Price

$376 NZ pp

Duration

5 Days

Five blissful days, paddles lapping the water and feet walking to their own beat!

Spend three blissful days kayaking North to Onetahuti.

Your first few days will be filled with the sound of  paddle strokes, marine life and your eyes will feast upon golden beaches and turquoise waters. Our briefing allows you to make the most of your three days on the water highlighting all the special spots to explore and places to stop.  After three days on the water we pick up your kayak and you head on foot to the Northern part of the park.  This section of the Abel Tasman Great Walk coastal track is blessed with lush native forests and big stands of Nikau and Southern Rata.  It is a lot quieter up here and we recommend staying at what we consider some of the best campsites in the park (see below for recommendations). You can walk as far as Separation Point, see Golden Bay at the top of the park before heading back to Totaranaui on the last day where the water taxi will take you back to Marahau for a well earned hot shower.

Recommended campsites: Night 1: Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. Night 2: Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 3: Onetahuti. Night 4: Anapai Bay. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.

  • Have the time to enjoy the park at your own pace.
  • Paddle one way to the Marine Reserve.
  • Walk to Separation Point the Northern part of the park.
  • Experience the solitude of the beaches past Totaranui.
  • Return via Water Taxi from Totaranui to Marahau.
  • Enjoy our base facilities on completion of your trip.

Recommended campsites: Night 1: Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. Night 2: Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay. Night 3: Onetahuti. Night 4: Anapai Bay. Campsites included in price which we book on your behalf.

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
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 7- 8 hours over two days
  • 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

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

Te Pukatea Bay Campsite (marker) (7 sites) or Anchorage Campsite (50 sites).

 

Night 2 & 3

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

Night 4

Anapai Bay Campsite (6 sites) or Mutton Cove Campsite (20 sites)

Walk to Separation Point and return to Totaranui


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 Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage.

  • Day2

    Spend the night at Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

    Day 3

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

  • Day 4

    Walk North from Totaranui.
    Spend the night at Anapai Bay or Mutton Cove.

    Day 5

    2.45pm
    Walk back to Totaranui for your water taxi pick up.
    4.30pm
    Arrive at Abel Tasman Kayak base.

*Please note this is an estimate of timings and based on our summer 8.15am check-in. There may be times when this trip will be reversed.

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 Day 5
Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Dinner  Dinner Dinner Dinner
Snacks 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

3 day immersion at the Abel Tasman ,saw lots of seals and surrounded always by pristine park
Was a group tour
Guide super helpful with kayaks and paddling was enjoyable with a min to mod fitness level of middle aged person


gggerty

A must do!! Belvir (sp?) gave us a great safety briefing and information before we set off. It was helpful and entertaining. We went all the way to Anchorage, dropped off the kayaks and walked back. Also saw seals on the way. An amazing family experience we will never forget. So glad we did it, and highly recommend these guys to book with.


Bexselector

We did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and... read more


stressederic64

We went on a kayak trip and then hike. Everything was extraordinarily beautiful and service was fantastic and perfect from beginning to end. Our guide was Hayley and she was friendly, knowledgeable, easy-to-chat with, and made everyone feel safe and secure. She shared interesting facts along the way about the park (and New Zealand generally), provided flexibility around where we paddled based on group preferences, took us to a quick... read more


O1600HSamyh

We hired kayaks and used the park start service to take us into the park to start our trip and book our camping. Our briefing and assessment prior to the trip with Georgia was excellent. Very thorough and informative.Kayak drop off by boat, camp spot and beach pick up we’re brilliant Great experience Thank you Chris and Liane (Uk) Feb 2023


Liane Llewellyn H

We had the day tour remote coast. The weather was a little bit cloudy whcih we appreciated - otherwise you have really take care about getting sun burned. Only a small group 4 kajaks and Kai from UK as our guide. He did a great job - explained a lot and was always teking care about all of us. Had lunch at Bark bay with nut steeling kaka`s. Have seen... read more


Sigrid H

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

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.

Drifting in the Abel Tasman.

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Drifting in the Abel Tasman.

Between Marahau and Anchorage, you’ll find a lot of stunning beaches just waiting to be explored! Whether by kayak or on foot, each one offers its own slice of paradise.

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Between Marahau and Anchorage, you’ll find a lot of stunning beaches just waiting to be explored! Whether by kayak or on foot, each one offers its own slice of paradise.

Moss & Lichen might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Abel Tasman, but this park is home to some pretty impressive species.

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Moss & Lichen might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Abel Tasman, but this park is home to some pretty impressive species.

The quick way to get home 👏

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The quick way to get home 👏

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