Embark on an adventure to uncover the secrets of Adele Island and its Seal Colony.
Start with a scenic water taxi ride to Observation beach setting the stage for exploration of the adjacent coastline by kayak.
Paddle out to Adele & Fisherman Islands and observe the antics of the resident New Zealand Fur Seals also known as Kekeno. Keep an eye out for the Little Blue Penguins that often make appearances as well. There is ample time to spend with the playful Kekeno who call the island’s home. This short but sweet tour of the southern end of the Abel Tasman allows ample time to soak up the quintessential Abel Tasman coastline before arriving back in Marahau.
This trip departs at 8:15 am and 11.15 am each day, the description is based on a 11.15 am departure.
Paddling is our business, with all activities supported by our purpose-built kayak base, featuring complimentary showers, wifi, gear 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 Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We also cater lunch designed around your health and energy.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
Price
$230pp
Duration
Half Day
- Check-in: 8:15 am & 11.15 am
- Open:
1 Sept – 30 June
- Food: Includes lunch
- Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 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: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Nov – 30 Apr. Please note we only offer one pick up in the morning and one return in the evening
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
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8.15 amCheck in and meet your guide.8.30 amKayak briefing.9.00 amKayak from Marahau to Observation Beach. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.12 noonArrive Observation Beach.12.15 pmLunch.
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1.15 pmWater Taxi to Marahau.1.30 pmArrive back in Marahau.11.15 amCheck in.11.30 amWater Taxi to Observation Beach.11.45amArrive at Observation Beach and relax before meeting your guide.
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12.15 pmLunch.12.30 pmKayak briefing.1.00 pmKayak from Observation Beach to Marahau. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.4.00 pmArrive back in Marahau.
*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
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.
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
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... read moreWe 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. read less
JackieB1234567
We booked in to do the half day seal sanctuary kayaking in early October 2019, and I’m very glad we did. We had such an amazing day with Abel Tasman kayaks - our guide Nicole was amazing, providing us with really clear and easy instructions, keeping us safe on the water, and sharing her knowledge about the area including its history and wildlife (as well as food and walk recommendations... read moreWe booked in to do the half day seal sanctuary kayaking in early October 2019, and I’m very glad we did. We had such an amazing day with Abel Tasman kayaks - our guide Nicole was amazing, providing us with really clear and easy instructions, keeping us safe on the water, and sharing her knowledge about the area including its history and wildlife (as well as food and walk recommendations for after the tour)! We got to see lots of seals on Tonga island, and Nicole also showed us some other special spots and photo opportunities, followed by a delicious lunch on the beach. The water taxi was great and efficient, and all of the staff were very welcoming, lovely and easy to talk to. I would 100% recommend this tour to family and friends, and would do it again if it was lucky enough to go back to the area! Thanks guys :) read less
Lisa R
Would 100% recommend the seal sanctory tour. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure that we enjoyed our day. We had plenty of time to get photos and have breaks. The lunch provided was super delicious! Everyone I dealt with was really helpful and friendly.
Makamaylaaa