Price

$391 NZ pp

Duration

4 Days

Travel north over four magic days under your own steam, before returning via water taxi. Magic!

Take four days to kayak and walk in one direction through to the Northern water taxi point Totaranui.

We make this easy for you by picking up your kayak at the end of day three and then meeting you at the end of day four to cruise you back down the coast for a good hot shower to finish your trip. On your journey you get to experience the stunning Astrolabe and Marine Reserve –  there is plenty of time to explore these spots plus all the places in between.  The Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track between Onetahuti and Totaranui provides great views of the coast, and the bush ranges from wetlands to lush native forest.

Recommended campsites: Night 1 Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay. Night 2 Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 3 Onetahuti. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.

  • Journey North in one direction via kayak and foot.
  • Kayak from Marahau to Onetahuti.
  • Swap your paddle at Onetahuti for your walking shoes to Totaranui.
  • Walk the track between Onetahuti and Totataranui.
  • The coastal track provides great photo opportunities to capture the golden sands and turquoise waters of the park.
  • Return via water taxi seeing the coastline you just explored from a different perspective.
  • Enjoy a hot shower at our purpose built base.

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).

Print Itinerary
  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
  • Age: Minimum age is 14 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 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
  • Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
  • Bus: $80 Nelson return, $40 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

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.

Anchorage & Surrounds

Paddle into the calm waters of Anchorage or drift into Torrent Bay Lagoon on a high tide. Optional short walks can be accessed from Anchorage.

Custom Holidays - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Anchorage sunrise

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’.

Great views of the coast can be found on this section of track and the bush ranges from wetlands to lush native forest.

Totaranui passenger pick up

Kayak pickup

Onetahuti kayak pick up

Ponga / Silver fern

Keep you eyes peeled for Ponga / Silver fern New Zealand’s national emblem.

Walk start

Walk finish

Totaranui pick up.

No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)

 

Night 1

Observation Beach Campsite (marker) (6 sites) (water access only) or Te Pukatea Bay Campsite (7 sites).

Night 2

Bark Bay (marker) (40 sites) or Mosquito Bay (20 sites) (water access only).

Night 3

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

  • 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

    Spend the night at Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

  • Day 3

    3.15pm
    Kayak pick up at Onetahuti.
    Spend the night at Onetahuti.

  • Day 4

    Walk from Onetahuti –Totaranui 4.5hrs, 14.2km.
    2.45pm
    Water taxi pick up at Totaranui.
    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 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Dinner  Lunch Dinner
Snacks Snacks Snacks 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

  • Are camp passes included in overnight trips?

    Yes, camp passes are included in the package price for all overnight accommodation. We take care of booking and paying for the campsites on your behalf and provide the passes when you check in.  If you wish to upgrade to stay in hut please contact us separately there will be an additional cost.

  • 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.

  • How much gear/equipment can we store in our kayaks for an overnight trip?

    You can easily fit the equivalent of approximately two large packs full of equipment in the dry storage areas of a double sea kayak. This needs to be put inside large plastic bags to fit into the hatches. Check out our video on tips for packing your kayak.

  • 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

Such an incredible walk and we really enjoyed our two days with the kayaks! Day 1: kayaked from Marahau to Te Pukatea; Day 2: kayaked Te Pukatea to Onetahuiti then walked to Waiharakeke - big day but breaking it up made it a lot more manageable. Third day: walked Waiharakeke to Anapai Bay. 4th day: Anapai Bay, loop around to Separation point and back to Totaranui. All pretty average fitness and not experienced kayakers but we managed the kayaking just fine. Highly recommend doing the kayak/walk split as it was a great way to break it up and it was beautiful out on the water. Also very impressed with our pickup crews boating skills - it was a VERY choppy day on pick up, but they operated like a well oiled machine to get us and our gear safely on the boat. Abel Tasman Kayaks were great and really helpful and I would certainly recommend using them. Overall a great experience, good camping facilities (some with flushing toilets!) and incredible views. Make sure to check the tidal crossings and watch out for Wekas!!


Amelia R

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Raft up your kayaks, take a breather, and soak it all in - the calm, the colours, the coastline.

Sometimes the best way to explore is to pause, appreciate, and let the adventure settle in around you.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

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Raft up your kayaks, take a breather, and soak it all in - the calm, the colours, the coastline. Sometimes the best way to explore is to pause, appreciate, and let the adventure settle in around you. 📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand . .. ... #abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the excitement of what’s ahead.

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Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the excitement of what’s ahead.

Most days out here are sunny and golden ☀️ — but every now and then, the rain rolls through. And honestly? It still makes for an awesome trip. 🌧️🌊

The colours pop, and the adventure vibes crank up a notch. Rain or shine, it’s always a good day to explore the Abel Tasman.

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Most days out here are sunny and golden ☀️ — but every now and then, the rain rolls through. And honestly? It still makes for an awesome trip. 🌧️🌊 The colours pop, and the adventure vibes crank up a notch. Rain or shine, it’s always a good day to explore the Abel Tasman.

Golden light, calm seas, and a coastline waking up in the most magical way - and a fresh brew makes it even better. ☕💛🌅✨

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Golden light, calm seas, and a coastline waking up in the most magical way - and a fresh brew makes it even better. ☕💛🌅✨

Happy New Year! ✨ If you’re looking to change it up in 2026, start with an adventure that gets you outside, moving, and inspired.

Swap screens for coastline, deadlines for tide lines, and step into a year where you choose adventure, and the unforgettable. 🌊🌿

Let’s make this the year you explore more.

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Happy New Year! ✨ If you’re looking to change it up in 2026, start with an adventure that gets you outside, moving, and inspired. Swap screens for coastline, deadlines for tide lines, and step into a year where you choose adventure, and the unforgettable. 🌊🌿 Let’s make this the year you explore more.

Explore the Abel Tasman in all its duality — even from the water. 🌿🌊
Where lush bush drops right down to sea level, and every paddle stroke takes you between two worlds.

📍Abel Tasman National Park

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..
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

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Explore the Abel Tasman in all its duality — even from the water. 🌿🌊 Where lush bush drops right down to sea level, and every paddle stroke takes you between two worlds. 📍Abel Tasman National Park . .. ... #abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz

Seasons Greetings from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks.

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Seasons Greetings from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks.

Our Sea Bear kayaks are built for adventure — stable, comfortable, and designed to glide smoothly along the Abel Tasman coastline. 🌊🐻

Perfect for multi-day journeys, they carry everything you need while keeping you steady through changing conditions. Whether you’re crossing open bays or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks are all about confidence and capability on the water.

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Our Sea Bear kayaks are built for adventure — stable, comfortable, and designed to glide smoothly along the Abel Tasman coastline. 🌊🐻 Perfect for multi-day journeys, they carry everything you need while keeping you steady through changing conditions. Whether you’re crossing open bays or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks are all about confidence and capability on the water.

Kayaking out the inlet with the push of the tide — nature giving you a little tow on the way to your next adventure. 🌊🚣‍♂️✨

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Kayaking out the inlet with the push of the tide — nature giving you a little tow on the way to your next adventure. 🌊🚣‍♂️✨

Getting ready for another day in paradise ✨

📍Abel Tasman Kayaks

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Getting ready for another day in paradise ✨ 📍Abel Tasman Kayaks

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