This round trip allows you to explore Marahau to Anchorage over two days.
Paddle the calm waters of the Astrolabe before heading around the point to Anchorage then journey back by foot the next day.
Day one is a beautiful paddle from Marahau to Anchorage Bay. The water taxi will collect your kayak from Anchorage at the end of day one.
You’ll spend the night here and on day two enjoy walking the Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track with beautiful views out over the turquoise waters of the Tasman Bay.
Recommended campsite: Anchorage. Camp pass included in price which we book on your behalf.
- Start and finish at Marahau.
- Fully explore the Astrolabe Anchorage area by kayak and foot at your own pace.
- Paddle out to Adele & Fisherman Islands.
- Drift into the Torrent Bay lagoon on a high tide.
- Have your kayak picked up at the end of day one.
- Spend a night at Anchorage.
- Walk the coastal track back to Marahau.
- Take in the picturesque view of Torrent Bay at the top of the climb out of Anchorage.
- Your walk finishes at the end of the causeway in Marahau. The DoC shelter offers the perfect place to contemplate your journey before heading back to our base for a hot shower.
This trip is recommended for confident outdoors people.
Make your trip easier and book a return bag/pack transfer to/from Anchorage – $25 per bag/pack each way.
Hut accommodation is available for an additional cost, please contact us to arrange and camping gear can be hired at time of booking if required.
Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).
Price
$154 NZ pp
Duration
2 Days
- Check-in: 8.15 am (10.30 am & noon 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 and camp pass (Abel Tasman Kayaks books on your behalf)
- Food: Self catered
- Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks. Recommended for confident outdoors people
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves and rocky outcrops.
Night 1
Anchorage Campsite (50 sites)
Lookout
Enjoy the views from the lookout.
Anchorage - Marahau
Enjoy your walk following the coast you just kayaked.
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 found 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.
Note the Department of Conservation applies a pricing system that varies depending on residency status.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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Day 1
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.9.30amOn water assessment with guide.
10.00amYou have all day to explore the Astrolabe and Anchorage area by kayak.
4.00pmYour kayak will be picked up at Anchorage by water taxi.
Spend the night at Anchorage. -
Day 2
Options:
Spend the morning at Anchorage then walk from Anchorage to Marahau 3.5hrs, 12.4km.
Or you have ample time to walk the Te Pukatea Bay and Pitt Head track either as a circuit or on your journey home. It offers great views from Pitt Head – 1 hour 20 minutes return then walk from Anchorage to Marahau 3.5hrs, 12.4km.
Or walk to Cleopatra’s Pool along the high tide route. The walk takes you along a stream bed of large boulders to a secluded swimming spot – 40 minutes return then walk from Anchorage to Marahau 3.5hrs, 12.4km.4.00pmReturn to Abel Tasman Kayaks’ base.
*Please note this is an estimate of timings base on a 8.15am check-in.
Preparation
Camp pass: Provided at check in.
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, torch, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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.
Food & water: 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.
Day 1: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
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.
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
We did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach,... read moreWe did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach, it had fascinating kaka (cheeky native parrots recently released into the wild there). There is a cold (public) beach shower at both locations which was an unexpected bonus to freshen up after a dip in the sea. Anchorage was a grassed canpsite next to another stunning golden beach with interesting caves at the end, lovely for a quiet evening explore when the beach was almost empty despite being peak season. We were blessed with perfect weather and the trip was very well organised with high safety and environmental standards. Non kiwis might need to be aware the sea is not tropical island warm in early Jan, but is fine if you’re used to cooler sea swimming (and if not, take a deep breath and do it.)
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet. read less
Greer7
Luisa was a fantastic guide! She was not only informative with the history & sites, she was fun to be with.
Also turned our kayaking adventure into a sailing one!
dstewartkmg365
Such a great way to spend a day! The hike to Observation beach was great with lots of spots to view the ocean and beaches along the way. Lunch was excellent; I am so impressed with how tasty it was, especially since it was so simple. Our guide Louisa was helpful, knowledgeable and clear in her instructions and was also super friendly, really enjoyed chatting to her along the way.... read moreSuch a great way to spend a day! The hike to Observation beach was great with lots of spots to view the ocean and beaches along the way. Lunch was excellent; I am so impressed with how tasty it was, especially since it was so simple. Our guide Louisa was helpful, knowledgeable and clear in her instructions and was also super friendly, really enjoyed chatting to her along the way. The wind was in our favour so it was a nice easy kayak and we could really enjoy the views. Equipment provided was excellent and well cared for and instructions on its use were clear and helpful. Please give the staff a hand loading and unloading the kayaks if asked, my friend and I were really disappointed that most of our group ignored this request and left straight away. With a few sets of hands it’s not difficult!
Highly recommend this as a great way to see the National Park from a few different perspectives. read less
Sophielouwho
Our family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer... read moreOur family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer focused and efficient. The tractor ride to take you and the boats out onto the water and back is heaps of fun.
I highly recommend this great company and kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park as well, we had great weather, no crowds, gorgeous beaches to ourselves and superb camping. We saw a pod of dolphins, little blue penguins and lots of baby seals.
A trip to remember !
Thanks Abel Tasman Kayaks, we will be back. read less
Karenza H
Gorgeous country, coast, trail, weather. Does not get much better than this. Just the right amount of trail time.
Noelpeterson1
Our guide was excellent, we had a fantastic time kayaking in the Tasman Sea. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking great. Love the rock formations and the history of the area. Very interesting. We opted out of kayaking over to seal island as it was windy and rough. After kayaking we had coffee on the beach and hiked over to another beach to sail back... read moreOur guide was excellent, we had a fantastic time kayaking in the Tasman Sea. The scenery is beautiful, the kayaking great. Love the rock formations and the history of the area. Very interesting. We opted out of kayaking over to seal island as it was windy and rough. After kayaking we had coffee on the beach and hiked over to another beach to sail back to where we started. All in all a great day. Because of Covid 19 we were one of the last groups so it was the guide and me and my husband. I'd recommend this highly. read less
Kristin B
