If you want an authentic experience, this is definitely the place to go. From the moment we stepped foot into the reception to leaving, every staff member we encountered was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely wanted to help and make our first kayaking experience one to remember. Our guide was Belverre (might be incorrectly spelt sorry). He was knowledgeable, professional and very funny. We had a safety briefing before we went... read moreIf you want an authentic experience, this is definitely the place to go. From the moment we stepped foot into the reception to leaving, every staff member we encountered was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely wanted to help and make our first kayaking experience one to remember. Our guide was Belverre (might be incorrectly spelt sorry). He was knowledgeable, professional and very funny. We had a safety briefing before we went out on the water and felt very safe on the water. Definitely recommend!! read less

Our family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer... read moreOur family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer focused and efficient. The tractor ride to take you and the boats out onto the water and back is heaps of fun.
I highly recommend this great company and kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park as well, we had great weather, no crowds, gorgeous beaches to ourselves and superb camping. We saw a pod of dolphins, little blue penguins and lots of baby seals.
A trip to remember !
Thanks Abel Tasman Kayaks, we will be back. read less

Gorgeous country, coast, trail, weather. Does not get much better than this. Just the right amount of trail time.

We opted for a half day freedom (unguided) rental as we just wanted a taste of kayaking this beautiful area and didn't have a huge amount of time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great... read moreWe opted for a half day freedom (unguided) rental as we just wanted a taste of kayaking this beautiful area and didn't have a huge amount of time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great to have- it meant our kayak did not fill up with sea water. We decided to kayak over to Adele Island while the winds were still low and then back to the mail land to explore some bays and then kayak back with the wind. But it was really tough kayaking against the wind and tide and by the time we got to the island it was too rough and we were tired so we saw a couple of seals and decided to get back to the shelter of the astrolabe area. Really a waste of time and energy when the kayaking is tough like this.
These bays are beautiful, golden sand, peaceful providing lovely swimming in clear, clean water.
We decided to return back early which we had asked what the procedure was during our safety briefing and we were instructed to head for the big black buoy. As the tide had gone right out it was quite hard to spot the buoy but we had a fair idea of what land marks were we had to head for. We then just asked another operator to contact our kayak company. He offered to take the kayaks back to the company on his truck which meant no waiting for us. We had a quick hot shower - clean dry towel supplied, before we continued our road trip. A beautiful area of the country. I have done this once by kayak and probably would not do this again- perhaps a boat drop off and a walk back would be nice, if there is a next time. read less

We were a large tour group so half of us walked to Apple Tree Bay while the other half kayaked there. The walk in was amazing as it just hits you how beautiful nature is and how appreciative I become that it is still relatively unspoilt. We enjoyed the cooler weather and had a picnic on the beach before we swapped to kayaking.Our guide Issac did a beautiful karakia with... read moreWe were a large tour group so half of us walked to Apple Tree Bay while the other half kayaked there. The walk in was amazing as it just hits you how beautiful nature is and how appreciative I become that it is still relatively unspoilt. We enjoyed the cooler weather and had a picnic on the beach before we swapped to kayaking.Our guide Issac did a beautiful karakia with a great explanation of what it meant to start us off on our kayak. Seeing the National park from the sea gave me another viewpoint and enjoyed being on the ocean. Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone. It will leave you breathless and thankful. read less

I booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough... read moreI booked the Walk&Kayak Tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks including pickup from Nelson. The stuff has been very nice, reliable, puntual and created a highly enjoyable tour! The introduction into the gear, risks, and rules were thoroughly done, and I felt very comfortable. The kayaking was not exhausting at all, even I never did it before. The stuff took care at all times for their group and allowed for enough breaks for arms ;-) Coffee-Cake and Lunch time were very tasty too! A great day! read less