Kayak north to the Marine Reserve and then return to Marahau via the coastal track.

Spend four day (2 kayaking/2 walking) so you can explore Marahau to Onetahuti.

This trip will see you kayaking the diverse and stunning coastline between Marahau and Onetahuti beach over two days and then retracing your footsteps via the Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track back to Marahau.  We make all this possible by collecting your kayak for you on day two at Onetahuti and leave you to walk South through what Lonely Planet describes as the most beautiful section of track in the park.  Spend your last night at Anchorage before heading back to our base in Marahau for a hot shower.

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

  • Start paddling at Marahau and 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 over the 47m suspension bridge across Falls River.
  • On your kayaking days, choose to stay at the smaller campsites in the park that you can only access from the water.

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

$244 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: No water taxi cruises
  • 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 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

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’.

Falls River Swing Bridge

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

Onetahuti & Surrounds

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

Lagoons

Torrent Bay Lagoon, Sandfly Bay, Frenchman Bay & Shag Harbour (marker) are all great places to explore on a high tide.

Bark Bay - Anchorage

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

Lookout

Enjoy the views from the lookout.

Marahau causeway

Black Beech

Lookout for black beech around the headlands, hard beech on the lowlands & red beech on inland hills. The black beech has a honeydew scale insect which feeds on the sap of the tree you might see birds feeding on the honeydew.

Onetahuti kayak pick up

No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)

 

Night 1

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

Night 2

Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites)

Night 3

Anchorage Campsite (50 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

    Kayak to Onetahuti.
    3.15pm
    Kayak pick up at Onetahuti.
    Spend the night at Onetahuti or Tonga Quarry.

  • Day 3

    Walk from Onetahuti to Anchorage (high tide route approx 6hrs, 17.9km, low tide route approx 5hrs, 14.8km). Spend the night at Anchorage.

  • Day 4

    Walk from Anchorage to Marahau 3.5hrs, 12.4km.
    4.00pm
    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.

Other trips you may like

What our customers say

I booked the Earth, Sea, and Sky tour. If you want to explore the scenic Abel Tasman national park, Abel Tasman Kayaks is the company to do it with, plus they have various tours! The tour starts off in Torrent Bay (via water taxi) and you walk to Barker Bay (bring hiking shoes) where you'll see various bays, plants, wildlife, and other beautiful scenery. At Barker Bay, they had additional... read more


Travel Dude

The Abel Tasman coast is absolutely beautiful to kayak but Nathan really made our day - he was friendly, enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable about the local area and its history and really funny! We all had a great day! Delicious lunch on the beach, stunning scenery and we saw seals and penguins!! Highly recommend, one of our highlights of New Zealand :)


Jade B

Originally I sighed up for a different longer Abel Tasman day tour but on the day of the tour the weather was changing and the wind was picking up, so I was offered a shorter kayaking and walking. And think it was thoughtful and responsible on the part of Abel Tasman Kayak company. The waters for sea kayaking was already pretty rough. Abel Tasman Kayak does a great job on... read more


TRyana

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

we had a great time with this company on the ocean and when we camped . before you go i would check what you are going to eat .


eaterofallthingsgood

Abel Tasman Kayaks supported our 9 day hiking (self guided) and kayaking trip. There were a few hiccups along the way, as the trip got shifted around from kayaking first, hiking last, to the reverse, due to inclement weather. The owner, Jack, took us to the café pre our departure, treated us to coffee and muffins, explained the necessary changes, and gave us a revised detailed itinerary. What we... read more


Jane S

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Many of our trips conclude at Anchorage by the end of the day. 🌅🚣‍♂️ its also a great place to spend a night in the park.

View
Open
Many of our trips conclude at Anchorage by the end of the day. 🌅🚣‍♂️ its also a great place to spend a night in the park.

Exploring the park on your own.

View
Open
Exploring the park on your own.

Split Apple Rock is just around the corner from our base, waiting to be explored.

View
Open
Split Apple Rock is just around the corner from our base, waiting to be explored.

This is one of our favorite photos ever! 📸❤️

View
Open
This is one of our favorite photos ever! 📸❤️

Whether you`re a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, we make sure the paddling is easy and fun for everyone!

View
Open
Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, we make sure the paddling is easy and fun for everyone!

Only 6 months to the longest day! Bring on Summer!

View
Open
Only 6 months to the longest day! Bring on Summer!

One of our team members demonstrating the correct use of a dry bag. 📸 Cameras are welcome on all our trips, so you can capture every moment!

View
Open
One of our team members demonstrating the correct use of a dry bag. 📸 Cameras are welcome on all our trips, so you can capture every moment!

Awaroa is one of the many stunning beaches we launch our kayak trips from, situated right on the edge of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. 🚣‍♂️

View
Open
Awaroa is one of the many stunning beaches we launch our kayak trips from, situated right on the edge of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. 🚣‍♂️

It may be the smallest national park, but it`s got a lot of coastline to explore. ❤️ the Abel Tasman National Park.

View
Open
It may be the smallest national park, but it's got a lot of coastline to explore. ❤️ the Abel Tasman National Park.

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