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
Wir haben eine Kayak und Walk Tour gemacht. Unser Tour-Guide war extrem nett und hat einen sensationellen Job gemacht. In unserer kleinen Gruppe mit 4 Kayaks haben wir ein paar schöne Stunden verbracht, während der wir durch den wunderschönen Nationalpark gefahren sind und einiges über den Park sowie die einzigartige Artenvielfalt dort erfahren haben. Nach der Kayak-Tour bekamen wir am Strand ein leckeres Mittagessen und danach ging es auf eigene... read moreWir haben eine Kayak und Walk Tour gemacht. Unser Tour-Guide war extrem nett und hat einen sensationellen Job gemacht. In unserer kleinen Gruppe mit 4 Kayaks haben wir ein paar schöne Stunden verbracht, während der wir durch den wunderschönen Nationalpark gefahren sind und einiges über den Park sowie die einzigartige Artenvielfalt dort erfahren haben. Nach der Kayak-Tour bekamen wir am Strand ein leckeres Mittagessen und danach ging es auf eigene Faust zu Fuß auf einem sehr guten Wanderweg zurück zum Ausgangspunkt. Insgesamt ein wunderschöner, gelungener Tag. read less
Mi-Nadine
we had a great time with this company on the ocean and when we camped . before you go i would check what you are going to eat .
eaterofallthingsgood
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
Fantastische ervaring met zeer betrokken gidsen, die weten waar ze het over hebben en dicht bij de natuur staan. Een droom dag gehad!
jaccovputten
Abel Tasman Kayaks deserves 
++++++ for their exceptional customer service, communication and professionalism. They made my tramping experience possible with transfers, gear rentals, baggage storage, boat taxi to the trail, and expert advice. They support kayaking AND tramping experiences at Abel Tasman. Every time I requested something, I was always... read moreAbel Tasman Kayaks deserves ++++++ for their exceptional customer service, communication and professionalism. They made my tramping experience possible with transfers, gear rentals, baggage storage, boat taxi to the trail, and expert advice. They support kayaking AND tramping experiences at Abel Tasman. Every time I requested something, I was always met with a “yes”. They were timely and very organized at the start of my trek managing multiple groups simultaneously. I was happy with the quality of their gear. I was even offered a much needed hot shower and the ability to recharge electronic devices upon return from my four day tramp. I was impressed by every staff member that I interacted with. I cannot recommend this business highly enough. read less
Bethany Facendini
I booked the Earth, Sea, and Sky tour. If you want to explore the scenic Abel Tasman national park, Abel Tasman Kayaks is the company to do it with, plus they have various tours! The tour starts off in Torrent Bay (via water taxi) and you walk to Barker Bay (bring hiking shoes) where you'll see various bays, plants, wildlife, and other beautiful scenery. At Barker Bay, they had additional... read moreI booked the Earth, Sea, and Sky tour. If you want to explore the scenic Abel Tasman national park, Abel Tasman Kayaks is the company to do it with, plus they have various tours! The tour starts off in Torrent Bay (via water taxi) and you walk to Barker Bay (bring hiking shoes) where you'll see various bays, plants, wildlife, and other beautiful scenery. At Barker Bay, they had additional lunch when we arrived (met up with another tour group that was doing a full-day custom-guided kayak tour, this may not always be the case). Watch out for the birds they'll dive bomb your food while it's in your hand (one little sneaky bird ran off with my carrot cake). After lunch, they water taxi you to another cove for the guided kayak tour portion. Our group had Georgia and Brody as our tour guides. They gave us history lessons about Abel Tasman (formation etc), māori culture, and various wildlife (and other places to check out on the West Coast). Our group saw seals and we were close enough to Adelle island we could hear other wildlife. Our tour guides surprised our group by transforming our kayaks into one big sail at the end of the trip so we could sail back to the boat ramp. Thanks for the amazing tour of Abel Tasman national park, hospitality, and borrowed backpack, I will certainly book another tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks next time I'm in Nelson. read less
Travel Dude
