothly along the Abel Tasman coastline. 🌊🐻 Perfect for multi-day journeys, they carry everything you need while keeping you steady through changing conditions. Whether you’re crossing open bays or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks are all about confidence and capability on the water.

Kayaking out the inlet with the push of the tide — nature giving you a little tow on the way to your next adventure. 🌊🚣‍♂️✨

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Kayaking out the inlet with the push of the tide — nature giving you a little tow on the way to your next adventure. 🌊🚣‍♂️✨

Getting ready for another day in paradise ✨

📍Abel Tasman Kayaks

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Getting ready for another day in paradise ✨ 📍Abel Tasman Kayaks

Golden sands, calm seas, and a kayak ready for adventure.

📍Abel Tasman Kayaks, Abel Tasman National Park.

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Golden sands, calm seas, and a kayak ready for adventure. 📍Abel Tasman Kayaks, Abel Tasman National Park.

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