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

A must do!! Belvir (sp?) gave us a great safety briefing and information before we set off. It was helpful and entertaining. We went all the way to Anchorage, dropped off the kayaks and walked back. Also saw seals on the way. An amazing family experience we will never forget. So glad we did it, and highly recommend these guys to book with.


Bexselector

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

Our guide was excellent, we had a fantastic time kayaking in the Tasman Sea. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking great. Love the rock formations and the history of the area. Very interesting. We opted out of kayaking over to seal island as it was windy and rough. After kayaking we had coffee on the beach and hiked over to another beach to sail back... read more


Kristin B

Great tour with Nathan giving really informative commentary throughout. We had a bonus Little Blue Penguin float calmly around the kayaks towards the end of the trip, too. So great.


BigBenMcEwan

The guide really makes it or breaks it when you are out on an all-day tour like this and we really lucked in by having Daz. He made sure to keep us safe, well-informed about our interesting surroundings, and laughing! This tour is so well done and even though the weather wasn't ideal (windy and gloomy), it ended up being an absolutely fantastic day to be out on the water.... read more


trailingaway

I did the 3 day tiki tour as a solo female traveller and found it an amazing experience. Everything was well organised and I had great communication from Abel Tasman Kayaks in relation to my questions prior to and post booking. Each staff member I dealt with was great from those who were emailing me back, those at their base, those who did the water taxi driving and those who... read more


impulsivekiwi

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Friends, nature, and kayaking—the ultimate trio for an unforgettable adventure. 🛶🌿 Grab your mates, or plan a trip so you can soak up the scenery, and make memories in the magic of the Abel Tasman.
Autumn days in the Abel Tasman are something special—warm, calm, and quiet. 🍂🌊 Perfect for slow paddles, golden light, and peaceful moments in nature.
Kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals, are the most common seals in Aotearoa—and right now is the best time to spot their playful pups in the Abel Tasman! 🦭✨ These little ones bring extra energy to the coastline, making your kayak trip even more memorable.
Adventure hits different with a guide—more stories, more hidden spots, and zero second-guessing your route.
Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see ❤️
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.
top