Price

$75pp

Duration

1/2 Day

Want to see Split Apple Rock?

An afternoon rental is the way to get there.

Explore Split Apple Rock, sea caves, the shag (Cormorant) colony and Nagio Island before returning to Marahau.

  • Explore the coastline from Marahau to Split Apple Rock.
  • Paddle at your own pace.
  • Drift into caves on a high tide.
  • Stretch your legs on the beach and take that perfect picture of Split Apple Rock.

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).

Print Itinerary
  • Check-in: 8.15am & 12 noon
  • Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
  • Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
  • Food: Lunch can be provided for $25pp or bring your own
  • Includes: Kayak hire
  • Paddling: Approximately 1.5 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises

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

  • 12 noon
    Check in and meet your guide for your briefing.
    12.45 pm
    Head out to Split Apple Rock and explore the surrounds.
    4.00 pm
    Arrive Abel Tasman Kayaks base.

What to bring

Please 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

  • 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.

  • 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

Great way to explore Abel tasmen! Many trip options but also can chop and change with ideas we did a 3 day kayak made into four with a beach day in between.

Great company - they teach you all the basics before you start out & go on a test run beforehand. Showers available at the end!

Really recommend 5⭐️


Kate W

I booked the Earth, Sea, and Sky tour. If you want to explore the scenic Abel Tasman national park, Abel Tasman Kayaks is the company to do it with, plus they have various tours! The tour starts off in Torrent Bay (via water taxi) and you walk to Barker Bay (bring hiking shoes) where you'll see various bays, plants, wildlife, and other beautiful scenery. At Barker Bay, they had additional... read more


Travel Dude

I booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough... read more


KimK

We had the day tour remote coast. The weather was a little bit cloudy whcih we appreciated - otherwise you have really take care about getting sun burned. Only a small group 4 kajaks and Kai from UK as our guide. He did a great job - explained a lot and was always teking care about all of us. Had lunch at Bark bay with nut steeling kaka`s. Have seen... read more


Sigrid H

we had a great time with this company on the ocean and when we camped . before you go i would check what you are going to eat .


eaterofallthingsgood

Super leuke dag gehad op het water. De uitrusting is goed, alles is verzorgd! De lunch en snacks zijn healthy wat het even anders maakt dan veel andere tours. Ook de gids Nathan maakt een degelijk verschil, hij heeft ons veel verteld en geleed, is interactief met iedereen in de groep en weet zeker waar hij het over heeft. Good job Nathan ;)

De prijs is wel aan de hoge...
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carlijndr

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Friends, nature, and kayaking—the ultimate trio for an unforgettable adventure. 🛶🌿 Grab your mates, or plan a trip so you can soak up the scenery, and make memories in the magic of the Abel Tasman.
Autumn days in the Abel Tasman are something special—warm, calm, and quiet. 🍂🌊 Perfect for slow paddles, golden light, and peaceful moments in nature.
Kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals, are the most common seals in Aotearoa—and right now is the best time to spot their playful pups in the Abel Tasman! 🦭✨ These little ones bring extra energy to the coastline, making your kayak trip even more memorable.
Adventure hits different with a guide—more stories, more hidden spots, and zero second-guessing your route.
Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see ❤️
Catching a water taxi is a seamless way to start your day before you explore the at sea level by kayak.
The Abel Tasman is full of fascinating geological wonders—like Cottage Loaf Rock, a quirky rock  that adds a lot of character to this spectacular coastline.
The Abel Tasman is a treasure trove of lagoons—each one a gateway to tranquillity.
Golden light, calm waters, and birdsong set the tone for your next adventure. 🌅🌊🪶
Explore the Abel Tasman Coastline where every paddle stroke leads to a new discovery.
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