• Preparation & Planning

    Preparation & Planning

Base Facility

Our purpose built kayak base is ideally placed to prepare you for your trip and relax afterwards. We have the most comprehensive base facilities in the park

  • GPS safety tracking for rentals
  • free Wifi
  • hot showers
  • secure parking
  • lock up for personal belongings
  • purpose built transfer vehicles to get you and your kayaks to the water’s edge regardless of weather or tide

Base facilities

Guided briefing

Safety is our priority and there is nothing safer than having a trained guide with you.  As you are not going it alone, the need for an extended version of our rental safety briefing is not required.  On our guided trips we start with a short group briefing covering the essentials and then we get into our trip leaving more time to explore and experience the beautiful Abel Tasman coastline.

Preparation & Planning - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Rental safety briefing

As the only company specialising in kayak rentals, we provide a comprehensive safety briefing. This covers everything: from packing, kayak technique, weather and planning/modifying the journey, stowage and sea-conditions, map interpretation, to those important emergency procedures plus the added advantage of our secrets of the park that we let you know about before you leave. That’s where we know we add value to your trip.  We also run through information from looking after the top quality gear to enjoying the purpose built base facilities.

1 Day allow 1 – 1.5 hrs for the briefing

2+ Days allow 2-3 hrs for the briefing

Once packed and briefed on land, your instructor will initially accompany your group on the water to cover the last part of the briefing and will ensure you are feeling comfortable and competent before waving you off on your adventure.

We have a few requirements which you must meet before we can allow you out on your own:

  • Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires)
  • Age Limit: 18 years +
  • Younger participants may be considered provided that all 14+ years participants are accompanied by an adult (18+)  on a 1:1 ratio
  • Must demonstrate your ability to kayak before leaving our instructor

Passed this? Congratulations!

If you have not met our requirements don’t worry, we will be delighted to show you around the breathtaking sights of Abel Tasman on one of their exciting guided tours!

In the unlikely event you need to self rescue we have put together an instructional video. These steps are covered off in your rental briefing which you practice on land before you head out onto the water.

Kayaks

For Classics and rentals of two days or more, we use Paddling Perfection double fibreglass kayaks with a built-in rudder system. These purpose-built boats have 3 water-tight chambers for gear storage (approximately 300 litres). Specially designed for expedition paddling, these kayaks are stable, comfortable and fast.

For 1 day  guided and 1 day rentals, we use Dobbe Eco-Niizhdouble kayaks. These plastic moulded kayaks have three hatches, the middle being a watertight centre “pod” for gear storage (approximately 80 litres). With a built-in rudder system, these stable kayaks are perfect for one day trips, or shorter multi-day adventures.

Check out packing and gear storage tips for both the Paddling Perfection or Dobbe Eco-Niizhdouble.

Preparation & Planning - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Checklist

Checklist

Learn More

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

This was a beautiful way to experience Abel Tasman and get close to the wildlife in the area. I did a tour that went the full day. We ended up doing good 4h of active kayaking, broken up by lunch and a few other stops. Gear and snacks/lunch were super tasty and the guides even packed up hot drinks (tea/coffee) for the beach. We had great sunny weather but it... read more


amcali9

The guide really makes it or breaks it when you are out on an all-day tour like this and we really lucked in by having Daz. He made sure to keep us safe, well-informed about our interesting surroundings, and laughing! This tour is so well done and even though the weather wasn't ideal (windy and gloomy), it ended up being an absolutely fantastic day to be out on the water.... read more


trailingaway

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 more


BrianY853

An excellent way to fit 2 activities into a day and see a fair bit of the Abel Tasman national park! Our guide Brody was full of information and made for a very safe and enjoyable 2/3hr paddle. Lunch provided was delicious. The walking section is beautiful and easy to complete in the time provided. All very well organised and worth the money!


yasminlee92

One day walk and 2 days kayaking. Lucky enough to have Dez as a guide - genuinely the best guide I’ve had. Funny, intuitive and so knowledgable. Really cares for his work. Learnt loads. Had a great time doing so and even saw a penguin. The glamping is with an incredible couple who love hosting - definitely buy their pizzas! And the Aquapackers is another amazing couple doing what they... read more


Tomclowes22

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There is something very special about exploring the marine reserve ❤️
The park is rich with history. From its early Māori settlement to its naming after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this landscape lends itself to lots of story telling and discovery.
View from the office ain't that bad! Summer days in the Abel Tasman.
Get paddling, we couldn't agree more, and love we are mentioned as one of the 5 best tours to do this summer.
Read about here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer 

@stufftravelnz
Great to make Stuffs five of the best tours to take this summer article. 

Check it out here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer
There are many great things about exploring the Abel Tasman—stunning scenery is just the start! 🏞️ No prior experience? No problem! Our guides ensure you have the skills for an amazing adventure, whether you're a beginner or a pro. 🚣‍♂️✨
Abel Tasman sunrise - nothing short of magical 🌅
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
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#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
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#nelson
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#DoSomethingNewNZ
See the Milky Way the way it's meant to be seen—crystal clear and breathtaking🏕️✨
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
#abeltasman
#purenz 
#airnewzealandme
#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
#seakayakingnz
#nelson
#nzmustdos
#natgeotravel
#aatraveller
#straytravel
#lonelyplanet
#flightcentreau
#quantas
#tripadviser
#southislandnz
#explorenz
#DoSomethingNewNZ
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's the most accessible! 🌿 We make exploring it easy every day with a variety of water taxi options to suit your adventure. 🛥️🏞️
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