Price

$125pp

Duration

1 Day

Explore the 12 golden beaches of the Astrolabe area.

The forest-fringed Astrolabe offers the highest concentration of golden sandy beaches in the Abel Tasman to explore.

The highlight of this trip is visiting Adele Island sanctuary, home to an array of protected native birds and a popular hangout for NZ Fur Seals. Experience the cacophony of bird sound that is unique to the Island. It’s a beautiful day for those with only one day to spare. Our tip: if you can squeeze in an overnight stay, upgrade to the 2 day freedom hire it’s truly magic spending a night in the park.

  • Start & finish at Marahau.
  • Fully explore the Astrolabe area at your own pace.
  • Paddle out to Adele & Fisherman Islands and listen to the birdsong.
  • Know that choosing this trip means a portion of your trip cost helps protect the birds.
  • Drift into caves on a high tide.
  • Stop in at Watering Cove and walk up the coastal track to experience the spectacular views of the Astrolabe and the Northern part of the park.
  • On your return paddle revisit your favourite spots or explore the ones you missed on the way North.

We also offer the option of a water taxi return if you wish to paddle one way to Anchorage, we recommend this for competent outdoors people.

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).

  • Check-in: 8.15 am (1 Oct – 30 Apr) 9.00 am (1 May – 30 Sep)
  • Open:

    1 Sept –  31 May

  • Age: Minimum age is 14 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio
  • Includes: Kayak hire
  • Food: Lunch can be provided for $25pp or bring your own
  • Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
  • Bus: $80 Nelson return, $40 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
  • Base Map

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

Adele Island / Motuareronui is a predator free sanctuary and home to species such as the South Island Robin/Toutouwai (pictured) and Saddleback/Tieke.

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

NZ fur seals Kekeno can be found at the northern end of the island.

Seal - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Astrolabe

Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves, rocky outcrops and islands.

No rental kayaking past this point (Shag Harbour)

Hug the coastline and paddle through caves and rocky outcrops on a high tide.

The Park For all Seasons

Departure Times

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

  • 8.15am
    Check in and start your kayak rental briefing. The briefing highlights areas of interest in the Abel Tasman National Park, weather forecasts and local conditions, hazards, safety and
    self rescue.
    10.00am
    On water assessment with guide.
  • 10.00am
    On water assessment with guide.
    10.30am
    Continue on your own to explore the Astrolabe.
  • 4.00pm
    Return to Abel Tasman Kayaks' base.

*Please note this is an estimate of timings base on a 8.15am check-in.

What to bring

Personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, a change of clothes, cameras and any medication.

We Provide

A double kayak, buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddle jacket, paddle, safety emergency flares, waterproof map, water pump and a spare paddle. Additional items in the winter: wetsuits, wetsuit booties.

FAQS

  • Are camp passes included in overnight trips?

    Yes, camp passes are included in the package price for all overnight accommodation. We take care of booking and paying for the campsites on your behalf and provide the passes when you check in.  If you wish to upgrade to stay in hut please contact us separately there will be an additional cost.

  • Can we hire/rent single kayaks?

    No. Due to the safety procedures in place, you cannot hire or rent single kayaks. The exception is if your group size is an odd number where there will be one single kayak provided along with double kayaks. E.g For a group of 3 – 1 x double kayak, and 1 x single kayak, group of 5 – 2 x double kayaks and 1 x single kayak.

  • 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 renting a kayak?

    Rental customers need to be 14+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

  • Is food included?

    All kayak rentals & kayak & walk rentals are self catered (unless you have opted to add lunch for day 1 at time of booking) the trip description provides suggestions of meals. Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey, food tips can be found here. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.  

     

  • If I am on my own can I rent a kayak?

    It’s possible to join a guided trip if you’re a solo traveller. We will pair you with another guest or a guide. No rentals are available to solo kayakers due to safety.

  • Do I need any previous kayaking experience to rent a kayak?

