From Marahau to Totaranui and return – it’s an adventure!
Spend three days in the stunning Abel Tasman. The first two days see you kayaking from Marahau through to Onetahuti.
We collect your kayak for you on day two and leave you to walk North through to the last water taxi pick up point, Totaranui. The bush through here is lush and the coastal views amazing! We collect you at the end of day three when the water taxi retraces your route back to Marahau.
Recommended campsites: Night 1 Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. Night 2 Onetahuti. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.
- Start paddling at Marahau and finish at Onetahuti.
- Donβt paddle the same coastline twice!
- 2 days of kayaking allows plenty of time to explore all the way up the Marine Reserve.
- Walk to the Northern taxi pick up point Totaranui.
- Retrace your steps on the water taxi on your journey back to Marahau.
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
$288 NZ pp
Duration
3 Days
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
- 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, passenger transfer and camp pass (Abel Tasman Kayaks books on your behalf)
- Food: Self catered
- Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
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.
Onetahuti & Surrounds
Explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its surrounds you can go as far as Shag Harbour.
Astrolabe
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves and rocky outcrops.
Kaka
Kaka New Zealands native parrot have been reintroduced to Bark Bay.Β They are often heard before they are seen, listen out for their call a harsh, repeated, rhythmic ‘ka ka’.
Lagoons
Explore Frenchmans Bay, Sandfly Bay, Bark Bay (marker) lagoons on the high tide.
Bark Bay & Surrounds
Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.
No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)
Awaroa Estuary Crossing
Spectacular low tide estuary crossing.
Majestic rain forest
The northern end of the park offers great examples of sub tropical rain forest. There are plenty of majesticΒ Nikau to be found on this section of track.
Onetahuti kayak pick upΒ
Totaranui passenger pick up
Night 1
Anchorage Campsite (50 sites).
Night 2
Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites)
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.10.00amOn water assessment with guide.10.30amContinue on your own to explore the Abel Tasman. Spend the night at Observation Beach, Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. -
Day 2
3.15pmKayak pick up at Onetahuti. Spend the night at Onetahuti or Tonga Quarry. -
Day 3
8.15amWalk from Onetahuti to Totaranui approx 4.5hrs,14.2km.2.15pmWater Taxi pick up at Totaranui.4.30pmReturn to Abel Tasman Kayaksβ base.
*Please note this is an estimate of timings and based on our summer 8.15am check-in. There may be times when this trip will be reversed.
Preparation
Camp pass: Provided at check in.
Kayaking clothes: Youβre 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. Donβt 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
Day 3: 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.Β 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 MΔrahau 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.Β We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau.Β Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you.Β Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.Β Β
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If I am on my own can I rent a kayak?
Itβs 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 FAQβs can be found here.
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What our customers say
I had a great kayak day tour. Kayaking was the best choice for exercise and to go into the national park and see the wildlife. Our guide Nathan knew many details about all the birds and wildlife and history of the park!! He took great care of us. Lunch stop at the beach was amazing. I would have loved to see even more from the park and kayak further.
Kathikmann
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 moreThe 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. We saw sea lions, lots of bird life, and rays. We also loved the lunch stop with a waterfall and cave to explore, as well as the saling!!! But, just paddling along enjoying the landscape was a lovely way to see the Abel Tasman NP. We'll cherish the experience! Thanks a bunch to Daz and the rest of the Abel Tasman Kayaks team! :) read less
trailingaway
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. Weβd 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. Weβd 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 WhΔnau 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 song
3) 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 source
If you are reading and thinking βbut I am not an experienced kayakerβ, this is NOT a necessity for this trip. If you are in reasonable shape, eager to learn and put in effort youβll 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 wonβt spoil the particulars.
Finally, Iβd be woefully remiss if I didnβt 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 heβs there to show us another adventure read less
TimRowesays
Had the very best time out there today! Amazing foggy completely still and quiet morning! Then some baby seals playing around our boat, amazing! And best of all was our guide - Tom! Thank you so much for this adventure
theaaa1234567
Find the time to put this trip on your bucket list, but more importantly make the time to take the trip so it's not on the list anymore. We did the 5 day kayak trip with ATK- Kyle was our guide and I can't think of a way we could have enjoyed the trip more.(oh, wait ...if I had zero sandfly bites...) Not Kyle's fault and still not a detractor... read moreFind the time to put this trip on your bucket list, but more importantly make the time to take the trip so it's not on the list anymore. We did the 5 day kayak trip with ATK- Kyle was our guide and I can't think of a way we could have enjoyed the trip more.(oh, wait ...if I had zero sandfly bites...) Not Kyle's fault and still not a detractor for this wonderful trip. I kayak in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and have wanted to explore this part of New Zealand for years. I had a hard time trying to decide if the three day or five day trip would be best....Soooo glad that I booked the five day and would tell anyone thinking about this experience to find the extra two days in your life and commit to the 5 day trip. It really let us explore so much more of the park and the actual paddling was not difficult if you have done at least some paddling before hand. If you paddle regularly than you'd be silly to not take the five day trip. My other concerns going in were the food, and that the itinerary seemed quite vague on all the websites from ATK. Well both of those concerns were a joke looking back. I'd guess most people gain a few kilos on the trip as the food was really well done, lots of options, and even more quantity than eveyone in our trip would ever eat.(Pretty much every dinner Kyle would have to go find hungry backpackers to share our extra's with)(Find hungry backpackers was never a problem!). The itinerary concern I was creating in my head, I'm embarrassed to say I should have figured out in advance. The reason is that the guides for the five day trips have their act together and balance the trip to weather, tides, ability of the group, etc... and then due to a high number of places to go and camp- take you to the best places based on all the data. I spoke with many other people about if how our group operated was unique (no), if the other guides were as good (yes) (however I'm keen to think Kyle was phenomenal anyway). We had great weather for the entire trip, wind was a factor a couple times, but our guide Kyle adjusted his timing and it all worked out. Other key parts that make this a 5/5; The shuttle bus driver was already waiting for us on our early morning pick up from Nelson..and we were early, he was also very professional and fun. The office staff were quick to provide answers to questions from pre trip, to check in, to departure afterwards. The nice little food kiosk on site had great coffee to help launch us, and they had nice treats to eat after the journey. The equipment was in decent condition and the guide was very well equipped with supplies, radio, and plans for pretty much anything. I brought along several friends on this trip and ATK made this trip exceptional for everyone of us. I really could not say enough complementary things about how well organized, thoughtful, prepared, and professional their team we experienced was. Best use of five days of my life ever!
Highlights- Our guide Kyle and the trainee( he had for first day and a half), food, variety of marine life, swimming, clean toilets at campsites. read less
Peter C
What a bummer it happened to be the only day of the week that rained the whole day of the tour. A change of dates was offered but we had a bus to catch the next day. Still getting to see so many seals also made the time worthwhile. Our guide Nadia has been an absolute gem :) She tried her best to make the positives out of the day,... read moreWhat a bummer it happened to be the only day of the week that rained the whole day of the tour. A change of dates was offered but we had a bus to catch the next day. Still getting to see so many seals also made the time worthwhile. Our guide Nadia has been an absolute gem :) She tried her best to make the positives out of the day, being patient as it was our first time kayaking, v informative abt the various islands and native animals and sensitive to our needs as it got cold in the rain. Goofy brownies was a good call, well done Abel Tasman Kayaks! read less
Beryl