Price
$265pp
Duration
1 Day
Explore from Mārahau to Anchorage in a day.
Begin your adventure with a guided kayak from Mārahau to the golden sands of Observation Beach. Paddle past the Astrolabe Islands, catching glimpses of the Abel Tasman Coast Track from the water, with chances to spot wildlife and soak in the stunning coastal scenery. Get up close to the enchanting Astrolabe Islands and experience their magic firsthand before heading back to the mainland.
After landing at Observation Beach, break for lunch before trading your paddle for walking shoes. Follow the track through native bush and clear streams, taking in breathtaking views over Anchorage and the surrounding islands.
Stroll along Anchorage Beach and continue onto the stunning Pitt Head Loop. Don’t miss the panoramic lookout over Te Pukatea Bay—one of the park’s hidden treasures before returning to Anchorage. Complete your loop trip back on a relaxing water taxi ride back to Mārahau, ending your day of connection with the Abel Tasman’s southern coastline.
Please note this trip may run in reverse, the kayak section is guided and the walk unguided.
We also offer two other walking and kayaking combo adventures in the southern Abel Tasman. While the guided kayak section follows the same route as the Kayak & Pitt Head loop trip, these options feature a different walking experience:
Earth Sea Sky – Venture further north with an unguided walk through the spectacular Bark Bay and Falls River region. Cross the famous Falls River Swing Bridge before joining your guide for an afternoon paddle.
Kayak and Walk from Mārahau to Mārahau which retraces its own path and has sweeping views over the Astrolabe Islands.
All of our trips are supported from our purpose-built kayak base, where you’ll have access to complimentary hot showers, Wi-Fi, secure gear storage and carparking, and client transport services. We provide top-quality soft gear, expertly fitted by our guides, along with top-quality kayaks and equipment tailored for your comfort and safety—so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline your professional guide will be with you for around 4 hours sharing stories, local knowledge, and their love for this incredible place – the Abel Tasman. We also cater lunch designed around your health and energy.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Minimum age is 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio
- Food: Includes lunch
- Paddling: Approximately 2 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 2 hours
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- Bus: $80 Nelson return, $40 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
- Media Pack:
Free social-ready images and video
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 found at the northern end of the island.
Astrolabe
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches and islands.
Paddle through caves and rocky outcrops on a high tide.
Southern Abel Tasman
Aerial view of the Astrolabe.
New Zealand native bush
Te Pukatea Bay lookout
Te Pukatea Bay
Anchorage
Departure Times
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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8.15 amCheck in and meet your guide. Your guide will provide a map for your afternoon walk.
8.30 amKayak briefing.
9.00 amKayak from Mārahau to Observation Beach. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.
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12.15 pmEnjoy your lunch at Observation Beach.12.30 pmWalk unguided from Observation Beach to Anchorage via Pitt Head Nature Loop approx 2hrs.
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3.45 pmWater taxi from Anchorage to Mārahau.4.30 pmArrive back in Mārahau.
*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.
What to Bring
Personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, walking shoes, a change of clothes, cameras and any medication.
We Provide
A double kayak, buoyancy vest, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras and of course an awesome Abel Tasman Kayaks guide.
FAQS
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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 guided kayaking?
Guided customers need to be 12+. Under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult for all tours excluding Split Apple Classic. The age for Split Apple Classic Guided is 8+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
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Is food included on our tour?
Lunch is included in all our guided tours, except for the Split Apple Classic, making it one of the many reasons to join Abel Tasman Kayaks. Summer lunches are a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack and fruit. We also provide fresh plunger coffee, tea and local juice; however, drinks are not included on the Earth Sea Sky trip due to timing. In winter we offer hot seasonal soup, home made bread rolls, fresh plunger coffee and local juice. Vegetarian and dietary requirements can be catered for, please ask at time of booking. Two, Three & Five Day Classic’s & Source to Sea are fully catered. Two Day & Three Day Tiki Tour trips require some catering by you. Check out the trip description to see what meals are required.
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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
The day kayak/walk was the highlight of our trip, we loved it (even the teenagers!). Darryl our guide was fantastic - he was so informative, knowledgeable and had lots of yarns to tell along the way. With no prior kayak experience, the paddle in the morning was a perfect amount of time on the water. The walk to Anchorage and then the Pitt Head loop was absolutely stunning. All the staff were really friendly and helpful, right from pick up to drop off in Motueka. Safety was clearly a priority for everyone and we were definitely in safe hands, which was very reassuring. This was our first trip to Abel Tasman and gave us a wonderful taste of what's on offer, we will without a doubt be back. Thanks Darryl and ATK.
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