    While past kayaking experience is desirable, a reasonable level of camping and outdoor skills and water confidence is essential. Before you go out on a kayaking trip you are briefed by a qualified sea kayak guide who is very familiar with the park and will provide you with information about places to go, how far you are likely to get in the time you have and information on safety, weather and sea conditions.

  • How much gear/equipment can we store in our kayaks for an overnight trip?

    You can easily fit the equivalent of approximately two large packs full of equipment in the dry storage areas of a double sea kayak. This needs to be put inside large plastic bags to fit into the hatches. Check out our video on tips for packing your kayak.

  • Do you hire camping gear?

    Yes, from gas bottles to a full set of gear. It can be booked online at time of booking or over the phone a full list can be found here. These items are subject to availability.

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

What our customers say

A great experience. Informative and thorough safety information from guide before we headed out in the kayaks. Stunning view and enough time to explore. Great bird watching spot in their parking lot as well. Would recommend!


Sarah Bjørndal

We opted for the 1 Day Freedom package with Abel Tasman Kayaks, embarking on a self-guided adventure. The luck was on our side as we spotted seals and enjoyed a leisurely lunch on a serene beach, punctuated by a short hike.

Pro-tip: If hiking is on your agenda, research the tracks beforehand.

For a guided experience, our friends tried the kayak and hike package, praising the guide's informative insights into the local flora and fauna. The only drawback was the restricted speed in a guided group—no freewheeling through the waves.

Overall, a day well-spent exploring the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.


Seppe Neyens

My partner and I got a day-hire kayak for 90pp. I couldn't recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks any higher. There was a thorough safety briefing before the day started and they kitted us out with all the equipment that we needed. The team was great at pointing out where it would be feasible to kayak for a day trip. Kayaking in the bays was great as well, lots of small private beaches that you can stop on, lots of wildlife (we saw a seal tearing through an octopus on the water!) and doing a loop around Adele or Fisherman's Island is very manageable. It was a bit difficult to see where we had to return to, so in the future I would clarify that before I leave. Jack was also great to us. Friendly, approachable, keen for a yarn and made the whole experience better!


BrianY853

We had an amazing experience! We just booked 15 min before the start it is was still possible. Fast and efficient security briefing and drop off and pick up service from the store to the beach included. There are also showers which was awesome. We definitevly recommend!


Benjamin Trey

Great experience! We saw sea lions and their pups, and had a very easy day kayaking. Unfortunately it rained a lot the previous days so the water was murky, but it was still fantastic. Our guide was great fun and he told us a lot of interesting stuff about the place and its history.


Kiki Gkavogianni

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!


LF363

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

🌊 Weekend Adventure Alert! 🌊 Join our 2 Day Classic Guided Tour this Saturday for just $699, save $100.

Paddle golden bays, explore hidden lagoons, and camp under a canopy of stars — the Abel Tasman at its absolute best. 

Limited spots available — don’t miss this one!
👉 Book now on 03 527 8022 and make your weekend unforgettable. All your meals, gear, and sorted.
https://www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz/guided-kayak-tours/two-day-classic/
Just your everyday beach traffic… 🚜🌊
Our tractors are the behind-the-scenes heroes — towing kayaks, launching adventures and cruising across golden sand.

#abeltasmankayaks
Explore granite cliffs and rocky coves - sculpted by time, tides, and a touch of Abel Tasman magic. 🌊
Public holiday blues? Fix it: book your next set of public holidays with Abel Tasman Kayaks 😉
And the sun rises!
Explore this stunning coastline this summer with ease – we’ve got you covered with a full briefing and comprehensive maps 🗺️to make your adventure simple, safe, and unforgettable.
A paddle with a dip in the Abel Tasman. 🏊‍♀️☀️
Welcome daylight savings - when the days stretch longer, giving you more time to soak up sun and adventure.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand 
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Glide in, paddle up, and land your kayak right on golden sand — one of the Abel Tasman way to arrive at the beach. 🚣‍♂️✨

📍@abeltasmankayaks |
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
We might be coming out of winter, but there’s still time to soak up the crisp, clear days on a winter kayak. Fewer people, calm waters, and stunning light.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
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