FAQS

• More FAQ’s

  A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here and our Covid-19 ones here

• 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.  

   

• Is transport included in the price of the trip?

  We have a small charge for transport. Click here to find our bus times and pick up points in Nelson or Motueka. We can do transport for Half Day & Water Taxi PM departure but please note that our bus leaves once a day from Nelson and returns once a day from Marahau.

• Can I take my camera or phone?

  Yes, we have camera cases to keep cameras dry.

• Do you use double or single kayaks?

  We use double kayaks on all our guided tours. If you are an odd number booking a rental then one of you will be in a single and the rest in doubles. 

• 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.

• How fit do I have to be?

  An average level of fitness is required for kayaking trips. Guides instruct clients on easy ways to paddle and you will rapidly develop your skills.

• Are there any height and weight restrictions?

  Weight restrictions is a hard query because it has a lot to do with where the weight is on the body and your height . Econizh kayak cockpits are 41cm wide at their widest, Sea bear kayaks are 47cm wide, if you are larger than this at the bottom / hip area you will be unable to kayak. Most people are able to kayak, but if you’d like to double check please give us a call to discuss.

  Height, if you are taller than 6ft 3″ (188cm) you will struggle to get into an Econizh kayak. If you are taller than 6ft 7″ (198cm) you may not fit in a kayak at all and you WILL need to try a kayak before you commence your trip. Please chat with staff to discuss so we can advise appropriately.

   

• Can I go kayaking if I get sea-sick?

  If you are prone to sea sickness then please take your medication as recommended.

• Can I go if I’m pregnant?

  It may be possible to kayak if you’re pregnant.  Please call us directly to discuss on 03 527 8022.

• Can I go if I’ve got my period?

  Yes you can but please bring a bag (gladbag or similar) to pack out used sanitary items. There is a basin or tap near all toilets for washing hands. All rubbish needs to be taken out as we operate in a national park.

• What if I’m not a strong swimmer?

  If you are worried about swimming we suggest you choose a guided tour. Strong swimming skills are not essential for rentals, but we recommend you let your instructor know if you are not a confident swimmer.  

• 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.

• 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.

• What time do trips finish?

  Check the trip itinerary for finish times. As a general rule summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr) full day guided tours return by 4.30 pm and winter (1 May – 30 Sept) by 4.00 pm. Rentals are due back at our base by 4:00 pm in the summer and 3:30 pm in the winter. This is for operational and safety reasons.

• Can we store our vehicle or extra luggage while we are out in the park?

  We provide free storage of vehicles and extra luggage at our base.

• Do we go if it’s raining?

  Yes, bring along a rain jacket and an extra warm (wool/fleece) layer of clothing. Marine life is more active on rainy days.

• When would Abel Tasman Kayaks cancel a trip?

  Safety first. Our policy is not to launch a trip on safety grounds if we consider that the wind and sea conditions are unsafe for the group. This is our decision. In this situation we give a full refund please see our cancellation policy.