Start in the park at Onetahuti and paddle south back to Marahau over three magnificent sun and sea kissed days!

Start with a safety briefing in Marahau before catching the water taxi up to Onetahuti beach.  

Spend the next three days exploring the coastline. Travelling South with the sea breeze assisting your paddling makes for a memorable trip. There is  much beauty from start to finish in this natural paradise. The forest fringed coastline is the perfect backdrop for an adventure.

Recommended campsites: Night 1: Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 2: Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.

Enjoy the luxury of kayaking one way with the sea breeze.

  • Don’t paddle the same coastline twice!
  • Explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its surrounds you can go as far as Shag Harbour.
  • Take the time to watch the lagoons change with the tide.
  • Allow time to walk some of the side tracks.
  • Pull up at campsites that can only be accessed by kayak.
  • Cruise past Adele Island on your way back to Marahau.

Hut accommodation is available for an additional cost, please contact us to arrange and camping gear can be hired at time of booking if required.

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires). During May to Sept the seabreeze changes to a South to North pattern, we run this trip in reverse.

Price

$325pp

Duration

3 Days

  • Check-in: 8.15 am (1 Oct – 30 Apr) 9.00 am (1 May – 31 May)
  • Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
  • Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Includes: Kayak hire, kayak transfer, passenger transfer and camp pass (Abel Tasman Kayaks books on your behalf)
  • Food: Self catered
  • Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
  • Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 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 seen 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.

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Anchorage & surrounds

Paddle into the calm waters of Anchorage or drift into Torrent Bay Lagoon on a high tide. Optional short walks can be accessed from Anchorage.

 

Pinnacle Island

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.

 

Kaka

Kaka New Zealand’s native parrot have been reintroduced to Bark Bay. They are often heard before they are seen, listen out for their call a harsh, repeated, rhythmic “ka-aa”.

Tonga Island

NZ fur seals Kekeno can be seen on Tonga Island, Tonga Island is in the Marine Reserve.

No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)

Enjoy the dusk and dawn bird chorus as you contemplate your days camping at various campsites.

Explore the lagoons

Torrent Bay Lagoon, Sandfly Bay, Frenchman Bay & Shag Harbour (marker & image) are all great places to explore on a high tide.

After being dropped by water taxi, enjoy the luxury of kayaking one way with the sea breeze.

Paddle up to beaches that can only be accessed by kayak.

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Night 1

Bark Bay (marker) (40 sites) or Mosquito Bay (20 sites) (water access only).

Night 2

Observation Beach Campsite (6 sites) (water access only) or Te Pukatea Bay Campsite (marker). 


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 1

    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.
    11.30am
    Water taxi up to Onetahuti.
    12.30pm
    Spend the night at Te PukatArrive for your afternoon exploring the Tonga Island surrounds.
    Spend the night at Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

  • Day 2

    Spend the night at Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay.

  • Day 3

    4.00pm
    Return to Abel Tasman Kayaks’ base.

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

Preparation

Camp pass: Provided at check in.

Kayaking clothes: You’re bound to get wet when kayaking bring some quick drying clothes to paddle in. Shorts, t-shirt (long sleeves are preferable), warm top (wool/fleece), hat, sunglasses and shoes. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel!

Campsite clothing: Warm campsite clothing is essential for the evenings. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, warm top (wool/fleece), trainers and socks, sleeping clothing, rainproof jacket.

Personal items: Such as medication, toiletries, camera (with plenty of film or memory space!), personal drinking bottle, first aid kit, torch, sunscreen and insect repellent.

We provide: 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.

Food & water: 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.

Day 1: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Cooking equipment: If you plan to cook a hot meal ensure you bring a cooker and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain parts of the park, at certain times of the year. Pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, plates and cups will also come in handy.

Camping equipment: During the evening it can become quite cool in the park so please make sure you pack a tent, camping mat and a warm sleeping bag.

FAQS

  • 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.

  • 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.

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What our customers say

We booked the Park Start which is a 3 day and 2 night trip which starts by taking a water taxi up to the Northern part of the National park where you’re dropped off enabling you to kayak back to Marahau with the wind behind you! The kayaks are spacious with lots of room for tent, other camping equipment and clothes for the trip, and the compartments in the boat... read more


stefsabb

We had a great 3 days in the national park with Abke Tasman Kayaks. We were dropped off at the northern end of the park and paddled back slowly of the 3 days. The team was welcoming from the start, helpful with itinerary and showing us the equipment. Great maps and the boat skipper was very friendly and pointed all the spots along the way. Nightly recommend.


707philg

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️

...
#nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks

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Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️ ... #nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks

The wonders of Tonga Island Marine Reserve🐠 established in 1993 go beyond marine life— Tonga Island in the marine reserve makes for that quintessential Abel Tasman pic! 📸

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The wonders of Tonga Island Marine Reserve🐠 established in 1993 go beyond marine life— Tonga Island in the marine reserve makes for that quintessential Abel Tasman pic! 📸

Gearing up for the adventure ahead! 🌟🚣‍♀️

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Gearing up for the adventure ahead! 🌟🚣‍♀️

A sea breeze makes for a fun end to the day, kayak sailing ⛵ is a real highlight for customers kayaking back towards Marahau.

#abeltasmankayaks

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A sea breeze makes for a fun end to the day, kayak sailing ⛵ is a real highlight for customers kayaking back towards Marahau. #abeltasmankayaks

Watching the sun come up ☀️

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Watching the sun come up ☀️

Last day to vote for the bird of the century! This year, #birdoftheyear has become
#birdofthecentury. We`re rooting for the Kaka! 🐦 With 35 released into the Abel Tasman, they add their distinctive call and color to Bark Bay and its surrounds.

#BirdOfTheYear

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Last day to vote for the bird of the century! This year, #birdoftheyear has become #birdofthecentury. We're rooting for the Kaka! 🐦 With 35 released into the Abel Tasman, they add their distinctive call and color to Bark Bay and its surrounds. #BirdOfTheYear

Memories about to be created in the Abel Tasman. 📸

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Memories about to be created in the Abel Tasman. 📸

The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, it`s the perfect location for half-day or five-day explorations!

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The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, it's the perfect location for half-day or five-day explorations!

There are plenty of moments to soak it all in.

#abeltasmankayaks

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There are plenty of moments to soak it all in. #abeltasmankayaks

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