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.
Price
$130pp
Duration
Half Day
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Family (2 AD, 2 Ch):
$460* Special Offer: $390
- Child (7- 12 yrs): $100
- Adult: $130
- 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
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12.00 pmCheck in and meet your guide.
12.15 pmKayak briefing.
12.30 pmKayak from Marahau to Split Apple Rock. Enjoy a snack & refreshments at the beach. Kayak approx 1.5 hours with breaks.
4.00 pmArrive 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
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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
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
Such an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness... read moreSuch an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness and not experienced kayakers but we managed the kayaking just fine. Highly recommend doing the kayak/walk split as it was a great way to break it up and it was beautiful out on the water. Also very impressed with our pickup crews boating skills - it was a VERY choppy day on pick up, but they operated like a well oiled machine to get us and our gear safely on the boat. Abel Tasman Kayaks were great and really helpful and I would certainly recommend using them. Overall a great experience, good camping facilities (some with flushing toilets!) and incredible views. Make sure to check the tidal crossings and watch out for Wekas!! read less
Amelia R
we had a great time with this company on the ocean and when we camped . before you go i would check what you are going to eat .
eaterofallthingsgood
My husband and I did the 2-Day Classic kayaking tour with ATK. It was a tremendous highlight of our trip! We were led by Liana who was a wonderful, knowledgeable and highly skilled facilitator. She was professional and engaging from beginning to end. Her knowledge of the surroundings was very impressive - she could spot animals from very far away and knew loads about each one! There was no shortage... read moreMy husband and I did the 2-Day Classic kayaking tour with ATK. It was a tremendous highlight of our trip! We were led by Liana who was a wonderful, knowledgeable and highly skilled facilitator. She was professional and engaging from beginning to end. Her knowledge of the surroundings was very impressive - she could spot animals from very far away and knew loads about each one! There was no shortage of food or snacks which we greatly enjoyed. The gear was top quality. We're so glad we had this experience and that we chose ATK to take us! read less
RCF_333
The Abel Tasman coast is absolutely beautiful to kayak but Nathan really made our day - he was friendly, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable about the local area and its history and really funny! We all had a great day! Delicious lunch on the beach, stunning scenery and we saw seals and penguins!! Highly recommend, one of our highlights of New Zealand :)
Jade B
Did the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to... read moreDid the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to offer and had an absolutely fantastic time camping in stunning secluded scenic spots. There was even time to get a bit of hiking done to explore more of the park. The ocean going kayaks are of a high standard and easy to paddle and navigate. Our first one developed a small tear in the side, but the company was super quick in getting a replacement out.
Our amazing guide, Nicole, was very friendly, outgoing, and professional, and really engaged with our small group of 7 who were mostly kiwis. Nicole has an enthusiastically passionate knowledge of the Abel Tasman National Park, including its history, wildlife and nature, and the best spots to see as well as being an amazing host, cook, tour guide and skilled kayaker. Truely couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us this stunning part of New Zealand. Thanks again Nicole! :)
Our group got along really well together and we really enjoyed our time with them. Everyone did their part to help run the camp, get the kayaks going, and keep the wekas at bay which made for an easy going experience. The catering was excellent with ample food and refreshments. All the camping gear is provided, and is of good quality. We packed way too much of our own stuff, but now know for next time.
Weather was perfect except for the last day where it got a bit rough causing us to capsize, for the only time, just meters away from the finish. However, all part of the fun experience and made the hot shower at the end feel so much better.
Truely one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. Can’t wait to come back! read less
weka777