Price
$675pp
Duration
3 Days
This is ‘kiwi tikiing’ at its best! Combine one day of unguided coastal walking, one day of guided Marine Reserve kayaking, and one day of self-paced paddling freedom.
This three-day journey showcases the very best of Abel Tasman’s northern reaches, from ancient forests to protected marine waters.
Day One: Totaranui to Awaroa Walk
Your adventure begins with a scenic water taxi ride to Totaranui, gateway to the park’s most remote sections. Embark on an unguided walk through the northern wilderness, where lush coastal forest meets pristine golden-sand beaches.
Wind your way through ancient native bush alive with birdsong, traverse gentle ridgelines offering panoramic coastal views, and discover secluded beaches where you might have the sand all to yourself. The day’s highlight comes at the magical Awaroa Lagoon crossing before arriving at your overnight sanctuary – Awaroa Glamping.
Day Two: Remote Marine Reserve Kayaking
Wake to birdsong and ocean breezes before embarking on your guided Remote Marine Reserve Tour kayaking adventure. Spend approximately six hours exploring protected waters with expert guides who share their knowledge and deep passion for this incredible park.
Glide through turquoise waters, paddle past dramatic granite formations, and encounter playful fur seals in their natural habitat. Your guides provide lunch as you explore hidden coves and pristine beaches accessible only by kayak.
Tonight, you’ll experience authentic backcountry camping at either Bark Bay or Anchorage (tide dependent)—we supply all camping gear so you can travel light and focus on the adventure. Fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves under a canopy of southern stars.
Day two sees you paddling on our guided Remote Marine Reserve Tour. Accommodation on night two is at Bark Bay or Anchorage campsite depending on the tide, we supply all the camping gear.
Day Three: Self-guided Kayaking
This is where the true tiki tour spirit shines! Enjoy the freedom of paddling at your own pace along the spectacular coastline, either from Bark Bay to Anchorage or Anchorage to Marahau (depending on your previous night’s camp location).
Take your time exploring hidden coves, pausing for swims in secluded bays, and soaking in the stunning coastal scenery without any schedule to follow. Paddle as leisurely or as adventurously as you desire—this day is entirely yours to craft your own Abel Tasman experience. Now that’s what we call a tiki tour!
On day three if you wish you can choose to walk, let us know at the time of booking.
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 in the marine reserve you have a professional guide with you for around 6 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We supply lunch and camping gear on day two.
Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
Min of 2 pax required for this trip. Single supplement $90pp.
We are normally able to secure space at Awaroa Glamping but at peak times this may not be possible, when booking your reservation it will be unconfirmed until we secure space. In the event we are not able to secure space we can discuss alternative accommodation in the National Park
- 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: Partially catered
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 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
Departure Times
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Note the Department of Conservation applies a pricing system that varies depending on residency status.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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Day One
8.15 amCheck in and we will provide tips and a map for your walk.
8.30 amWater Taxi Marahau to Totaranaui.
10.00 amArrive Totaranui.
Walk Totaranui to Awaroa 2 hours, 5.5kms. Arrive Awaroa Glamping for your first night’s accommodation.
Day Two
Your day two kayaking is based around the tide. We will let you know on check in which kayak option will be on offer or you can check our tide timetable in the description.Awaroa - Bark Bay
9.00 amDepart Awaroa and walk to Awaroa Beach.9.45 amMeet your guide who will arrive via water taxi. -
10.00 amKayak from Awaroa - Bark Bay. Kayak approx 4 hours with breaks.1.15 pmEnjoy lunch in the Onetahuti area.3.30 pmArrive Anchorage and spend the night in the campground
Onetahuti - Anchorage
8.00 amDepart Awaroa.9.30 amMeet your guide who will arrive via water taxi.10.00 amKayak Onetahuti to Anchorage approx 4 hours with breaks.12.30 pmEnjoy lunch in the Bark Bay area.3.30 pmArrive Anchorage and spend the night in the campground -
Day Three
Bark Bay overnight options
Kayak unguided from Bark Bay to Anchorage approx 3 hours with breaks. OR Walk unguided from Bark Bay to Anchorage approx High Tide route 4 - 4.5 hrs (11.7km) Low Tide route 3hrs - 3.5hrs (9.2km).3.30 pmArrive Anchorage.3.45 pmWater taxi to Marahau.
4.30 pmArrive back in Marahau.
Anchorage overnight options
Kayak unguided from Anchorage to Marahau approx 4 hours with breaks. OR Walk unguided from Anchorage to Marahau approx 3-4 hours, 11.5kms.4.00 pmArrive back in Marahau.
*Please note: This is an estimate of timings. Trip may change due to tide.
What to bring
Personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimwear, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, camera, torch, first aid kit and any medication. You will also need evening clothing and changes of clothing for the number of days you are out. Food: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfast and snacks provided by you. Kayak trip includes lunch. Awaroa Glamping has options available for dinner and breakfast at your own cost, these need to be pre-ordered a few days before departure. Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey. We recommend purchasing food before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water. Filtered water is available at our base, untreated water is available at campsites and huts and will require treating/boiling before using.
We provide
A double sea kayak, lifejacket, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, dry bags for cameras, a map, a full camp set for night two and of course an awesome Abel Tasman Kayaks guide for day two.
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
I did the 3 day tiki tour as a solo female traveller and found it an amazing experience. Everything was well organised and I had great communication from Abel Tasman Kayaks in relation to my questions prior to and post booking. Each staff member I dealt with was great from those who were emailing me back, those at their base, those who did the water taxi driving and those who led the kayak excursions. Thank you for Abel Tasman Kayaks for a great experience.
Pamela
impulsivekiwi