Seals, caves, dolphins, rugged coastline, golden sand beaches …they’re out there.
This is a trip where you get to sit back and really take your time.
As the only company specialising in kayak rentals, enjoy provide a comprehensive safety briefing before heading on your adventure. This covers everything: from packing, kayak technique, weather and planning/modifying the journey, stowage and sea-conditions, map interpretation, to those important emergency procedures.
After a safety briefing you and your kayak travel North to Onetahuti beach by water taxi. Use your new skills, and information of ‘must see places’ from the briefing and make your way south. Heading for Marahau over four wonderful days with the prevailing sea breeze at your back, the pace is leisurely but packed full of wonder.
Recommended campsites: Night 1 Onetahuti. Night 2 Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 3: 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.
- Wake up to hear the sea lapping and experience the New Zealand dawn chorus – what a way to start the day!
- Allow time to rest your paddle and explore by foot some of the coastal track.
- Seek out those special spots our knowledgeable guides shared at your briefing.
- Enjoy our purpose built base facilities, which include a hot shower, on your return.
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
$402 NZ pp
Duration
4 Days
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- 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
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.
Astrolabe
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves, rocky outcrops and islands.
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.
Night 1 & 2
Mosquito Bay Campsite (20 sites) (water access only) or Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites).
Night 3
Observation Beach Campsite (6 sites) (water access only) or Te Pukatea Bay Campsite (marker)
Departure Times
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Note the Department of Conservation applies a pricing system that varies depending on residency status.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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Day 1
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.11.30amWater taxi up to Onetahuti.Explore the park for the next four days.Spend the night at Onetahuti. -
Day 2
Spend the night at Onetahuti or Mosquito Bay. -
Day 3
Spend the night at Observation Beach or Te Pukatea.Day 4
4.00pmReturn 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 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
Dinner | Lunch | Dinner | |
Snacks | Snacks | Snacks | 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
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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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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
Fantastische ervaring met zeer betrokken gidsen, die weten waar ze het over hebben en dicht bij de natuur staan. Een droom dag gehad!
jaccovputten
Had the most amazing trip on the two day classic tour. Kyle was an awesome guide who showed us lots of hidden treasures and made sure we had a great time (and were well fed!) A stunning way to experience Abel Tasman National Park, even for a non-experienced kayaker, would highly recommend ☺️
adamszentes_nz
Originally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on... read moreOriginally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on briefing and guiding on the ocean. They are very well organized. The transportation they provide from Nelson’s hotels was on time and very comfortable. Will recommend this company if you want to kayak and walk in Abel Tasman. read less
TRyana
Sea kayaking for the first time, I opted for a short introductory half day. It was beautiful, fun and rewarding. The guides were excellent, group "sailing" was an unexpected fun activity that saved energy and lunch on the beach after was tasty, filling and relaxing. Water taxi back including being towed (while still in the boat) by a tractor.
Jo-Anne K
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... read moreMy 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! read less
BrianY853
We did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and... read moreWe did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and had great fun. Awatea kept us amused with his 'Dad jokes' and informed with his local knowledge. As we came ashore for the last time at Marahau I really felt I'd achieved something by kayaking the Abel Tasman. Definitely recommend this trip and absolutely recommend Abel Tasman kayaks as the company to go with. read less
stressederic64