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

  • 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

  • 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 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.    

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

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 more


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 more


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 more


weka777

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There is something very special about exploring the marine reserve ❤️
The park is rich with history. From its early Māori settlement to its naming after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this landscape lends itself to lots of story telling and discovery.
View from the office ain't that bad! Summer days in the Abel Tasman.
Get paddling, we couldn't agree more, and love we are mentioned as one of the 5 best tours to do this summer.
Read about here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer 

@stufftravelnz
Great to make Stuffs five of the best tours to take this summer article. 

Check it out here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer
There are many great things about exploring the Abel Tasman—stunning scenery is just the start! 🏞️ No prior experience? No problem! Our guides ensure you have the skills for an amazing adventure, whether you're a beginner or a pro. 🚣‍♂️✨
Abel Tasman sunrise - nothing short of magical 🌅
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#abeltasmankayaks
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See the Milky Way the way it's meant to be seen—crystal clear and breathtaking🏕️✨
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
#abeltasman
#purenz 
#airnewzealandme
#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
#seakayakingnz
#nelson
#nzmustdos
#natgeotravel
#aatraveller
#straytravel
#lonelyplanet
#flightcentreau
#quantas
#tripadviser
#southislandnz
#explorenz
#DoSomethingNewNZ
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's the most accessible! 🌿 We make exploring it easy every day with a variety of water taxi options to suit your adventure. 🛥️🏞️
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