Explore from Marahau to Anchorage in a day.

Set off on a guided kayaking expedition that starts at Marahau and finishes at Observation Beach. Along the way, catch fleeting glimpses of the coastal track and experience up close the magic of the Astrolabe Islands Once you arrive at Observation Beach, enjoy lunch before transitioning from paddling to walking.

Discover clear streams, native bush and and breathtaking vistas overlooking Anchorage and the Astrolabe Islands during your afternoon walk. Walk along Anchorage Beach to walk the beautiful Pitt Head loop track. Allow plenty of time to savor the panoramic vista that is Te Pukatea Bay, a hidden gem in the Abel Tasman. Walk back to Anchorage for your water taxi pick up, to transport back to Marahau.

Please note this trip may run in reverse.

We offer two other combinations of walking and kayaking adventures in the southern end of the Abel Tasman.  Earth Sea Sky walks in the Bark Bay/Falls River area and the other option is the Kayak and Walk from Marahau to Marahau which retraces its own path.

Paddling is our business, with all activities supported by our purpose-built kayak base, featuring complimentary showers, wifi, gear 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 Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We also cater a snack and lunch designed around your health and energy.

Every trip is unique like each of our clients.

Price

$220pp

Duration

1 Day

  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
  • Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Food: Includes lunch
  • Paddling: Approximately 2 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 2 hours
  • Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
  • Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times

Departure Times

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

 

Itinerary

  • 8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide. Your guide will provide a map for your afternoon walk.
    8.30 am
    Kayak briefing.
    9.00 am
    Kayak from Marahau to Observation Beach. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.
  • 12.15 pm
    Enjoy your lunch at Observation Beach.
    12.30 pm
    Walk unguided from Observation Beach to Anchorage via Pitt Head Nature Loop approx 2hrs.
  • 4.00 pm
    Water taxi from Anchorage to Marahau.
    4.30 pm
    Arrive back in Marahau.

*Please note this is an estimate of timings and based on our summer 8.15am check-in. There may be times when this trip will be reversed.

What to Bring

Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, walking shoes, a change of clothes, cameras and any medication.

We Provide

A double kayak, buoyancy vest, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras 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

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 more


SunHol1

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There are not many places in the world where you start your trip sitting in a boat traveling down the road. ❤️ launching from Marahau.
Where to next? ❤️ the options in the Abel Tasman.
Paddling in sync 🚣‍♂️ the perfect way to explore the Abel Tasman.
Happy Leap Day! Perhaps these kayakers are catching a glimpse of dolphins leaping on this special day? 🐬🛶
Enjoying lunch and a coffee in the Abel Tasman.
Islands stealing the foreground, and there are three waiting to be explored in the Abel Tasman. 🏝️🗺️
Blue skies and granite coastline ❤️ the Abel Tasman.
Spotting playful Kekeno (NZ Fur seals) around Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Pointy noses, long whiskers, and visible ears are some of their distinguishing features. They are found living in multiple spots along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline.
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