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.

 

Itinerary

  • Day One

    8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide.
    8.30 am
    Water Taxi to Awaroa.
    9.45 am
    Arrive Awaroa.
    9.50 am
    Packing kayak and briefing.
    10.15 am
    Kayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 4.5 hrs including lunch and breaks.
    4.30 pm
    Arrive Bark Bay area.
    5.00 pm
    Set up camp site.
    7.00 pm
    Dinner and dessert.
  • Day Two

    8.00 am
    Breakfast.

    9.00 am
    Decamp.
    9.30 am
    Kayak from Bark Bay area to Marahau. Total kayak time approx 5 hrs with breaks.
    12.00 pm
    Enjoy lunch in the Anchorage area.
    4.00 pm
    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

  • 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

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 more


L7624ZLadrianm

It was very good and funny with Ian and molly. Ian has a lot of interesting knowledges about the flora and fauna of the island around this spot.


Caroline 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

We booked the half day kayak tour to Observation Beach and everything was fantastic. Our guide Darryl was great- super knowledgeable about the area, funny and full of stories. We saw loads of sea lions, birds, golden beaches, sea caves and had fun exploring the coastline. Had a relaxing snack and tea/coffee on the beach before continuing on our self-guided trip back down the Abel Tasman track to Motueka. The... read more


CMelissa7

If you want an authentic experience, this is definitely the place to go. From the moment we stepped foot into the reception to leaving, every staff member we encountered was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely wanted to help and make our first kayaking experience one to remember. Our guide was Belverre (might be incorrectly spelt sorry). He was knowledgeable, professional and very funny. We had a safety briefing before we went... read more


Pou_Havea

Our guide, Tim, was excellent, the other guides from the company were great too. We had no idea when we were looking for a company to go with! Thankfully we made a great choice. Tim was knowledgeable about every aspect. We really enjoyed it.


traceyr17

#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.
top