Our interpretation of the environment is renowned and gives you the knowledge to see beyond the obvious beauty.
Embark on a morning guided kayak adventure setting out from Marahau and paddling your way to Observation Beach. In the afternoon exchange your paddle for walking shoes as you retrace your steps.
The southern end of the national park boasts some of the Abel Tasman’s most picturesque scenery. Here, you’ll find twelve stunning beaches, awe-inspiring rock formations, and opportunities to spot a seal or two. From the kayak, catch glimpses of the coastal track and experience the enchantment of the Astrolabe Islands up close.
Enjoy lunch at Observation Beach before spending the afternoon walking unguided the coastal track. Discover clear streams, native bush and breathtaking panoramas over the Astrolabe Islands. As you approach Marahau, the Marahau causeway marks the final leg of your journey—a stunning spot to reflect upon an unforgettable day.
Please note this trip may run in reverse, the kayak portion is guided and the walk unguided.
We offer two other combinations of walking and kayaking adventures in the southern end of the Abel Tasman. Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop, which encompasses Anchorage and surrounds and Earth Sea Sky which takes in the Bark Bay/Falls River area.
Paddling is our business, with all activities supported by our purpose-built kayak base, featuring complimentary showers, wifi, gear storage & client transporters. We also provide high-quality soft gear – fitted for each client by our guides and high-quality hard gear – customised for comfort for each client.
On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We cater morning tea and lunch designed around your health and energy
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
Price
$199pp
Duration
1 Day
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open:
1 Sept – 30 June
- Age: Minimum 12 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
- Food: Includes lunch
- Paddling: Approximately 2 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 hours
- Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
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 tips and a map for your morning walk.
8.30 amWalk unguided to Observation Beach approx 3 hrs.
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12.15 pmMeet your guide at Observation Beach and enjoy lunch.1.00 pmKayak briefing.
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1.30 pmKayak from Observation Beach back to Marahau. If conditions permit sail back home. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.
4.00 pmArrive back in Marahau.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
What to Bring
Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, 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 on all our guided tours except the Split Apple Classic. It is one of the great reasons to go on a trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks. Summer lunches are a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack, fruit, fresh plunger coffee and local juice. 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
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
A must do!! Belvir (sp?) gave us a great safety briefing and information before we set off. It was helpful and entertaining. We went all the way to Anchorage, dropped off the kayaks and walked back. Also saw seals on the way. An amazing family experience we will never forget. So glad we did it, and highly recommend these guys to book with.
Bexselector
Very good briefing to ensure safety etc. Guide was clear and humorous and had lots of knowledge of natural history to make things interesting. Lunch on beach very good, coffee and fruit too. Beautiful coastline and weather was great. We walked back along Able Tasman path, really good. Great way to spend 4-5 hours! Would fully recommend.
11prusom
I had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the... read moreI had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the pace of the group which meant no one got left behind. We also got to go across to Adele Island, and see some seals!
The lunch was delicious (maybe one of the best tour lunches Ive had!).
The walk back was good as we could go at our own pace, and go in to the little bays along the way and explore. read less
briohnyp
Friend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear... read moreFriend and I did a two day kayak and walk. Started with kayak on day one. The kayak was all packed with our overnight camp gear we hired from the place. Location and parking was easy. Good safety demonstration and a short ride to launch site on back of tractor/trailer. Site had a good setup with shower and toilet facilities. Staff were very helpful on arrival and departure. Camp gear that we hired was good condition and all accounted for. We arrived at Anchorage and unpacked the kayak, setup our camp site. Kayaks were picked up off the beach where we were instructed to leave. Next day we left our camp gear at site and continued north to Onetahuti (recommend walking extra distance for beautiful beach. Otherwise end at Barks Bay). Water taxi (company owned) collected us right on schedule. Super friendly and considerate boat driver. We had amazing weather and can’t fault the experience! We did two day walk that doesn’t include meals.
Suggest the company does a departure checklist for visitors. Things like how much we can fit in kayak/what types of bags can fit and how to pack food would be helpful for first-timers. Even meal suggestions would be great idea. In case reader is wondering: suggest a medium sized backpack per person plus a bag for meals. On day two you have to carry all your personal gear including food containers and rubbish - think about what and how you’re willing to carry these things on your walk the next day.
Recommend this experience and the company 100%. Thanks team! read less
L7624ZLadrianm
We booked the half day kayak tour to Observation Beach and everything was fantastic. Our guide Darryl was great- super knowledgeable about the area, funny and full of stories. We saw loads of sea lions, birds, golden beaches, sea caves and had fun exploring the coastline. Had a relaxing snack and tea/coffee on the beach before continuing on our self-guided trip back down the Abel Tasman track to Motueka. The... read moreWe booked the half day kayak tour to Observation Beach and everything was fantastic. Our guide Darryl was great- super knowledgeable about the area, funny and full of stories. We saw loads of sea lions, birds, golden beaches, sea caves and had fun exploring the coastline. Had a relaxing snack and tea/coffee on the beach before continuing on our self-guided trip back down the Abel Tasman track to Motueka. The track back is about 3 hours, but allow extra time for viewpoints, photos, and to enjoy the incredible beaches! Highly recommended as a daytrip.. would love to do a longer trip as well. read less
CMelissa7
