Two Day Classic

If you’re looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, then look no further than a classic.

Our classic trips serve up everything that is special about the Abel Tasman National Park. Treat yourself to memories you’ll cherish for life. 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.

Kayak the coastline from beautiful Awaroa in the North back to Marahau. Completely immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Abel Tasman National Park. Experience it all from paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, islands and Maori Pa (village) sites to learning about local history and lore. Be wowed by the night sky, the milky way is truly amazing in the park. Enjoy drifting off to sleep listening to the waves before waking up to hear bird songs.

It’s a relaxing, content-rich guided kayak and camping experience, fully catered with food. If you would like to extend this trip pre/post ask us to discuss pricing and options for extended kayak and hiking itineraries.

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, free hot showers, free wifi, free 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

$600pp

Duration

2 Days

Check-in: 8.15 am
Open: Departs Sat & Tues Nov – Feb, Sat only in Mar. On request outside of these times
Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
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: Free bus for direct bookings from Nelson or Motueka return operating 1 Nov – 31 Mar. On request outside of these times
Open: Departs Sat & Tues Nov – Feb, Sat only in Mar. On request outside of these times

Full Park Map

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.

Itinerary

Day One

8.15am

Check in and meet your guide.

8.30am

Water Taxi to Awaroa.

9.45am

Arrive Awaroa.

9.50am

Packing kayak and briefing.

10.15am

Kayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 4.5 hours including lunch and breaks.

4.30pm

Arrive Bark Bay area.

5.00pm

Set up camp site.

7.00pm

Dinner and dessert.
Day Two

8.00am

Breakfast.

9.00am

Decamp.

9.30am

Kayak from Bark Bay area to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 5 hours with breaks.

12.00pm

Enjoy lunch in the Anchorage area.

4.00pm

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

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. 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, home made energy balls, 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 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 and our Covid-19 ones here

What our customers say

We booked the Park Start which is a 3 day and 2 night trip which starts by taking a water taxi up to the Northern part of the National park where you’re dropped off enabling you to kayak back to Marahau with the wind behind you! The kayaks are spacious with lots of room for tent, other camping equipment and clothes for the trip, and the compartments in the boat... read more read less

stefsabb

I had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the... read more read less

briohnyp

Sea kayaking for the first time, I opted for a short introductory half day. It was beautiful, fun and rewarding. The guides were excellent, group "sailing" was an unexpected fun activity that saved energy and lunch on the beach after was tasty, filling and relaxing. Water taxi back including being towed (while still in the boat) by a tractor.

Jo-Anne K

we had a great time with this company on the ocean and when we camped . before you go i would check what you are going to eat .

eaterofallthingsgood

Luisa was a fantastic guide! She was not only informative with the history & sites, she was fun to be with.
Also turned our kayaking adventure into a sailing one!

dstewartkmg365

Had the very best time out there today! Amazing foggy completely still and quiet morning! Then some baby seals playing around our boat, amazing! And best of all was our guide - Tom! Thank you so much for this adventure

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