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 Mārahau.
  • 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 Mārahau. 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

Had a great time! They supplied great equipment and we felt looked after by the briefing and helpful staff.


Ellen

De dag begon met goede uitleg over het gebruik van de kajak. Het is fijn dat er een groot waterdicht opbergvak in de kajak zit. Ideaal voor een rugzak met lunch. Vervolgens werden we naar het water gebracht en na een kleine instructie mochten we volledig zelfstandig aan de gang. De kaart die we mee kregen was fijn om de weg te weten op het water. Leuke toevoeging was het zeehonden spotten.


GetYourGuide traveler

Super, selbst zu entscheiden, was man anschaut oder wo man wie lange bleibt!


Anja

It was a nice first try of kayaking! So, also good for beginners, not only pros. You have the freedom to go wherever you want to. Also, we accidentally booked the wrong time and they handled it really well and helped us, very flexible. :)


GetYourGuide traveler

Das man selbst entscheiden konnte was man machen wollte


Thomas

Very great activity. Best way to get to know all the different beaches in Abel Tasman. You even get to see seals! Very fun activity to do and great prepared Kayaks!


Olga

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Even on the best adventures, you’ve gotta stop and eat!  Pretty mint lunch spot if you ask us 😎🌿
No @lucalaidelli its no dream! The Abel Tasman is real and waiting to be explored! 

📍@abeltasmankayaks 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
At high tide they rise like little islands; at low tide they reveal hidden channels and textures that make this coastline endlessly interesting.

#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Steady strokes ❤
Kayaks rafted up - a quiet moment to pause, connect, and take it all in before the adventure.
Summer days done right — kayak, swim, relax. 🌊☀️✨
As we head into a long weekend, the weather’s looking fab for exploring this part of the world — endless coastline, open space, and plenty of room to slow down and take it all in.
Whether you’re walking the tracks or kayaking the coastline, there are plenty of ways to explore the Abel Tasman - options for however you like to explore 🌊🚤✨
Raft up your kayaks, take a breather, and soak it all in - the calm, the colours, the coastline. 

Sometimes the best way to explore is to pause, appreciate, and let the adventure settle in around you.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the  excitement of what’s ahead.
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