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, swimsuit, 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

Wij hebben gekozen voor een hele dag kajakken, zonder de wandeling, om zo meer van het Marine Reserve te kunnen ontdekken. Na een korte introductie konden we op pad. De watertaxi naar het beginpunt was al beter dan verwacht. De gids nam er alle tijd voor en liet ons al het één en ander zien waar we door het getij wellicht later niet mee bij konden.

Daarna volgde een korte...
read more


NienkeNM

Originally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on... read more


TRyana

Gorgeous country, coast, trail, weather. Does not get much better than this. Just the right amount of trail time.


Noelpeterson1

Wow what an awesome tour supported by an equally awesome team. Did the 3 day kayak tour and would totally recommend. Actually time went way to quick. Glad we did the guided tour. MASSIVE shout out to our SPECTACULAR guide, Kyle. He just made the trip to the highlight it was. The base to start from equally impressive with coffee and food available before you head off and then again... read more


brentwhibs

We rented a kayak for a day. Amber, who was very professional and friendly, gave us a safety demonstration and showed us routes to go. Kayaks were in great condition and the scenery was amazing. We saw seals and one swam under the kayak!


LF363

I booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough... read more


KimK

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Say hello to the best summer yet, explore the Abel Tasman.
Our summer season officially starts! Whoop whoop! 🎉 Our team has been off exploring exciting destinations like Turkey, the UK, France, Italy, Bali, and even Las Vegas. As amazing as travel is, there's nothing like being back home in the beautiful Abel Tasman. We can't wait to welcome guests this summer! 🌞🌊
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#DoSomethingNewNZ
Many of our trips conclude at Anchorage by the end of the day. 🌅🚣‍♂️ its also a great place to spend a night in the park.
Exploring the park on your own.
Split Apple Rock is just around the corner from our base, waiting to be explored.
This is one of our favorite photos ever! 📸❤️
Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, we make sure the paddling is easy and fun for everyone!
Only 6 months to the longest day!  Bring on Summer!
One of our team members demonstrating the correct use of a dry bag. 📸 Cameras are welcome on all our trips, so you can capture every moment!
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