Hire a kayak for a day and paddle to Anchorage.
Continue your journey by walking the coastal track or return by water taxi.
Get prepared for your day, then spend the day exploring the Astrolabe before having your kayak picked up at Anchorage. Spend the night at Anchorage and create your own walking itinerary either North or South or alternatively catch the water taxi back to Marahau.
Recommended campsite: Anchorage. Camp pass not included in the price.
- Start Marahau and paddle to Anchorage.
- Kayak pick up at Anchorage at the end of the day.
- Fully explore the Astrolabe area at your own pace.
- Paddle out to Adele & Fisherman Islands and listen to the birdsong.
- Drift into caves on a high tide.
- Stop in at Watering Cove and walk up the coastal track to experience the spectacular views of the Astrolabe and the Northern part of the park.
This trip is recommended for confident outdoors people.
At the end of the day there are two options: return with your kayak on the water taxi back to Marahau or stay at Anchorage. If you are staying overnight we suggest booking a bag/pack transfer to Anchorage.
Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).
Price
$135pp
Duration
1 Day
- Check-in: 8.15 am (10.30 am, noon & 1.30 pm subject to availability) (1 Oct – 30 Apr) 9.00am (1 May – 30 Sep)
- Open:
1 Sept – 30 June
- 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
- Food: Self catered
- Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Walk option
Overnight at Anchorage and then explore the coastal track.
Taxi option
Return with your kayak on the water taxi back to Marahau.
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves, rocky outcrops and islands.
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.
No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)
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
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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.
10.30amContinue on your own to explore the Astrolabe and Anchorage surrounds.4.00pmKayak pick up at Anchorage.
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Preparation
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, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Food: Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey. 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.
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.
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.
*Please note this is an estimate of timings base on a 8.15am check-in.
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
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 moreThis 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 was still quite challenging to be rowing all day — as I was solo, I was paired with another traveler and found the two of us had to work quite hard. If one or both in your group aren’t strong kayakers the full day could be quite challenging (I consider myself fairly fit but was definitely wiped by the end). I considered doing the multi day tour but am glad with my choice! Would definitely recommend the full day tour as it was a great, lowkey way to see the bay, but be warned you will likely get quite a workout with the Soul Food option! (I didn’t mind as it made me feel like I really earned a cold beer at the end of the day). read less
amcali9
Great trip with Reed. All the equipment is very good quality, we were well briefed and looked after. We saw lots of birds and seals and even a ray. Our instructor Reed was excellent and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend
sfw_giggles
Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and brought lots of positive energy.
The views were amazing, we saw lots of wildlife and with the high tide we paddled through 3 beautiful lagoons.
The lunch was also delicious!
Saraandaaron
Wij hebben gekozen voor een hele dag kajakken, zonder de wandeling, om zo meer van het Marine Reserve te kunnen ontdekken. Na een korte introductie konden we op pad. De watertaxi naar het beginpunt was al beter dan verwacht. De gids nam er alle tijd voor en liet ons al het één en ander zien waar we door het getij wellicht later niet mee bij konden.
Daarna volgde een korte... read moreWij hebben gekozen voor een hele dag kajakken, zonder de wandeling, om zo meer van het Marine Reserve te kunnen ontdekken. Na een korte introductie konden we op pad. De watertaxi naar het beginpunt was al beter dan verwacht. De gids nam er alle tijd voor en liet ons al het één en ander zien waar we door het getij wellicht later niet mee bij konden.
Daarna volgde een korte uitleg over de kajaks en het peddelen en mochten we onszelf te water laten. Onze gids vertelde veel over de natuur, planten en dieren, die daar leven. De tocht was relaxed, maar we konden toch ook lekker door varen. De lunch was uitstekend en we hadden hier ruim de tijd om te relaxen. Het was een kleine groep en dat maakte het nog persoonlijker. Zeker een goede keuze!!! read less
NienkeNM
Had a half day kayak with Balveer. He was friendly and informative and catered well to the needs of our small family group. Aside from talking about the area, he was a really interesting guy just to talk to. My son loved chewing the fat with him.
mlb209
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