Our classic trips serve up everything that is special about the Abel Tasman National Park. Create lasting memories that will remain treasured for a lifetime.

This fully outfitted adventure has long been the benchmark for overnight guided kayak adventures in New Zealand. There will be no better time to experience it than this summer. Summers call for lasting memories, and our Classics do just that.

Immerse yourself completely in the natural wonders of the Abel Tasman National Park. Be wowed by the night sky, the milky way is truly amazing in the park. Enjoy drifting to sleep listening to the waves before waking up to bird song. It’s a relaxing, content-rich, fully catered, beach side camping experience.

Kayak the coastline from beautiful Awaroa in the North back to Marahau. The  northern section of the park is expansive and spectacular, and is a tranquil haven to explore. As you venture through the middle of the park, you’ll encounter serene lagoons and intriguing rocky outcrops. At the end of day two arrive back to Marahau.

Kirsten from Bearfoot Theory blogged about our Classic trips read her personal account of her trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks.You can also view her journey from her video below.

Paddling is our business, with all activities supported by our purpose-built kayak base, complimentary hot showers, wifi,  equipment 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 coastline from Awaroa to Marahau you have a professional guide with you for 2 days sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We also cater all meals designed around your health and energy.

Every trip is unique like each of our clients.

Please note this trip may vary depending on tides and group sizes. We have set a summer schedule but are flexible outside of our Tues/Sat departures, please contact us directly for alternate options.

Price

$699pp

Duration

2 Days

  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Open: Departs Tues & Sat Dec – Mar, Sat only in Nov & Apr. On request outside of these times
  • Food: Fully catered
  • Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: Yes – optional short bush walks
  • Water Taxi: Two water taxi cruises
  • Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times

Departure Times

Please note the Department of Conservation apply differential pricing between 1st October and 30th April. If you are a New Zealand resident choose the New Zealand Resident price, if you are an International Visitor choose International Visitor price.

Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

 

Itinerary

  • Day One

    8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide.
    8.30 am
    Water Taxi to Awaroa.
    9.45 am
    Arrive Awaroa.
    9.50 am
    Packing kayak and briefing.
    10.15 am
    Kayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 4.5 hrs including lunch and breaks.
    4.30 pm
    Arrive Bark Bay area.
    5.00 pm
    Set up camp site.
    7.00 pm
    Dinner and dessert.
  • Day Two

    8.00 am
    Breakfast.

    9.00 am
    Decamp.
    9.30 am
    Kayak from Bark Bay area to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 5 hrs with breaks.
    12.00 pm
    Enjoy lunch in the Anchorage area.
    4.00 pm
    Arrive back in Marahau.
  • Sample Menu

    Day One

    Lunch: Abel Tasman Kayaks freshly baked roll filled with local produce.

    Dinner: Mediterranean pasta.

    Day Two

    Breakfast: Muesli and fruit and/or toasted bagels.

    Lunch: Abel Tasman Kayaks pita pockets.

*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, camera and any medication. Evening: Long pants, t-shirt, warm top (wool or fleece), trainers and socks, rain proof jacket. Personal: Toiletries, sleeping bag (we can provide this), torch.

We provide

A double sea kayak, buoyancy vest, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras, 2 person tents, thermarest inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags if required, plates, cutlery, cups, gas cookers, filtered water, all meals, accommodation in beachside campsites 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

We had a brilliant time on our Abel Tasman Kayaks trip. We had Darryl looking after our group (my partner and me, a family and a single). He was very competent, entertaining and also really knowledgeable about the birdlife, bush, sealife and history of the area. He also adapted the day based on the conditions to ensure we had the best possible time. The kayaks were in good nick... read more


laura_25252

Such a great way to spend a day! The hike to Observation beach was great with lots of spots to view the ocean and beaches along the way. Lunch was excellent; I am so impressed with how tasty it was, especially since it was so simple. Our guide Louisa was helpful, knowledgeable and clear in her instructions and was also super friendly, really enjoyed chatting to her along the way.... read more


Sophielouwho

Find the time to put this trip on your bucket list, but more importantly make the time to take the trip so it's not on the list anymore. We did the 5 day kayak trip with ATK- Kyle was our guide and I can't think of a way we could have enjoyed the trip more.(oh, wait ...if I had zero sandfly bites...) Not Kyle's fault and still not a detractor... read more


Peter C

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

As someone who has never kayaked before I felt super safe and felt like I was sailing off with heaps of knowledge after the safety briefing. Our guide was awesome and down to earth, it was easy to ask him questions. We even ran a little bit late and we were stressed we would miss a bit of the info but they were really understanding and gave us plenty of... read more


Paradise52100984255

I booked the Earth, Sea, and Sky tour. If you want to explore the scenic Abel Tasman national park, Abel Tasman Kayaks is the company to do it with, plus they have various tours! The tour starts off in Torrent Bay (via water taxi) and you walk to Barker Bay (bring hiking shoes) where you'll see various bays, plants, wildlife, and other beautiful scenery. At Barker Bay, they had additional... read more


Travel Dude

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️

...
 #nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks
The wonders of Tonga Island Marine Reserve🐠 established in 1993 go beyond marine life— Tonga Island in the marine reserve makes for that quintessential Abel Tasman pic! 📸
Gearing up for the adventure ahead! 🌟🚣‍♀️
A sea breeze makes for a fun end to the day, kayak sailing ⛵ is a real highlight for customers kayaking back towards Marahau. 

#abeltasmankayaks
Watching the sun come up ☀️
Last day to vote for the bird of the century! This year, #birdoftheyear has become 
#birdofthecentury. We're rooting for the Kaka! 🐦 With 35 released into the Abel Tasman, they add their distinctive call and color to Bark Bay and its surrounds.

#BirdOfTheYear
Memories about to be created in the Abel Tasman. 📸
The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, it's the perfect location for half-day or five-day explorations!
There are plenty of moments to soak it all in. 

#abeltasmankayaks
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