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 moreWij 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 uitleg over de kajaks en het peddelen en mochten we onszelf te water laten. Onze gids vertelde veel over de natuur, planten en dieren, die daar leven. De tocht was relaxed, maar we konden toch ook lekker door varen. De lunch was uitstekend en we hadden hier ruim de tijd om te relaxen. Het was een kleine groep en dat maakte het nog persoonlijker. Zeker een goede keuze!!! read less

We did the two day guided kayaking trip, including an overnight stay on Mosquito Bay. Craig was our tour guide. Everything was included in the trip - kayak, safety gear, all meals, tent and sleeping bags etc.

We were collected from our accommodation and transported over to the Abel Tasman Kayak base in Marahau. It's a really cool and hippy base. All very professional, but still seriously hip and cool :... read moreWe did the two day guided kayaking trip, including an overnight stay on Mosquito Bay. Craig was our tour guide. Everything was included in the trip - kayak, safety gear, all meals, tent and sleeping bags etc.

We were collected from our accommodation and transported over to the Abel Tasman Kayak base in Marahau. It's a really cool and hippy base. All very professional, but still seriously hip and cool : )

Our Leader Craig was assigned to our group - just myself and hubby and another guy, Emile. We were going to be the intrepid 4 for the next 2 days.

We were whisked off on a water taxi to the start of our journey. A sound health and safety briefing was given and then we set off onto the sea.

Craig was awesome. He knew the area well and took us into some amazing coves and bays. The area is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Probably the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Shag Harbour was the highlight for me - totally ethereal. It made me feel quite emotional.

Seals and their pups were plentiful. We sat there for ages watching and listening. There was simply no rush, we were given the time to take it all in. We also sat for a while watching a NZ Hawk cruising the coastline, using the air currents to hover and swoop - simply spectacular.

Lunch was just phenomenal. The most amazing beach. The food was outstanding. Chef Craig did a sterling job.

Kayaking was super cool - I'd never done it before. You paddle along the coastline and take onboard the most amazing sites and views.

A wind picked up and Craig decided to get out the sail. A huge canvas cloth emerged and we were all instructed how to hold it and our 2 double kayaks together. It was hilarious as we shot across the bay at speed. Simply awesome. An experience never to be forgotten.

Camp for the night was crazy. Fun crazy. Especially for a pair of mid 50's who havent roughed it in a tent for a good few years. Mosquito Bay was one of my best experiences ever. Craig and the ATK crew ensured we had everything needed, water, wine, beer, amazing food - all transported by kayak, as there is no other way of entering the bay. Bizarrely, there are toilets (big phew from me there) and running water from taps.

If you do this trip, make sure you get up to see the sunrise. Simply magnificent. Well worth the very early start.

For a number of reasons, I will remember this trip forever. 100% recommend. read less

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!

We all knew that the trip would be special when we needed more coffee and salami on the first day, and our humble guide Roy (or “Lolli” in Australian) announced that we would be getting “better than average” salami after being grilled about the quality. Our 3-day classic was completely brilliant, with excellent company, excellent food, excellent weather, excellent adventures, and better than average salami (which was excellent too). Roy... read moreWe all knew that the trip would be special when we needed more coffee and salami on the first day, and our humble guide Roy (or “Lolli” in Australian) announced that we would be getting “better than average” salami after being grilled about the quality. Our 3-day classic was completely brilliant, with excellent company, excellent food, excellent weather, excellent adventures, and better than average salami (which was excellent too). Roy knew his stuff, and willingly shared his knowledge of all aspects of the history, the aquatic and marine life, the birds, the flora, the geology, and much more.

Shag Harbour was an absolute highlight, though so too was Cleopatras Pool (and the extra climb/canyoning trip beyond), but the entire coastline made it all pretty special, especially with Roy’s inside knowledge of the best places to go. Throughout the journey we were fed exceptionally well, with plenty of tasty food and drink, and the efficient organisation from start to finish reassured us all that we were not only in safe hands, but above average hands. A big shout out to Bal for the first two days (with the larger group), too.

In summary: a very professional adventure with plenty to see and do, and with expert knowledge to add greater value to the whole trip, and which made it very memorable. Highly recommended. read less

The day kayak/walk was the highlight of our trip, we loved it (even the teenagers!). Darryl our guide was fantastic - he was so informative, knowledgeable and had lots of yarns to tell along the way. With no prior kayak experience, the paddle in the morning was a perfect amount of time on the water. The walk to Anchorage and then the Pitt Head loop... read moreThe day kayak/walk was the highlight of our trip, we loved it (even the teenagers!). Darryl our guide was fantastic - he was so informative, knowledgeable and had lots of yarns to tell along the way. With no prior kayak experience, the paddle in the morning was a perfect amount of time on the water. The walk to Anchorage and then the Pitt Head loop was absolutely stunning. All the staff were really friendly and helpful, right from pick up to drop off in Motueka. Safety was clearly a priority for everyone and we were definitely in safe hands, which was very reassuring. This was our first trip to Abel Tasman and gave us a wonderful taste of what's on offer, we will without a doubt be back. Thanks Darryl and ATK. read less

We did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and... read moreWe did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and had great fun. Awatea kept us amused with his 'Dad jokes' and informed with his local knowledge. As we came ashore for the last time at Marahau I really felt I'd achieved something by kayaking the Abel Tasman. Definitely recommend this trip and absolutely recommend Abel Tasman kayaks as the company to go with. read less