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).
Price
$75pp
Duration
1/2 Day
- 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 $20pp 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.
Itinerary
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12 noonCheck in and meet your guide for your briefing.12.45 pmHead out to Split Apple Rock and explore the surrounds.4.00 pmArrive Abel Tasman Kayaks base.
What to bring
Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, 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
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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
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... read moreSuper 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 kant, de kwaliteit is geweldig maar de prijs zou iets om laag kunnen! read less
carlijndr
My wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other... read moreMy wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other lovely family in for a reunion, and the endlessly talented guide Isaac, who had us all feeling like Whānau by the end of the trip. The thing that really impresses me about this tour is how meticulously they have figured out to time the various side quests, swims and meal breaks so that it lines up with the tide. In terms of sights, the highlights for me would have to be:1) Tonga island, where we saw dozens of young seal pup-mum pairings and learned about the impressive comeback this species has made over the last several years. 2) Shag Harbour, a beautiful inlet accessible only during high tide with crystal clear water and a symphony of cicada song3) Mosquito bay (reportedly named this to reduce foot traffic - not at all buggy), a beachhead campground accessible only by kayak 4) Watering cove near Te Karetu point - where you drink delicious, crystal clear & cool spring water directly from the sourceIf you are reading and thinking “but I am not an experienced kayaker”, this is NOT a necessity for this trip. If you are in reasonable shape, eager to learn and put in effort you’ll get through the ~30km of ground with no problem. My wife and I were lagging a bit behind because of some motion sickness and Isaac seamlessly built in breaks and sightseeing to keep us caught up and feeling good. The food is excellent and abundant - I won’t spoil the particulars. Finally, I’d be woefully remiss if I didn’t emphasize again just what an incredible guide Isaac was for our group. He is kind, outgoing, thoughtful and has a deep knowledge and love for NZ, Abel Tasman Park, and Maori culture. The depth of his knowledge for the flora & fauna, natural and human history of the area would be impressive for a guide 10 years his senior. He carries all of it off with such nonchalance - and always with a smile and a laugh (and a piece of ginger candy when my wife was worse for wear on the mad mile)Go on this trip, with this group. We will be back, and we hope he’s there to show us another adventure read less
Tim R
We chose to hike part of the Able Tasman Track, and went with Able Tasman Kayaks who were dropping off a bunch of kayakers. We continued on board this fantastic fast boat and had an awesome tour of the whole area, then were dropped off at the beautiful Observation Beach so we could walk back out. It was an amazing day and the staff at Able Tasman Kayaks were... read moreWe chose to hike part of the Able Tasman Track, and went with Able Tasman Kayaks who were dropping off a bunch of kayakers. We continued on board this fantastic fast boat and had an awesome tour of the whole area, then were dropped off at the beautiful Observation Beach so we could walk back out. It was an amazing day and the staff at Able Tasman Kayaks were all super professional and friendly to deal with. We can't wait to get back with our friends and do a guided kayak trip next week. Thankyou Jack for taking care of our needs. You're the best! read less
693LindaJ693
Friend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear... read moreFriend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear that we hired was good condition and all accounted for. We arrived at Anchorage and unpacked the kayak, setup our camp site. Kayaks were picked up off the beach where we were instructed to leave. Next day we left our camp gear at site and continued north to Onetahuti (recommend walking extra distance for beautiful beach. Otherwise end at Barks Bay). Water taxi (company owned) collected us right on schedule. Super friendly and considerate boat driver. We had amazing weather and can’t fault the experience! We did two day walk that doesn’t include meals.
Suggest the company does a departure checklist for visitors. Things like how much we can fit in kayak/what types of bags can fit and how to pack food would be helpful for first-timers. Even meal suggestions would be great idea. In case reader is wondering: suggest a medium sized backpack per person plus a bag for meals. On day two you have to carry all your personal gear including food containers and rubbish - think about what and how you’re willing to carry these things on your walk the next day.
Recommend this experience and the company 100%. Thanks team! read less
L7624ZLadrianm
Can absolutely recommend this company. They organised a tramping trip combined with a kayak trip. Did all the bookings, answered endless emails and were so helpful. All the staff were incredibly friendly. The marine tour itself was a highlight. Our guide was brilliant and it was no problem that I'd never kayaked before. The equipment was great and all in all just a fabulous... read moreCan absolutely recommend this company. They organised a tramping trip combined with a kayak trip. Did all the bookings, answered endless emails and were so helpful. All the staff were incredibly friendly. The marine tour itself was a highlight. Our guide was brilliant and it was no problem that I'd never kayaked before. The equipment was great and all in all just a fabulous experience. Thanks guys! read less
Anne H
We had a fantastic day , superbly organised from start to finish. Our guide was excellent , felt really safe but was also an adventure and really good fun. Opportunity to see wildlife up close, time to swim, explore remote little bays.
A fantastic day.
KarenSharpe