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
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
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
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Day 1
8.15amCheck 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.10.00amOn water assessment with guide.10.30amContinue 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
3.15pmKayak 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
2.45pmWalk back to Totaranui for your water taxi pick up.4.30pmArrive 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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More FAQ’s
A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.
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What our customers say
Superb walk and kayak through the beautiful Abel Tasman! Louisa was a fantastic guide and made sure that everyone was having a great time. Thank you for the yummy recommendation for burgers after! We’ll be dreaming about those brownies for years to come!! thank you all for a fantastic trip!
RachelS4504
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 moreSuch 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. The wind was in our favour so it was a nice easy kayak and we could really enjoy the views. Equipment provided was excellent and well cared for and instructions on its use were clear and helpful. Please give the staff a hand loading and unloading the kayaks if asked, my friend and I were really disappointed that most of our group ignored this request and left straight away. With a few sets of hands it’s not difficult!
Highly recommend this as a great way to see the National Park from a few different perspectives. read less
Sophielouwho
Got a free upgrade to do a full day kayak! Our guide Roy was very knowledgeable, friendly and a good talker! It was a very fun experience and we got to see a lot of seal pups!!
trishs9791
My wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other... read moreMy wife and I just returned from a 2 day trip with ATK - we started our adventure in Marahau and took a 40 minute water taxi up the coast to Awaroa. We’d have loved to do the 3 day trip which covers the same coastline but includes a few nature walks a however, we were NOT disappointed by the truncated experience. We were paired off with one other lovely family in for a reunion, and the endlessly talented guide Isaac, who had us all feeling like Whānau by the end of the trip. The thing that really impresses me about this tour is how meticulously they have figured out to time the various side quests, swims and meal breaks so that it lines up with the tide. In terms of sights, the highlights for me would have to be:1) Tonga island, where we saw dozens of young seal pup-mum pairings and learned about the impressive comeback this species has made over the last several years. 2) Shag Harbour, a beautiful inlet accessible only during high tide with crystal clear water and a symphony of cicada song3) Mosquito bay (reportedly named this to reduce foot traffic - not at all buggy), a beachhead campground accessible only by kayak 4) Watering cove near Te Karetu point - where you drink delicious, crystal clear & cool spring water directly from the sourceIf you are reading and thinking “but I am not an experienced kayaker”, this is NOT a necessity for this trip. If you are in reasonable shape, eager to learn and put in effort you’ll get through the ~30km of ground with no problem. My wife and I were lagging a bit behind because of some motion sickness and Isaac seamlessly built in breaks and sightseeing to keep us caught up and feeling good. The food is excellent and abundant - I won’t spoil the particulars. Finally, I’d be woefully remiss if I didn’t emphasize again just what an incredible guide Isaac was for our group. He is kind, outgoing, thoughtful and has a deep knowledge and love for NZ, Abel Tasman Park, and Maori culture. The depth of his knowledge for the flora & fauna, natural and human history of the area would be impressive for a guide 10 years his senior. He carries all of it off with such nonchalance - and always with a smile and a laugh (and a piece of ginger candy when my wife was worse for wear on the mad mile)Go on this trip, with this group. We will be back, and we hope he’s there to show us another adventure read less
Tim R
We did a trip for 5 days walking to Awaroa lodge for a day and than guided 3 day kayak trip back to Maharau
This trip will be always remembered as we made many memories
The team at ABT did a great job with customizing the trip and we had a great guide in Whitey
Throughly recommend this experience
Andyoto
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 moreWe 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 Bark Bay. I would highly recommend this trip and this company. It’s hard to decide on highlights…as there were so many! read less
Rowena E
