Price

$357 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 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
  • 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

  • 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... read more


Amelia R

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Friends, nature, and kayaking—the ultimate trio for an unforgettable adventure. 🛶🌿 Grab your mates, or plan a trip so you can soak up the scenery, and make memories in the magic of the Abel Tasman.

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Friends, nature, and kayaking—the ultimate trio for an unforgettable adventure. 🛶🌿 Grab your mates, or plan a trip so you can soak up the scenery, and make memories in the magic of the Abel Tasman.

Autumn days in the Abel Tasman are something special—warm, calm, and quiet. 🍂🌊 Perfect for slow paddles, golden light, and peaceful moments in nature.

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Autumn days in the Abel Tasman are something special—warm, calm, and quiet. 🍂🌊 Perfect for slow paddles, golden light, and peaceful moments in nature.

Kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals, are the most common seals in Aotearoa—and right now is the best time to spot their playful pups in the Abel Tasman! 🦭✨ These little ones bring extra energy to the coastline, making your kayak trip even more memorable.

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Kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals, are the most common seals in Aotearoa—and right now is the best time to spot their playful pups in the Abel Tasman! 🦭✨ These little ones bring extra energy to the coastline, making your kayak trip even more memorable.

Adventure hits different with a guide—more stories, more hidden spots, and zero second-guessing your route.

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Adventure hits different with a guide—more stories, more hidden spots, and zero second-guessing your route.

Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see ❤️

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Turquoise waters as far as the eye can see ❤️

Catching a water taxi is a seamless way to start your day before you explore the at sea level by kayak.

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Catching a water taxi is a seamless way to start your day before you explore the at sea level by kayak.

The Abel Tasman is full of fascinating geological wonders—like Cottage Loaf Rock, a quirky rock that adds a lot of character to this spectacular coastline.

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The Abel Tasman is full of fascinating geological wonders—like Cottage Loaf Rock, a quirky rock that adds a lot of character to this spectacular coastline.

The Abel Tasman is a treasure trove of lagoons—each one a gateway to tranquillity.

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The Abel Tasman is a treasure trove of lagoons—each one a gateway to tranquillity.

Golden light, calm waters, and birdsong set the tone for your next adventure. 🌅🌊🪶

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Golden light, calm waters, and birdsong set the tone for your next adventure. 🌅🌊🪶

Explore the Abel Tasman Coastline where every paddle stroke leads to a new discovery.

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Explore the Abel Tasman Coastline where every paddle stroke leads to a new discovery.

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