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
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.
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.
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
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8.15amCheck 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.10.00amOn water assessment with guide.
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10.00amOn water assessment with guide.10.30amContinue on your own to explore the Astrolabe.
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4.00pmReturn 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
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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.
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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.
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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 renting a kayak?
Rental customers need to be 14+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Absolutely loved it. Our safety instructor Henry did a wonderful job. Everyone was polite and professional. The park itself is just as beautiful as in the pictures. After the security briefing, you start your activity around 10 AM and need to be back by 4 PM. Would definitely do it again. But keep in mind that doing this on the ocean with waves is much more exhausting than going kayaking on a river or lake. Certain level of fitness is required.
Lisa
fantastic day out, our instructor was great and gave us a good run down of what to expect in the park and how to plan our day paddling
Timo
The day was just great. The introduction was super and you felt much safer right away. The nature there is really great. We also discovered seals, rays and a little penguin.
GetYourGuide traveler
Am Besten war die freie Fahrt. Unsere Empfehlung: Nach Adele Island paddeln und an den ruhigen Strand legen ;)
GetYourGuide traveler
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
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
