Between the tides, plants and animals each occupy distinct bands like the forest zones between sea level and the bush-line. Experience these environments come alive as you immerse yourself in the Abel Tasman.

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park.  Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide timetable means on any given departure your experience the best part of the park and are able to explore the marine reserve to the fullest. Explore the realm of Tangaroa, God of the sea and feel the presence of Tane Mahuta, God of the forest on this trip.

Start Awaroa/Finish Bark Bay

Kayaking out from Awaroa allows a visit to Shag Harbour*, a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman. Carry on paddling south to explore the coastline at the top of the Marine Reserve before heading into Onetahtui. Enjoy lunch at Onetahuti before spending the afternoon walking the Abel Tasman Great Walk Coastal track exploring between Onetahuti and Bark Bay. Highlights of this section include Tonga Quarry and the Bark Bay Estuary and the Kaka population.

Start Onetahuti/Finish Anchorage

Heading out from Onetahuti via Tonga Island experience the seals frolicking on Tonga Island, Tonga Arches, and tranquil lagoons in the heart of the park. Enjoy lunch at Bark Bay before spending the afternoon walking the Abel Tasman Great Walk Coastal track exploring between Bark Bay and Anchorage. Highlights of this section include the Kaka population, Falls River suspension bridge and the Torrent Bay lagoon. Take a sneek preview below, video produced by Bare Kiwi.

 

Paddling is our business, with all activities supported from our purpose-built kayak base, complementary hot showers, wifi,  equipment storage & client transporters, and our custom built water taxis. 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 you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We also cater a snack and lunch designed around your health and energy.

Every trip is unique like each of our clients.

*Start & finish dependent on tide timetable.

Price

$320pp

Duration

1 Day

  • Check-in: 8.15 am
  • Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
  • 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 2 hours
  • Water Taxi: Two 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

  • 8.15 am
    Check in and meet your guide.
    8.30 am
    Water taxi.

    Awaroa - Bark Bay

    9.45 am
    Arrive Awaroa.
    10.45 am
    Kayak from Awaroa to Onetahuti. Total kayak time approx 2 hrs with breaks.
  • 12.45 pm
    Lunch.
    1.15 pm
    Walk from Onetahuti to Bark Bay. Approx 2 hrs, 6.4 km.
    3.45 pm
    Water Taxi to Marahau.

    Onetahuti - Anchorage

    9.30 am
    Arrive Onetahuti.
    9.45am
    Kayak from Onetahuti to Bark Bay. Total kayak time approx 2 hrs with breaks.
  • Onetahuti - Anchorage

    12.30pm
    Lunch.
    1.00 pm
    Walk from Bark Bay to Anchorage. Approx 3 hrs, 11.7 km (high tide route) or 9.2 km (low tide route).
    4.00 pm
    Water Taxi to Marahau.

    All

    4.30 pm
    Arrive back in Marahau.

*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.

What to Bring

Please 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 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.    

  • More FAQ’s

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

What our customers say

We went on a kayak trip and then hike. Everything was extraordinarily beautiful and service was fantastic and perfect from beginning to end. Our guide was Hayley and she was friendly, knowledgeable, easy-to-chat with, and made everyone feel safe and secure. She shared interesting facts along the way about the park (and New Zealand generally), provided flexibility around where we paddled based on group preferences, took us to a quick... read more


O1600HSamyh

Superb walk and kayak through the beautiful Abel Tasman! Louisa was a fantastic guide and made sure that everyone was having a great time. Thank you for the yummy recommendation for burgers after! We’ll be dreaming about those brownies for years to come!! thank you all for a fantastic trip!


RachelS4504

#ABELTASMANKAYAKS

There is something very special about exploring the marine reserve ❤️
The park is rich with history. From its early Māori settlement to its naming after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this landscape lends itself to lots of story telling and discovery.
View from the office ain't that bad! Summer days in the Abel Tasman.
Get paddling, we couldn't agree more, and love we are mentioned as one of the 5 best tours to do this summer.
Read about here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer 

@stufftravelnz
Great to make Stuffs five of the best tours to take this summer article. 

Check it out here https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360491325/get-paddling-five-best-tours-take-summer
There are many great things about exploring the Abel Tasman—stunning scenery is just the start! 🏞️ No prior experience? No problem! Our guides ensure you have the skills for an amazing adventure, whether you're a beginner or a pro. 🚣‍♂️✨
Abel Tasman sunrise - nothing short of magical 🌅
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
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#DoSomethingNewNZ
See the Milky Way the way it's meant to be seen—crystal clear and breathtaking🏕️✨
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#abeltasmankayaks
#ilovenelsontasman
#nelsontasmannz
#abeltasman
#purenz 
#airnewzealandme
#kayakingnz
#seakayaking
#seakayakingnz
#nelson
#nzmustdos
#natgeotravel
#aatraveller
#straytravel
#lonelyplanet
#flightcentreau
#quantas
#tripadviser
#southislandnz
#explorenz
#DoSomethingNewNZ
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest national park, but it's the most accessible! 🌿 We make exploring it easy every day with a variety of water taxi options to suit your adventure. 🛥️🏞️
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