Price
$799pp
Duration
2 Days
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 in the rhythm of the park—drift off to sleep beside the waves, wake to birdsong, and be awed by the brilliance of the Milky Way overhead. It’s a relaxing, content-rich, fully catered beachside camping experience that lets you disconnect and truly unwind.
Paddle from the golden beaches of Awaroa in the north, weaving your way down the coastline to Anchorage. The northern reaches are vast and tranquil—perfect for exploring in a kayak. As you journey south through the heart of the park, you’ll discover peaceful lagoons, sculpted granite headlands, and hidden coves. After two days of guided kayaking, return to Mārahau by water taxi, full of stories and serenity.
Fully guided and catered, with nights spent at beautiful beachside campsites, on luxury hexatherm 3D queen mattresses this two-day adventure is the ultimate way to experience the Abel Tasman—both on the water and in nature.
Curious what it’s like? Kirsten from Bearfoot Theory shared her Classic trip experience—check out her blog and video below for a firsthand look.
All of our trips are supported from our purpose-built kayak base, where you’ll have access to complimentary hot showers, Wi-Fi, secure gear storage and carparking, and client transport services. We provide top-quality soft gear, expertly fitted by our guides, along with top-quality kayaks and equipment tailored for your comfort and safety—so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
On this trip covering the coastline from Totraranui or Awaroa to Anchorage your professional guide will be with you for around 2 days sharing stories, local knowledge, and their love for this incredible place – the Abel Tasman. We 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.
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Age: Minimum age is 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio
- Open: Departs Sat Jan, Feb & Mar. 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: $80 Nelson return, $40 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Awaroa Beach
Water taxi to Awaroa Beach.
Kayaking
Launching from Awaroa.
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Tonga Island
Tonga Island Marine Reserve see up close it’s playful inhabitants – the NZ fur seal, Kekno.
Granite Coasline
Exploring the granite coastline.
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Shag Harbour
Visit Shag Harbour* a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman.
Lagoons
Explore Lagoons*.
Downtime
Inside Lagoons
Kayaking in the lagoons.
Anchorage Pick Up
Water taxi back to Mārahau.
Campsite
Beachside camping.
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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Day One
8.15 amCheck in and meet your guide.8.30 amWater Taxi to Awaroa.
9.45 amArrive Awaroa.
9.50 amPacking kayak and briefing.
10.15 amKayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 4.5 hrs including lunch and breaks.
4.30 pmArrive Bark Bay area.
5.00 pmSet up camp site.
7.00 pmDinner and dessert.
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Day Two
8.00 amBreakfast.
9.00 amDecamp.
9.30 amKayak from Bark Bay area to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 5 hrs with breaks.
12.00 pmEnjoy lunch in the Anchorage area.
4.00 pmArrive back in Mārahau.
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Sample Menu
Day One
Lunch: Abel Tasman Kayaks freshly baked roll filled with local produce.
Dinner: Chickpea Curry & Chocolate Brownie.
Day Two
Breakfast: Cooked Breakfast and/or muesli served with yoghurt and fruit.
Lunch: Wraps.
Dinner: Nacho bean mix served with sour cream & sliced cake.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
What to bring
Personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, 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, 1 30 ltr drybag for personal items, 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
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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 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.
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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
These reviews are gathered through our independent client survey, designed by Get Smart using their Survey Science approach to track Customer Experience. Reviews with the Get Smart icon are gathered through that feedback tool.
www.getsmartglobal.com/get-smart-verification
Get Smart
our guides zoe and carol were patient and kind- we had two children with us which meant we were slower and a bit more chaotic but the ladies were calm and nice to us.
Krissy
We had a wonderful day on the kayaks. Ed was a fantastic host who provided us with a lot of interesting information about the national park We would definitely recommend this tour
Pascal
Incredible
Henry Tomsett
Prachtige wandeling en fijn om met een kleine groep te kayakken. Abel Tasman is écht supermooi!
Judith
The 3 day freedom kayak was a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Abel Tasman park. We also rented a tent which was great. They make everything easy and the experience was great value.
Kyle Eckart









