Catch a water taxi and independently walk the track between Bark Bay to Awaroa before cruising home at the end of the day.
Highlights include: the Kaka population, Tonga Quarry, views of Tonga Island, Onethauti Beach, Onetahuti board walk and Awaroa wetlands.
Catch a water taxi to Bark Bay. Explore beautiful Bark Bay estuary and its forest fringed banks. Listen and look out for the distinctive call of Kaka. Kaka love to play and swoop across the valley, catch a glimpse of them up close or in the distance. These birds are a real testament to the conservation work being undertaken in the Abel Tasman.
Enjoy views from the top of the saddle before heading back down to the coast to learn about Tonga Quarry. A few minutes on from the Quarry set foot on Onetahuti Beach, this expansive semi circle beach offers stunning views of Tonga Island and the Tonga Island marine reserve.
Cross the impressive boardwalk before climbing Tonga Saddle which provides views back South. At the top of the saddle the track splits into two. Staying right on the non-DOC track takes you down to Awaroa Beach and Awaroa Lodge. Stop in at the Lodge to experience the beautiful lounge or courtyard for a drink or bite to eat before heading out to the beach (any food or drinks purchased are at your own cost) to catch your water taxi.
- We provide a map and a briefing outlining track highlights.
Side trips:
Explore Tonga Quarry and learn what famous New Zealand landmarks used Tonga granite in their construction.
Stop at Awaroa Lodge for a drink or snack (at your own cost).
The Abel Tasman is part of New Zealand’s great walk network and this premier track is designed for all levels of fitness. An outline of the journey is below in the itinerary section. DoC’s full track brochure can be downloaded here.
A guided walk option is available, please contact us to discuss.
Price
$121pp
Duration
1 Day
- Adult: $121.00
- Child (up to 14): $60.50
- Child (4 & under): $0
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
- Age: Any age, under 18’s need to be accompanied by at least 1 adult
- Food: Lunch can be provided for $20pp or bring your own
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- 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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Day One
8.15amCheck in. One of our team will provide tips and a map for your days walk.8.45amWater Taxi to Bark Bay
Highlights: Marahau wetlands, views of Adele Island,Yellow Point, and the lookout at top of Anchorage.
9.25amArrive Bark Bay -
Onetahuti Bay to Bark Bay (high tide track), 2 hr, 6.4 km
Onetahuti Bay to Bark Bay (low tide crossing, Bark Bay estuary), 1 hr 45 min, 4.6 km
Awaroa to Onetahuti, 1hr 30min, (4-5km)2.30pmWater taxi from Awaroa to Marahau. -
What to bring
Please bring personal water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket, walking shoes, cameras and any medication.
*Please note: These are an estimate of timings.
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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Do I need hiking boots?
For walking the track, firm footwear is required, but boots are not essential, walking sandals or sports shoes are fine.
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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 had a great kayak day tour. Kayaking was the best choice for exercise and to go into the national park and see the wildlife. Our guide Nathan knew many details about all the birds and wildlife and history of the park!! He took great care of us. Lunch stop at the beach was amazing. I would have loved to see even more from the park and kayak further.
