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: 2024 | Departs Sat – Nov & Apr, Tues & Sat Dec – Mar | 2025 | Departs Tues – Nov, Dec & Mar – Tues & Sat, Jan & Feb – Tues, Thurs & Sat. 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.
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 Marahau.
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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
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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 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.
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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
Abel Tasman Kayaks supported our 9 day hiking (self guided) and kayaking trip. There were a few hiccups along the way, as the trip got shifted around from kayaking first, hiking last, to the reverse, due to inclement weather. The owner, Jack, took us to the café pre our departure, treated us to coffee and muffins, explained the necessary changes, and gave us a revised detailed itinerary. What we... read moreAbel Tasman Kayaks supported our 9 day hiking (self guided) and kayaking trip. There were a few hiccups along the way, as the trip got shifted around from kayaking first, hiking last, to the reverse, due to inclement weather. The owner, Jack, took us to the café pre our departure, treated us to coffee and muffins, explained the necessary changes, and gave us a revised detailed itinerary. What we all forgot was that we were ending up with less dehydrated food for the hiking portion than we needed, because of the changes, but Abel Tasman Kayaks, when made aware of this, wended up treating us to a lovely dinner and breakfast at Awaroa Lodge, and a very nice bag lunch, so we did not go hungry at all, quite the contrary! The scenery was as gorgeous as everyone has said, our kayak guide though young was knowledgeable and very fun to be with. And to cap things off, the company also provided us with a ride to Nelson airport, when we enquired about how to get there for our very early morning flight, not part of the original plan. In all, the company proved itself very nimble at responding to our needs and requests, and was good natured in doing so. read less
Jane S
Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and brought lots of positive energy.
The views were amazing, we saw lots of wildlife and with the high tide we paddled through 3 beautiful lagoons.
The lunch was also delicious!
Saraandaaron
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 moreSuch 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 and not experienced kayakers but we managed the kayaking just fine. Highly recommend doing the kayak/walk split as it was a great way to break it up and it was beautiful out on the water. Also very impressed with our pickup crews boating skills - it was a VERY choppy day on pick up, but they operated like a well oiled machine to get us and our gear safely on the boat. Abel Tasman Kayaks were great and really helpful and I would certainly recommend using them. Overall a great experience, good camping facilities (some with flushing toilets!) and incredible views. Make sure to check the tidal crossings and watch out for Wekas!! read less
Amelia R
We had an amazing day out on the water, exploring the coast and Islands of the national park. Well worth the trip, our guide Micah was amazing with lots of information about the area. We did so well went also include Spilt Apple Rock. A very weary but happpy group got back to Marahau
Tracey
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 moreSuch 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. The wind was in our favour so it was a nice easy kayak and we could really enjoy the views. Equipment provided was excellent and well cared for and instructions on its use were clear and helpful. Please give the staff a hand loading and unloading the kayaks if asked, my friend and I were really disappointed that most of our group ignored this request and left straight away. With a few sets of hands it’s not difficult!
Highly recommend this as a great way to see the National Park from a few different perspectives. read less
Sophielouwho
Friend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear... read moreFriend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear that we hired was good condition and all accounted for. We arrived at Anchorage and unpacked the kayak, setup our camp site. Kayaks were picked up off the beach where we were instructed to leave. Next day we left our camp gear at site and continued north to Onetahuti (recommend walking extra distance for beautiful beach. Otherwise end at Barks Bay). Water taxi (company owned) collected us right on schedule. Super friendly and considerate boat driver. We had amazing weather and can’t fault the experience! We did two day walk that doesn’t include meals.
Suggest the company does a departure checklist for visitors. Things like how much we can fit in kayak/what types of bags can fit and how to pack food would be helpful for first-timers. Even meal suggestions would be great idea. In case reader is wondering: suggest a medium sized backpack per person plus a bag for meals. On day two you have to carry all your personal gear including food containers and rubbish - think about what and how you’re willing to carry these things on your walk the next day.
Recommend this experience and the company 100%. Thanks team! read less
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