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.

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What our customers say

Loved every minute of this trip! These guys are super organized and friendly. Everything was sorted and the guides were awesome and very experienced. Time went by so fast. Wish I had done the 5- day tour!


nzfoodi

We had an amazing day out on the water, exploring the coast and Islands of the national park. Well worth the trip, our guide Micah was amazing with lots of information about the area. We did so well went also include Spilt Apple Rock. A very weary but happpy group got back to Marahau


Tracey

We booked the Seal Sanctuary tour and were not disappointed. We saw many seals on our trip and then explored some of the coastline in the park before lunch. Our guide Nicole was knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife as well as providing ideas of what to do for the afternoon and in other cities in NZ that we planned to visit. I would definitely recommend Abel Tasman... read more


JackieB1234567

We loved this trip and I cant recommend it enough. We did a 3 day kayaking adventure. Our guide, Whitey was just brilliant. Super experienced and really good with my 12 year old. He was incredibly knowledable and also a great cook. The food and provided alcohol were just exceptional. I felt safe taking my two daughters , aged 12 and 14. The scenery was just stunning and we were... read more


Alison J

The four of us had a great time in this beautiful location. Our guide was helpful knowledgeable and fun to be with and we all enjoyed the lunch.At the end we felt like we'd had a bit of a workout but we are not very fit and we set our own pace.We saw playful young seals up close, a wide range of birds and a couple of stingrays. Do it... read more


Sam S

We did a trip for 5 days walking to Awaroa lodge for a day and than guided 3 day kayak trip back to Maharau
This trip will be always remembered as we made many memories
The team at ABT did a great job with customizing the trip and we had a great guide in Whitey
Throughly recommend this experience


Andyoto

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Drifting through granite caves⛰️🚣‍♀️

...
#nelsontasman #abeltasmankayaks

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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! 📸

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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! 🌟🚣‍♀️

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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

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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 ☀️

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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

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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. 📸

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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!

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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

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

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