Kathikmann
We had an amazing day out on the water, exploring the coast and Islands of the national park. Well worth the trip, our guide Micah was amazing with lots of information about the area. We did so well went also include Spilt Apple Rock. A very weary but happpy group got back to Marahau
Tracey
Abel Tasman Kayaks supported our 9 day hiking (self guided) and kayaking trip. There were a few hiccups along the way, as the trip got shifted around from kayaking first, hiking last, to the reverse, due to inclement weather. The owner, Jack, took us to the café pre our departure, treated us to coffee and muffins, explained the necessary changes, and gave us a revised detailed itinerary. What we... read moreAbel Tasman Kayaks supported our 9 day hiking (self guided) and kayaking trip. There were a few hiccups along the way, as the trip got shifted around from kayaking first, hiking last, to the reverse, due to inclement weather. The owner, Jack, took us to the café pre our departure, treated us to coffee and muffins, explained the necessary changes, and gave us a revised detailed itinerary. What we all forgot was that we were ending up with less dehydrated food for the hiking portion than we needed, because of the changes, but Abel Tasman Kayaks, when made aware of this, wended up treating us to a lovely dinner and breakfast at Awaroa Lodge, and a very nice bag lunch, so we did not go hungry at all, quite the contrary! The scenery was as gorgeous as everyone has said, our kayak guide though young was knowledgeable and very fun to be with. And to cap things off, the company also provided us with a ride to Nelson airport, when we enquired about how to get there for our very early morning flight, not part of the original plan. In all, the company proved itself very nimble at responding to our needs and requests, and was good natured in doing so. read less
Jane S
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
We chose to hike part of the Able Tasman Track, and went with Able Tasman Kayaks who were dropping off a bunch of kayakers. We continued on board this fantastic fast boat and had an awesome tour of the whole area, then were dropped off at the beautiful Observation Beach so we could walk back out. It was an amazing day and the staff at Able Tasman Kayaks were... read moreWe chose to hike part of the Able Tasman Track, and went with Able Tasman Kayaks who were dropping off a bunch of kayakers. We continued on board this fantastic fast boat and had an awesome tour of the whole area, then were dropped off at the beautiful Observation Beach so we could walk back out. It was an amazing day and the staff at Able Tasman Kayaks were all super professional and friendly to deal with. We can't wait to get back with our friends and do a guided kayak trip next week. Thankyou Jack for taking care of our needs. You're the best! read less
693LindaJ693
We did the two day guided kayaking trip, including an overnight stay on Mosquito Bay. Craig was our tour guide. Everything was included in the trip - kayak, safety gear, all meals, tent and sleeping bags etc.
We were collected from our accommodation and transported over to the Abel Tasman Kayak base in Marahau. It's a really cool and hippy base. All very professional, but still seriously hip and cool :... read moreWe did the two day guided kayaking trip, including an overnight stay on Mosquito Bay. Craig was our tour guide. Everything was included in the trip - kayak, safety gear, all meals, tent and sleeping bags etc.
We were collected from our accommodation and transported over to the Abel Tasman Kayak base in Marahau. It's a really cool and hippy base. All very professional, but still seriously hip and cool : )
Our Leader Craig was assigned to our group - just myself and hubby and another guy, Emile. We were going to be the intrepid 4 for the next 2 days.
We were whisked off on a water taxi to the start of our journey. A sound health and safety briefing was given and then we set off onto the sea.
Craig was awesome. He knew the area well and took us into some amazing coves and bays. The area is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Probably the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Shag Harbour was the highlight for me - totally ethereal. It made me feel quite emotional.
Seals and their pups were plentiful. We sat there for ages watching and listening. There was simply no rush, we were given the time to take it all in. We also sat for a while watching a NZ Hawk cruising the coastline, using the air currents to hover and swoop - simply spectacular.
Lunch was just phenomenal. The most amazing beach. The food was outstanding. Chef Craig did a sterling job.
Kayaking was super cool - I'd never done it before. You paddle along the coastline and take onboard the most amazing sites and views.
A wind picked up and Craig decided to get out the sail. A huge canvas cloth emerged and we were all instructed how to hold it and our 2 double kayaks together. It was hilarious as we shot across the bay at speed. Simply awesome. An experience never to be forgotten.
Camp for the night was crazy. Fun crazy. Especially for a pair of mid 50's who havent roughed it in a tent for a good few years. Mosquito Bay was one of my best experiences ever. Craig and the ATK crew ensured we had everything needed, water, wine, beer, amazing food - all transported by kayak, as there is no other way of entering the bay. Bizarrely, there are toilets (big phew from me there) and running water from taps.
If you do this trip, make sure you get up to see the sunrise. Simply magnificent. Well worth the very early start.
For a number of reasons, I will remember this trip forever. 100% recommend. read less
DaisyTurnip
