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).

Price

$376 NZ pp

Duration

5 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
  • 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

    2.30pm
    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.

  • 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

Wir haben eine Kayak und Walk Tour gemacht. Unser Tour-Guide war extrem nett und hat einen sensationellen Job gemacht. In unserer kleinen Gruppe mit 4 Kayaks haben wir ein paar schöne Stunden verbracht, während der wir durch den wunderschönen Nationalpark gefahren sind und einiges über den Park sowie die einzigartige Artenvielfalt dort erfahren haben. Nach der Kayak-Tour bekamen wir am Strand ein leckeres Mittagessen und danach ging es auf eigene... read more


Mi-Nadine

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

We had a superb day in Abel Tasman. The team went out of their way to make the experience a great one. We Kayaked first due to tides, with Awatea as our kayak guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, and he kept us entertained throughout the trip. We had a fabulous picnic lunch and then got shuttled by boat to walk from Torrent Bay to... read more


Rowena E

The four of us had a great time in this beautiful location. Our guide was helpful knowledgeable and fun to be with and we all enjoyed the lunch.At the end we felt like we'd had a bit of a workout but we are not very fit and we set our own pace.We saw playful young seals up close, a wide range of birds and a couple of stingrays. Do it... read more


Sam S

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

Such a great way to spend a day! The hike to Observation beach was great with lots of spots to view the ocean and beaches along the way. Lunch was excellent; I am so impressed with how tasty it was, especially since it was so simple. Our guide Louisa was helpful, knowledgeable and clear in her instructions and was also super friendly, really enjoyed chatting to her along the way.... read more


Sophielouwho

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There is something very special about exploring the marine reserve ❤️
The park is rich with history. From its early Māori settlement to its naming after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this landscape lends itself to lots of story telling and discovery.
View from the office ain't that bad! Summer days in the Abel Tasman.
Get paddling, we couldn't agree more, and love we are mentioned as one of the 5 best tours to do this summer.
Read about here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer 

@stufftravelnz
Great to make Stuffs five of the best tours to take this summer article. 

Check it out here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer
There are many great things about exploring the Abel Tasman—stunning scenery is just the start! 🏞️ No prior experience? No problem! Our guides ensure you have the skills for an amazing adventure, whether you're a beginner or a pro. 🚣‍♂️✨
Abel Tasman sunrise - nothing short of magical 🌅
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See the Milky Way the way it's meant to be seen—crystal clear and breathtaking🏕️✨
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
#abeltasman
#purenz 
#airnewzealandme
#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
#seakayakingnz
#nelson
#nzmustdos
#natgeotravel
#aatraveller
#straytravel
#lonelyplanet
#flightcentreau
#quantas
#tripadviser
#southislandnz
#explorenz
#DoSomethingNewNZ
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's the most accessible! 🌿 We make exploring it easy every day with a variety of water taxi options to suit your adventure. 🛥️🏞️
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