Price

$130pp

Duration

Half Day

  • Family (2 AD, 2 Ch): $460*  Special Offer: $390
  • Child (7- 12 yrs): $100
  • Adult: $130

Perfect for families and those wanting a short kayaking experience.

This leisurely and tranquil paddle offers an excellent introduction to both the Abel Tasman, kayaking, and the opportunity to get up close to he  iconic Split Apple Rock. 

Explore the coastline from Marahau to the renowned Split Apple Rock. Paddle past sea caves on a high tide, learn about the shag (Cormorant) colony, and venture to Nagio Island & Split Apple Rock before circling back to Marahau. The unhurried pace ensures ample moments to capture that perfect photograph of Split Apple Rock, all while indulging in a hot or cold drink on the beach, with a stunning view of Split Apple Rock before you.

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 Split Apple coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 2 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman.

Every trip is unique like each of our clients.

Print Itinerary
  • Check-in: 12 noon (pm trip only)
  • Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
  • Age: Minimum 8 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Food: Includes hot and cold drinks & a slice
  • Paddling: Approximately 1.5 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: No
  • Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
  • 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

  • 12.00 pm
    Check in and meet your guide.
    12.15 pm
    Kayak briefing.
    12.30 pm
    Kayak from Marahau to Split Apple Rock. Enjoy a snack & refreshments at the beach. Kayak approx 1.5 hours with breaks.
    4.00 pm
    Arrive back in Marahau.

*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.

What to bring

Please 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.

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

  • 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

Very good briefing to ensure safety etc. Guide was clear and humorous and had lots of knowledge of natural history to make things interesting. Lunch on beach very good, coffee and fruit too. Beautiful coastline and weather was great. We walked back along Able Tasman path, really good. Great way to spend 4-5 hours! Would fully recommend.


11prusom

We hired kayaks and used the park start service to take us into the park to start our trip and book our camping. Our briefing and assessment prior to the trip with Georgia was excellent. Very thorough and informative.Kayak drop off by boat, camp spot and beach pick up we’re brilliant Great experience Thank you Chris and Liane (Uk) Feb 2023


Liane Llewellyn H

Abel Tasman Kayaks have a great interactive online website that caters for all possible adventures whether that's hiking, kayaking or both that vary in duration. The itineraries are clear with the option explore the upper bay area like Tongas Arches (must see). Our camp site was already orgabised by Abel Tasman Kayaks which left us with one job, enjoy the experience! There is plenty of room in the kayak itself... read more


jovitapw

We did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and... read more


stressederic64

These guys are amazing. They made everything so easy. We hired kayaks for the first day, then they organised bag drops to near the huts for subsequent nights, and the water taxi out at the end. They really went the extra mile. We forgot an essential item, and they arranged for it to be dropped off at the next hut. Absolutely brilliant!!!!!!


Kelly C

Full day of kayaking. Numerous Fur seals and birds seen. Beautiful scenery. Louisa was a great guide with lots of information about history, animals, birds, flora, fauna, tides, marine life etc.


96carolyna

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Catching a water taxi is a seamless way to start your day before you explore the at sea level by kayak.
The Abel Tasman is full of fascinating geological wonders—like Cottage Loaf Rock, a quirky rock  that adds a lot of character to this spectacular coastline.
The Abel Tasman is a treasure trove of lagoons—each one a gateway to tranquillity.
Golden light, calm waters, and birdsong set the tone for your next adventure. 🌅🌊🪶
Explore the Abel Tasman Coastline where every paddle stroke leads to a new discovery.
Drifting in the Abel Tasman.
Between Marahau and Anchorage, you’ll find a lot of stunning beaches just waiting to be explored! Whether by kayak or on foot, each one offers its own slice of paradise.
Moss & Lichen might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Abel Tasman, but this park is home to some pretty impressive species.
The quick way to get home 👏
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