• Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop

    Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop

    Also includes:

    • Media Pack included

      Social-ready photos & video

    • Packed lunch included

      Complimentary lunch


    Book Now

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

  • 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 found at the northern end of the island.

Seal - Abel Tasman Kayaks

Astrolabe

Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches and islands.

Paddle through caves and rocky outcrops on a high tide.

The Park For all Seasons

Southern Abel Tasman

Aerial view of the Astrolabe.

New Zealand native bush

Te Pukatea Bay lookout

Te Pukatea Bay

TePukatea - Abel Tasman Kayaks

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

  • 8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide. Your guide will provide a map for your afternoon walk.
    8.30 am
    Kayak briefing.
    9.00 am
    Kayak from Mārahau to Observation Beach. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.
  • 12.15 pm
    Enjoy your lunch at Observation Beach.
    12.30 pm
    Walk unguided from Observation Beach to Anchorage via Pitt Head Nature Loop approx 2hrs.
  • 3.45 pm
    Water taxi from Anchorage to Mārahau.
    4.30 pm
    Arrive 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

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • More FAQ’s

    A full list of our FAQ’s can be found here.

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.


SunHol1

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

Raft up your kayaks, take a breather, and soak it all in - the calm, the colours, the coastline. 

Sometimes the best way to explore is to pause, appreciate, and let the adventure settle in around you.

📍@abeltasmankayaks | @purenewzealand 
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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Gathering for a briefing. Checking the plan, getting set, and getting ready for the  excitement of what’s ahead.
Most days out here are sunny and golden ☀️ — but every now and then, the rain rolls through. And honestly? It still makes for an awesome trip. 🌧️🌊

The colours pop, and the adventure vibes crank up a notch. Rain or shine, it’s always a good day to explore the Abel Tasman.
Golden light, calm seas, and a coastline waking up in the most magical way - and a fresh brew makes it even better. ☕💛🌅✨
Happy New Year! ✨ If you’re looking to change it up in 2026, start with an adventure that gets you outside, moving, and inspired.

Swap screens for coastline, deadlines for tide lines, and step into a year where you choose adventure, and the unforgettable. 🌊🌿

Let’s make this the year you explore more.
Explore the Abel Tasman in all its duality — even from the water. 🌿🌊
Where lush bush drops right down to sea level, and every paddle stroke takes you between two worlds.

📍Abel Tasman National Park

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#abeltasmankayaks #abeltasman #abeltasmannationalpark #nelsontasmannz #NZMustDo #GreatWalksNZ #airnzshareme #natgeotravel #kayakingnz #seakayaking #seakayakingnz #explorenz #southislandnz
Seasons Greetings from the team at Abel Tasman Kayaks.
Our Sea Bear kayaks are built for adventure — stable, comfortable, and designed to glide smoothly along the Abel Tasman coastline. 🌊🐻

Perfect for multi-day journeys, they carry everything you need while keeping you steady through changing conditions. Whether you’re crossing open bays or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks are all about confidence and capability on the water.
Kayaking out the inlet with the push of the tide — nature giving you a little tow on the way to your next adventure. 🌊🚣‍♂️✨
Getting ready for another day in paradise ✨

📍Abel Tasman Kayaks
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