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.
  • Don’t 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

$280pp

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
  • Base Map

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.

Seal - Abel Tasman Kayaks

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.  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 majestic  Nikau to be found on this section of track.

Onetahuti kayak pick up 

Totaranui passenger pick up

Night 1

Anchorage Campsite (50 sites).

Night 2

Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites)

Departure Times

Please note the Department of Conservation apply differential pricing between 1st October and 30th April. If you are a New Zealand resident choose the New Zealand Resident price, if you are an International Visitor choose International Visitor price.

Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.

 

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    8.15am
    Check 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.
    10.00am
    On water assessment with guide.
    10.30am
    Continue on your own to explore the Abel Tasman. Spend the night at Observation Beach, Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage.
  • Day 2

    3.15pm
    Kayak pick up at Onetahuti. Spend the night at Onetahuti or Tonga Quarry.
  • Day 3

    8.15am
    Walk from Onetahuti to Totaranui approx 4.5hrs,14.2km.
    2.15pm
    Water Taxi pick up at Totaranui.
    4.30pm
    Return to Abel Tasman Kayaks’ 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: 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
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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.  

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

What our customers say

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

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...
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NienkeNM

Just wanted to leave a review to say thanks to Abel Tasman Kayaks for an awesome experience. All of the staff were so helpful, friendly and accomodating. I had no previous experience paddling so was honestly a bit nervous but right from the start the guy sorting us out (can’t remember his name but he was the big blonde Viking, you know who you are) was so chilled and informative... read more


Zac E

We had a fantastic day , superbly organised from start to finish. Our guide was excellent , felt really safe but was also an adventure and really good fun. Opportunity to see wildlife up close, time to swim, explore remote little bays.
A fantastic day.


KarenSharpe

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...
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Karenza H

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 more


Sophielouwho

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There are not many places in the world where you start your trip sitting in a boat traveling down the road. ❤️ launching from Marahau.
Where to next? ❤️ the options in the Abel Tasman.
Paddling in sync 🚣‍♂️ the perfect way to explore the Abel Tasman.
Happy Leap Day! Perhaps these kayakers are catching a glimpse of dolphins leaping on this special day? 🐬🛶
Enjoying lunch and a coffee in the Abel Tasman.
Islands stealing the foreground, and there are three waiting to be explored in the Abel Tasman. 🏝️🗺️
Blue skies and granite coastline ❤️ the Abel Tasman.
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