plan & prepare
YOUR
Abel
Tasman
adventure
Planning and preparation is the key to any memorable outdoor adventure. Check out the video series and checklist page to ensure your ready to make the most of your Abel Tasman adventure.
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
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.
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.
