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

Totally recommend. Thx Moose!! Wonderful kayak instructor, educator and all round lovely person and thanx Wally and Chris plus the lovely person who provides lunch! We loved our experience. Not so much Awaroa lodge.
Thx team

I had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the... read moreI had a great tour with Abel Tasman Kayaks. All the staff I met at the base were great, and the guide for my kayaking - Gareth - was very friendly and informative. It was awesome that we got a ride on a tractor to get to the beach with the kayaks. The kayaking part of the tour was my favourite, Gareth gave some awesome commentary and stayed at the pace of the group which meant no one got left behind. We also got to go across to Adele Island, and see some seals!

The lunch was delicious (maybe one of the best tour lunches Ive had!).

The walk back was good as we could go at our own pace, and go in to the little bays along the way and explore. read less

One day walk and 2 days kayaking. Lucky enough to have Dez as a guide - genuinely the best guide I’ve had. Funny, intuitive and so knowledgable. Really cares for his work. Learnt loads. Had a great time doing so and even saw a penguin. The glamping is with an incredible couple who love hosting - definitely buy their pizzas! And the Aquapackers is another amazing couple doing what they... read moreOne day walk and 2 days kayaking. Lucky enough to have Dez as a guide - genuinely the best guide I’ve had. Funny, intuitive and so knowledgable. Really cares for his work. Learnt loads. Had a great time doing so and even saw a penguin. The glamping is with an incredible couple who love hosting - definitely buy their pizzas! And the Aquapackers is another amazing couple doing what they love - hosting! Great (and loads of) food. read less

We opted for a half day freedom (unguided) rental as we just wanted a taste of kayaking this beautiful area and didn't have a huge amount of time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great... read moreWe opted for a half day freedom (unguided) rental as we just wanted a taste of kayaking this beautiful area and didn't have a huge amount of time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great to have- it meant our kayak did not fill up with sea water. We decided to kayak over to Adele Island while the winds were still low and then back to the mail land to explore some bays and then kayak back with the wind. But it was really tough kayaking against the wind and tide and by the time we got to the island it was too rough and we were tired so we saw a couple of seals and decided to get back to the shelter of the astrolabe area. Really a waste of time and energy when the kayaking is tough like this.
These bays are beautiful, golden sand, peaceful providing lovely swimming in clear, clean water.
We decided to return back early which we had asked what the procedure was during our safety briefing and we were instructed to head for the big black buoy. As the tide had gone right out it was quite hard to spot the buoy but we had a fair idea of what land marks were we had to head for. We then just asked another operator to contact our kayak company. He offered to take the kayaks back to the company on his truck which meant no waiting for us. We had a quick hot shower - clean dry towel supplied, before we continued our road trip. A beautiful area of the country. I have done this once by kayak and probably would not do this again- perhaps a boat drop off and a walk back would be nice, if there is a next time. read less

We kayak along the splendid Coast of Abel Tasman National park for over 2 hours then we stopped for lunch at the magnificent onetahuti beach. Daryl was our tour guide; he was really nice cool fun and let us stopped and take as many pictures as we wanted and explained us very well the history of the Abel national park .