Price
$230pp
Duration
1 Day
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.
Begin your day with a guided kayak journey from Mārahau to the beautiful Observation Beach. Paddle past the Astrolabe Islands, striking rock formations, and hidden coves, and where curious seals and other wildlfe surface to investigate their surrounds. From the water, enjoy unique perspectives of the Abel Tasman Coast Track winding through ever-changing landscapes of native bush and golden beaches.
After working up an appetite on the water, enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at pristine Observation Beach, surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.
Enjoy lunch at Observation Beach before spending the afternoon walking unguided the coastal track. Discover clear streams, native bush and breath-taking panoramas over the Astrolabe Islands. As you approach Mārahau, the Mārahau 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 section is guided and the walk unguided.
We 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 & Walk trip, these options feature a different walking experience:
Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop – After your kayak, explore the Anchorage area with an unguided walk around the Pitt Head Nature Loop. This track offers stunning viewpoints and a peaceful forest setting.
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.
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 cater morning tea and lunch designed around your health and energy.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open:
1 Sept – 31 May
- 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 3 hours
- Water Taxi: No water taxi cruises
- 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.
Observation Beach
Relaxing at Observation Beach after lunch.
Paddle through caves and rocky outcrops on a high tide.
Coast Track
Swap your paddle for walking shoes.
Coastal Track bush
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 Mārahau. If conditions permit sail back home. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks.
4.00 pmArrive back in Mārahau.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
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
Nice guide who told us a lot about the national park. Pleasant group size with only 5 kayaks.
Michèle
The kayak tour was great fun (as we have hoped for). Our guide Hillary provided valuable background information and was very helpful in finding a solution for our return to Marahau 🙏.
Dieter
Guide was lovely- friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Made the tour an awesome experience! Highly recommend!
Miranda
Had a great day with Haido our guide. Friendly and helpful. Safety was paramount. Did the kayaking and hike option. Unfortunately, the sea was a little choppy, so paddling was hard work. Lunch was eaten in a lovely cove, gave us a chance to chat with our fellow kayakers. Lovely walk back took about 2 hours through the woods with super views of the coastline.
Peter Marriott
We were very satisfied with everything, the detailed instructions from our guide and the entire process. It was a great TSG
GetYourGuide traveler
Excellent kayak with Mitchell! Very informative and friendly chats! Obviously very safe too
Patrick Fahy






