Exploring Abel Tasman: Kayak & Hike Adventures

Kayaking Region Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for those looking to explore golden beaches, clear waters, and lush native bush. Whether you’re short on time and want a full-day experience or prefer a multi-day adventure, Wilsons Abel Tasman and Abel Tasman Kayaks offer fantastic guided kayak and hike trips. Choose between lodge-based luxury or a more adventurous camping experience.

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

The History of the Abel Tasman 

Abel Tasman National Park, nestled on the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a stunning coastal paradise with a rich history. Although the smallest of New Zealand's Great Walks, this park is big on beauty and adventure. The area was first inhabited by Māori iwi for over 500 years, with evidence of settlements and cultivations. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight the area, though he never set foot on land. European settlement began in the 19th century, with farming, logging, and quarrying shaping the landscape. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists like Perrine Moncrieff, the Abel Tasman National Park was estab

Full-Day Kayak & Walk Abel Tasman National Park

If you’re pressed for time but still want to experience the beauty of Abel Tasman, both Wilsons Abel Tasman and Abel Tasman Kayaks provide guided full-day kayak and walk tours.

  • Transfers: Coach transfers available from Nelson and Motueka to Kaiteriteri.
  • Start Point: Kaiteriteri Beach, where you board the Vista Cruise to your kayaking start location.
  • Itinerary:
    • Guided sea kayaking through protected bays and golden beaches.
    • A self-guided walk along a portion of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
    • Relax and take in the stunning views before returning to Kaiteriteri.
  • Finish Point: Concludes at Kaiteriteri, with return transfers to Motueka and Nelson.
  • More Information: Wilsons Abel Tasman Full-Day Tour
Sea Kayaks Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman Kayaks: Full-Day Kayak & Walk Tour

  • Transfers: Optional bus transfers from Nelson and Motueka to Marahau.
  • Start Point: Tour begins at Marahau, where you receive a safety briefing before setting off.
  • Itinerary:
    • Guided sea kayaking through the Astrolabe region.
    • Stops at various beaches for breaks, swimming, and lunch.
    • Optional hike along the coastal track or return by water taxi.
  • Finish Point: Returns to Marahau, where transfers back to Nelson and Motueka are available.
  • More Information: Abel Tasman Kayaks Full-Day Tour
Bark Bay Abel Tasman

3-Day Kayak & Walk Adventures in Abel Tasman 

For those who want a deeper experience of Abel Tasman, both Wisons Abel Tasman and Abel Tasman Kayaks offer immersive 3-day tours with a mix of kayaking and hiking.

Gear Transport

On the 3-day classic Abel Tasman kayak tour, all of your gear is transported by the tour operator. You will be provided with a dry bag to pack your personal belongings, which will be loaded into the kayak's storage compartments. Any additional gear, such as camping equipment, will be transported by water taxi to the campsites. For the Wilsons Abel Tasman 3-day kayak tour, your gear is also transported by the tour operator. You will be provided with a waterproof bag to pack your belongings, which will be loaded onto the support boat. The support boat will travel with the group, carrying all of the necessary gear and equipment.

Meals

For the 3-day classic Abel Tasman kayak tour, catering typically includes breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Meals are generally simple and designed to be easily prepared and consumed while camping. Expect things like pre-prepared dehydrated meals or ingredients for simple cook-ups, often with a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing nutritional value. You'll likely be involved in some meal preparation and clean-up alongside your fellow kayakers. The Wilsons Abel Tasman 3-day kayak tour often features a more comfortable dining experience. Because a support boat accompanies the group and camping locations may have more facilities, they may offer more elaborate meals. While specifics can vary, you can generally expect hot breakfasts, packed lunches for the day's kayaking, and cooked dinners in the evenings. They often cater to dietary restrictions if notified in advance.

 

 

Torrent Bay Beachfront lodges

Wilsons Abel Tasman: 3-Day Kayak & Walk Tour

Wilsons Abel Tasman provides a guided three-day lodge-based experience, blending walking, kayaking, and relaxation in comfortable beachfront accommodations.

Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui

  • Travel from Nelson or Motueka to Kaiteriteri.
  • Board the Vista Cruise to Totaranui and walk to Awaroa.
  • Stay at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, a comfortable beachfront lodge.
Awaroa

Day 2: Awaroa to Torrent Bay

  • Walk from Awaroa to Torrent Bay, passing scenic coastal landscapes.
  • Stay at Torrent Bay Lodge.

Day 3: Torrent Bay to Kaiteriteri

  • Guided kayak from Torrent Bay past Te Pukatea Bay and the Astrolabe Roadstead.
  • Finish at Kaiteriteri, returning to Motueka or Nelson.
  • More Information: Wilsons Abel Tasman 3-Day Tour
kaiteri

Abel Tasman Kayaks: Three-Day Classic Tour

For a more adventurous experience, Abel Tasman Kayaks offers a fully guided kayaking and camping trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature.

Day 1: Marahau to Onetahuti

  • Start at Marahau with a kayaking safety briefing.
  • Paddle through the Astrolabe Roadstead, stopping at scenic beaches.
  • Set up camp at Onetahuti.

Day 2: Onetahuti to Anchorage

  • Kayak south past Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
  • Explore beaches, caves, and secluded bays.
  • Camp at Anchorage Bay.

Day 3: Anchorage to Marahau

  • Continue kayaking south, passing stunning coastal formations.
  • Return to Marahau, where the trip concludes.
  • More Information: Abel Tasman Kayaks 3-Day Tour

Which Tour is Right for You?

  • For comfort and lodge stays, choose Wilsons Abel Tasman.
  • For a camping and nature experience, go with Abel Tasman Kayaks.
  • For a shorter but immersive day trip, both companies offer excellent full-day options.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll experience the stunning coastal scenery, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park!

Ready to go?

If you’re ready to start planning your trip to New Zealand and would like to add a trip to the Abel Tasman, you can contact First Light Travel to help put together your own customized travel itinerary. Alternatively, you can peruse a number of New Zealand self-drive tour itineraries and information on their website, New Zealand travel blog, and extensive New Zealand travel guide.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
: 31 Jan 2025 (Last updated: 10 Feb 2025)

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