Kayaking tours in Abel Tasman

Sandy Bay Highlights: 4 hours

Check in at our Marahau base at 8.30am. This trip changes from day to day to make the most of the weather & tidal conditions. Soak up the natural beauty of the Sandy Bay coastline in the southern area of the Abel Tasman. This half day trip is a perfect adventure for families and first time paddlers, this relaxing paddle explores tidal inlets, interesting coves and tiny bush-clad islands. Stop on a golden beach for a short break before heading back to Marahau.

departs daily
Check-in: 8.30am - Marahau
Duration: 9.00am – 12.15pm
Age/Prior Experience: Not necessary, minimum age 10 years.
Food: Bring your own or order a packed lunch for $16
Paddling: Approximately 3 hours includes training time.
price $75.00

Astrolabe and Beyond Tour: Full day

Kayaking north from Marahau explore tidal inlets, interesting coves & bush clad islands, selecting from any one of the golden beaches of the Astrolabe Roadstead to stop for morning tea, before continuing on to the sanctuary of Watering Cove. Whilst exploring the sheltered waters of this historic coastline, learn of the many Maori & European explorers & pioneers who came under the spell of its beauty along the way.

Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch, then swap kayak for walking shoes & follow the historic path they took to Anchorage Bay – through lush native forest & panoramic views to the golden sands of Anchorage Beach. Timed to allow plenty of opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the national park at your own pace, the choice is yours for the rest of the afternoon – explore, walk, swim, sunbathe or simply relax on the beach, before returning by water taxi to Marahau

departs daily
Check-in: 8.30am - Marahau
Duration: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Age/Prior Experience: Not necessary, minimum age 12 years.
Food: Includes a substantial lunch
Paddling: Approximately 3 hours, interspersed with breaks
Bush Walk: 30-40 minutes (unguided)
Independent Beach Time: 1½ - 2 hours
Boat: One water taxi trip
price $135.00

The Heart of the Park and Seals Tour - full day

Start with a scenic water taxi ride from Marahau to the golden sands of Anchorage Bay. Paddle north to explore the best sea kayaking area of the park from Anchorage to Bark Bay. Tidal bays, lagoons and golden beaches are framed by rugged granite headlands, fringed with lush coastal forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch before sailing back into Anchorage on the afternoon sea breeze. A visit to the seal colony on Pinnacle Island is a highlight with the possibility of seeing a little Blue Penguin.

From Anchorage, walk to Watering Cove through lush native forest with panoramic views of the coastline you have just experienced from your water taxi and sea kayak. Your guide will have lots of stories to tell about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the Abel Tasman region. Catch the water taxi back to Marahau to arrive around 5.00pm

departs daily
Check-in: 8.30am - Marahau
Duration: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Age/Prior Experience: Not necessary, minimum age 12 years.
Food: Includes a substantial lunch
Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Guided Bush Walk: 30-40 minutes
Boat: Two water taxi trips
price $140.00

Kayak, Walk and Boat Stay: Two days

Day One:
Check in at our Marahau base for 8.30am. Water taxi north from Marahau to Onetahuti. In the morning paddle over to view the New Zealand fur seal colony on Tonga Island before heading south to Anchorage, stopping along the way for morning tea and a picnic lunch on a golden beach.

After a memorable day of kayaking, enjoy a hot shower, dinner & relaxed stay – selecting from either Dorm or Private Cabin style accommodation onboard the ‘Aquapackers’

Day Two: Freedom Hike (3 ½ - 4 hr)
After breakfast, pack your lunch for the walk from Anchorage to Marahau (map provided). The tree-lined coastal track features stunning views of the park and across the bay to Nelson. Photographic opportunities abound, with beautiful beaches & inlets, native bush & birdlife and cascading streams featuring along the way. Take time to enjoy the scenic outlooks or explore one of the many side tracks leading down to an idyllic beach. Return to connect with your coach – OR – if self driving, return at your own leisure.

Check-in: 8.30am - Marahau
Duration: 2 days, 9.00am to 3.30 or 5.00pm the following day depending on preferred bus connection, if you have your own car arrive back anytime before 7pm.
Prior Experience: Not necessary, but for the fitter paddle,
Food: Includes Dinner, substantial lunches each day, Breakfast.
Guided Paddling: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Independent Bush Walk: 4 hours
Boat: One water taxi trip, Overnight bag transfers each day.
price $270.00 (private cabin on catamaran) or $240.00 (shared room on classic boat)
departs daily

The Classic Tour: Three days

Kayak from Marahau to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and back for the most spectacular experiences of the Abel Tasman. Over the three days, you’ll discover golden-sand beaches and tranquil lagoons fringed by lush native forest. Discover the habitats of our coastal wildlife with New Zealand Fur Seal breeding colonies as a highlight. There’s plenty of time for walking, swimming and relaxing. Each night we choose a beach to set up camp and kitchen. An excellent value trip to experience the essence of the Abel Tasman National Park. With all the kayaking, cooking & camping gear supplied by us – you just bring the food & yourself!!

Departs: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays (other days on request)
Duration: 3 days, 9.00am to 3.30pm the third day.
Check-in: 8.30am - Marahau
Prior Experience: Not necessary, but for the fitter paddle,
Food: Uncatered - Bring your own food (or take advantage of one of our pre
order self cater food packages)
Guided Paddling: Approximately 4 hours each day interspersed with breaks
Kayak Sailing: Yes if conditions allow
Independent Bush Walk: optional evening / morning independent walks in
bays we camp at. - 2 to 4 hours
price $310.00 (uncatered)

Freedom Rentals

Freedom rentals give you the chance to explore the paradise of Abel Tasman at your own pace, to your own schedule and with your own kayaking companions. We'll provide all the gear to get you there, give tips on where to go and teach all you need to keep safe.

For safety reasons, no rentals are available to solo kayakers or children under 14. All paddlers also need to attend a safety briefing and be water confident and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.

YOUR RENTAL INCLUDES:

• Full safety briefing upon arrival, including weather and sea conditions, itinerary planning and emergency procedures.
• Top quality single or double sea kayak with watertight storage
• All necessary safety equipment, including buoyancy jacket, waterproof maps and camera case
• Free secure vehicle and gear storage while you're away
• A warm welcome, hot showers and refreshments when you return

PRICE (per person)
1 day $69
2 days $110.00
3 days $160.00
4 days $200.00
5th day FREE