Price
$150pp
Duration
Half Day
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Family (2 AD, 2 Ch):
$540* Special Offer: $460
- Child (7- 12 yrs): $120
- Adult: $150
Embark on a leisurely guided journey from Mārahau’s golden shores to the iconic Split Apple Rock, where nature has carved a perfect granite sphere in two.
Discover the magic of Abel Tasman’s most iconic landmark on this relaxed, family-friendly adventure that’s perfect for kayaking newcomers and time-conscious explorers alike.
As you glide through the turquoise waters, you’ll paddle past sea caves (tide permitting), Nagio Island and encounter the chattering resident shag colony that calls these coastal cliffs home.
The unhurried pace ensures ample moments to soak it all in – the stunning coastal scenery – towering native bush tumbling down to meet pristine beaches, and that picture-perfect view of Split Apple Rock rising majestically from the crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget your camera to capture that perfect photograph of Split Apple Rock!
Pause on the beach to savor a refreshing hot or cold drink while soaking up front-row views of this natural wonder, before paddling back along the same scenic route to Mārahau.
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 Split Apple coastline your professional guide will be with you for around 2 hours sharing stories, local knowledge, and their love for this incredible place – the Abel Tasman.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
- Check-in: 12 noon (pm trip only)
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Minimum age is 7 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 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: $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
Split Apple Rock
Split Apple Rock
Paddling to Split Apple Rock
Split Apple Rock is one of the Abel Tasman’s most iconic sights.
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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12.00 pmCheck in and meet your guide.
12.15 pmKayak briefing.
12.30 pmKayak from Mārahau to Split Apple Rock. Enjoy a snack & refreshments at the beach. Kayak approx 1.5 hours with breaks.
4.00 pmArrive back in Mārahau.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
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.
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 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.
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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
Fantastische ervaring met zeer betrokken gidsen, die weten waar ze het over hebben en dicht bij de natuur staan. Een droom dag gehad!
jaccovputten
We booked by phone the day before at 7 p.m.On the day of the event, all participants sat in the water taxi, which was on the boat trailer and pulled by a tractor. About 300m down the road was the ramp into the sea, where the kayaks needed for our trip were loaded onto the water taxi. It was low tide, the tractor dragged the trailer into the sea until the water depth was reached so that the water taxi could start. The journey to the starting point for the kayak trip took about 20 minutes.There was another briefing, the luggage was stowed away in a waterproof manner, and there was also a waterproof bag for the camera/smartphone.On the kayak route, the guide repeatedly explained history, animals, plants and rocks, so it was never strenuous to paddle.At the end of the kayak trip there were vegetarian sandwiches, cake, fruit, juice and coffee/tea for everyone.The hiking route was easy to do in the time and we made the detour down to Sandfly Beach. The pick-up point for the water taxi was clearly marked and so we were back at the starting point after about 8 hours.
Wilko
If you want an authentic experience, this is definitely the place to go. From the moment we stepped foot into the reception to leaving, every staff member we encountered was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely wanted to help and make our first kayaking experience one to remember. Our guide was Belverre (might be incorrectly spelt sorry). He was knowledgeable, professional and very funny. We had a safety briefing before we went out on the water and felt very safe on the water. Definitely recommend!!
Pou_Havea
Great experience! We saw sea lions and their pups, and had a very easy day kayaking. Unfortunately it rained a lot the previous days so the water was murky, but it was still fantastic. Our guide was great fun and he told us a lot of interesting stuff about the place and its history.
Kiki Gkavogianni
We did a one day freedom kayak and it was one of the best days of my life. I highly recommend the company, the team, and the amazing location. We explored everything in the lower section of the park below the 'mad mile'. I highly recommend taking the time to head south to experience split apple rock close up and the caves and tunnels just to the north of it, especially at high tide. My favourite spot to land and explore was Stream Cove on the east side of Adele Island. On the mainland, we really enjoyed the time at Observation Beach.
Thank you for the great service and fabulous day.
Blake Sigmon
Fab day, all members of my grouped loved it. Including the guide, we paddled out with 6 of us. Emily was a fantastic guide. Whole process was seamless, no waiting around or being unsure. Company provided wind breaker jackets and dry bags. Kayaked out to Split apple rock, had tea/coffee and a break on the beach. Our guide had picnic rugs, extra layers if we were cold, wind proof jackets etc felt like they'd thought of everything to give us a great trip. Timing was great, long enough to have fun and feel like we've had an experience without feeling tired/it going on for too long. Grateful for the hot showers at the end!
LRadford
