4 Day Kayak & Walk North

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).

Price

$357 NZ pp

Duration

4 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
Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
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.

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.

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).

Full Park Map

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.

2.30pm

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

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

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... read more read less

Amelia R

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

Price

Duration

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Anchorage & Surrounds

Astrolabe

Kaka

Kayak pickup

Ponga / Silver fern

Walk start

Walk finish

Night 1

Night 2

Night 3

Departure Times

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Preparation

FAQS

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5 Day Kayak & Walk North

Guided Kayak Tours, Walking Tours

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What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

4 Day Kayak & Walk North

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

Price

Duration

Adele Island Bird Sanctuary

NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno

Bark Bay & Surrounds

Anchorage & Surrounds

Astrolabe

Kaka

Kayak pickup

Ponga / Silver fern

Walk start

Walk finish

Night 1

Night 2

Night 3

Departure Times

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Preparation

FAQS

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What our customers say

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

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