Kayak North to the Marine Reserve and then experience on foot the 47m swing bridge on the coastal track.

Kayak the diverse and stunning coastline between Marahau and Onetahuti beach over two days.

Walk south over what Lonely Planet describes as the most beautiful section of track on the Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track on your last day. Take in the stunning view of Anchorage before getting collected by water taxi for the final leg, a scenic cruise back to Marahau.

Recommended campsites: Night 1 Observation or Te Pukatea or Anchorage. Night 2 Onetahuti. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.

  • Start paddling at Marahau & 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 the section of the coastal track rated as the best by Lonely Planet
  • Walk over the 47m suspension bridge across Falls River
  • Choose to stay at the smaller campsites in the park that you can only access from the water
  • Enjoy a water taxi ride at the end of your trip 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

$269

Duration

3 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 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

Anchorage & Surrounds

Drift into Torrent Bay Lagoon on a high tide. Optional short walks can be accessed from Anchorage.

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.

Astrolabe

Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves and rocky outcrops.

2 Day Freedom Tour - Abel Tasman Kayaks

 

Onetahuti & Surrounds

Explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its surrounds you can go as far as Shag Harbour (pictured).

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’.

Falls River Swing Bridge

Cross the 40-meter swing bridge and enjoy the elevated views over the falls river.

Bark Bay to Anchorage

Lonely Planet describes this section of track as one of the most beautiful sections of track on the Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track.

Onetahuti kayak pick up

No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)

Anchorage passenger pick up

Water Taxis Abel Tasman Kayaks

Night 1

Observation Beach Campsite (marker) (6 sites) (water access only) or Watering Cove Campsite (5 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 or Te Pukatea Bay.

  • Day 2

    3.15pm
    Water taxi pick up kayak from Onetahuti.
    Spend the night at Onetahuti.

  • Day 3

    Walk from Onetahuti to Anchorage (high tide route approx 6hrs, 17.9km, low tide route approx 5hrs, 14.8km).
    4.00pm
    Water Taxi pick up Anchorage.
    4.30pm
    Return 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
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.

Other trips you may like

What our customers say

Had the most amazing trip on the two day classic tour. Kyle was an awesome guide who showed us lots of hidden treasures and made sure we had a great time (and were well fed!) A stunning way to experience Abel Tasman National Park, even for a non-experienced kayaker, would highly recommend ☺️


adamszentes_nz

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 more


Karenza H

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

We booked in to do the half day seal sanctuary kayaking in early October 2019, and I’m very glad we did. We had such an amazing day with Abel Tasman kayaks - our guide Nicole was amazing, providing us with really clear and easy instructions, keeping us safe on the water, and sharing her knowledge about the area including its history and wildlife (as well as food and walk recommendations... read more


Lisa R

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

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 more


NienkeNM

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️

...
#nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks

View
Open
Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️ ... #nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks

The wonders of Tonga Island Marine Reserve🐠 established in 1993 go beyond marine life— Tonga Island in the marine reserve makes for that quintessential Abel Tasman pic! 📸

View
Open
The wonders of Tonga Island Marine Reserve🐠 established in 1993 go beyond marine life— Tonga Island in the marine reserve makes for that quintessential Abel Tasman pic! 📸

Gearing up for the adventure ahead! 🌟🚣‍♀️

View
Open
Gearing up for the adventure ahead! 🌟🚣‍♀️

A sea breeze makes for a fun end to the day, kayak sailing ⛵ is a real highlight for customers kayaking back towards Marahau.

#abeltasmankayaks

View
Open
A sea breeze makes for a fun end to the day, kayak sailing ⛵ is a real highlight for customers kayaking back towards Marahau. #abeltasmankayaks

Watching the sun come up ☀️

View
Open
Watching the sun come up ☀️

Last day to vote for the bird of the century! This year, #birdoftheyear has become
#birdofthecentury. We`re rooting for the Kaka! 🐦 With 35 released into the Abel Tasman, they add their distinctive call and color to Bark Bay and its surrounds.

#BirdOfTheYear

View
Open
Last day to vote for the bird of the century! This year, #birdoftheyear has become #birdofthecentury. We're rooting for the Kaka! 🐦 With 35 released into the Abel Tasman, they add their distinctive call and color to Bark Bay and its surrounds. #BirdOfTheYear

Memories about to be created in the Abel Tasman. 📸

View
Open
Memories about to be created in the Abel Tasman. 📸

The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, it`s the perfect location for half-day or five-day explorations!

View
Open
The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, it's the perfect location for half-day or five-day explorations!

There are plenty of moments to soak it all in.

#abeltasmankayaks

View
Open
There are plenty of moments to soak it all in. #abeltasmankayaks

top
By using Abel Tasman Kayaks, you accept our use of cookies.
OK