Abel Tasman Kayaks was established in 1986, realizing a vision to bring visitors into the glorious Abel Tasman National Park. Sea kayaking is a unique, low impact way to explore the beautiful golden beaches, peaceful coves and lagoons, offshore islands, wildlife and the native forest fringing the granite coastline. The innovation became an instant hit with visitors to the area, and saw the growth and development of Abel Tasman Kayaks into a leading kayak operation. The guides are experienced, with extensive local knowledge of the park.
Start your morning with a Water Taxi to Torrent Bay. Walking unguided from Torrent Bay the track climbs steadily, then sidles around two valleys and above an inlet to Falls River, which is crossed by a suspension bridge. The 47 metre bridge is a real highlight of this trip. Beyond the river, the track meanders through lush coastal forest before dropping back to sea level to Bark Bay. Enjoy your freshly made lunch at Bark Bay packed with nutrition before being picked up by the Water Taxi.
Relax onboard the boat and enjoy the coastal view of the area you have just walked. Upon reaching Observation Beach meet your kayak guide and join the second half of our Soul Food trip. Take in all the highlights of the southern Abel Tasman, experience up close the beautiful Astrolabe Islands. If conditions permit, kayak-sail back into Marahau on the afternoon sea breeze.
Important Tour Details - Earth, Sea & Sky - Full Day Watertaxi, Kayak & Walk: Departs/ Finishes: At Marahau Beach base. 273 Sandy Bay - Marahau Road, Marahau. Office phone details: 03 527 8022 or NZ freephone 0800 732 529. Reconfim: Please call operator the day before re weather and scheduled departure time. Length of tour: takes 8-9 hours. Check-in: 15 minutes prior departure. How to get there: Directions from Nelson travel via Motueka to the Abel Tasman National Park. Best is to turn from main road (SH60) after the village of Riwaka the SECOND road RIGHT (into Riwaka - Sandy Bay Road) and follow until you reach Marahau Village. The base is located after a left bends, after 200 metres, on your left. What to bring: Water bottle, camera, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, swim suit or fast drying clothing (avoid pants or jeans), warm jacket (avoid cotton – wool or fleece is best), change of clothes, towel, walking shoes or walking sandals, any personal medication you may require. What is provided: Lunch, water taxi rides, kayaking equipment, dry bag for cameras, safety gear & briefing, Qualified Kayaking Guide. Walking Part: This is approx 2.5 hours (7.7kms) non-guided, up-and-down along the coast between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay. Bring good, comfortable walking shoes or trainers. Note: No kayaking experience is necessary.
Itinerary Times (approx): 8.30am Check in and meet your guide. Your guide will provide you with lunch and a map for your morning walk. 9.00am Water Taxi to Torrent Bay. 9.45am Walk from Torrent Bay to Bark Bay. Approx 2.5hrs 7.7km. 12.45pm Water Taxi from Bark Bay to Watering Cove. 1.15pm Meet your guide at Observation Beach for your kayak briefing. 1.30pm Kayak from Observation Beach back to Marahau. If conditions permit sail back home. Kayak approx 2 hrs with breaks. 4.00pm Arrive back in Marahau.
Kayak: Marahau to Watering Cove or the reverse.
Description: Taking you further! This kayak and water taxi tour travels one way into the park so you can see the most in just half a day. Explore beaches and islands in the Astrolabe region.
AM Trip: Enjoy a guided paddle between Marahau and Watering Cove. Then return by water taxi for a scenic cruise back to Marahau.
PM Trip: Enjoy a scenic water taxi ride to Watering Cove.
Join your guide at Watering Cove for lunch before kayaking to Marahau along the Abel Tasman Coastline.
Showcases: 12 stunning beaches, scenic lookouts.
Kayak: Marahau to Watering Cove or the reverse.
Walk: Watering Cove - Marahau or the reverse.
Description: Embark on your guided kayak adventure from Marahau to Watering Cove. You will catch glimpses of the coastal track and experience up close the magic of the Astrolabe Islands. Once finished enjoy one of our great lunches before swapping your paddle for your walking shoes. Discover clear streams, native bush and incredible views over Anchorage and the Astrolabe.
Showcases: 12 stunning beaches, scenic lookouts, Pitt Head Loop.
Kayak: Marahau to Watering Cove or the reverse.
Walk: Walk to Anchorage via Pitt Head Loop
Description: Embark on your guided kayak adventure from Marahau to Watering Cove. You will catch glimpses of the coastal track and experience up close the magic of the Astrolabe Islands. Once finished enjoy one of our great lunches before swapping your paddle for walking shoes. Discover clear streams, native bush and incredible views over Anchorage and the Astrolabe on your afternoon walk. Walk along Anchorage Beach to walk the beautiful Pitt Head loop. Allow plenty of time to take in the view from Te Pukatea Bay, a hidden gem in the Abel Tasman. Walk back to Anchorage for your Water Taxi pick up back to Marahau.
Showcases: Astrolabe, Falls River, Swing Bridge.
Kayak: Marahau to Watering Cover or the reverse.
Walk: Walk Torrent Bay to Bark Bay.
Description: Start your morning with a Water Taxi to Torrent Bay. From the beach the track climbs steadily, then sidles around two valleys and above an inlet to Falls River, which is crossed by a suspension bridge. The 47 metre bridge is a real highlight of this trip. Beyond the river, the track meanders through lush coastal forest before dropping back to the sea to Bark Bay. Board the Water Taxi and take in the coastal view of the area you have just walked. Upon reaching Watering Cove meet your kayak guide and join the second half of our Soul Food trip. Take in all the highlights of the southern Abel Tasman, experience up close the beautiful Astrolabe Islands. If conditions permit, kayak-sail back into Marahau on the afternoon sea breeze.
Showcases: Explore by kayak the stunning Astrolabe area, leave a minimal footprint, our most eco trip!
Kayak: Marahau - Marahau
Description: The forest-fringed Astrolabe offers the highest concentration of golden sandy beaches in the Abel Tasman to explore. The highlight of this trip is visiting Adele Island sanctuary, home to an array of protected native birds and a popular hang out for NZ fur seals. The cacophony of bird sound is unique to this island and as this trip is 100% paddle power you have a zero carbon footprint. If conditions permit, sail back into Marahau on the afternoon sea breeze. Refines your soul.
Showcases: Golden beaches, Islands, Seal Colony and history.
Kayak: Onetahuti - Bark
Description: Water taxi north to Tonga Island and observe the antics of the resident New Zealand fur sales Kekeno and watch out for little blue penguins too! This short but sweet taste of the Abel Tasman has two options of finishing, either 12.30 or 2pm water taxi. The later allows time to relax on the beach before heading back to Marahau.
Abel Tasman Kayaks partners with DOC as an operator authorised to undertake marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks.
Showcases: Seal Colony and habitat, blue penguins, granite headlands, Maori stories and legends.
Kayak: Onetahuti - Anchorage
Description: Water taxi north to the golden expanse of Onetahuti beach to discover New Zealand fur seals Kekeno and little blue penguins at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Kekeno are extremely good swimmers watch them in their natural environment on Tonga Island. Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands, tranquil lagoons and everything that’s special about the heart of the Abel Tasman. Your guide has many stories of Maori and European settlers, and the natural history of this picturesque area. Return to Marahau by water taxi.
Showcases: Tonga Island Marine Reserve; seal colony.
Kayak: Awaroa - Onetahuti
Walk: Onetahuti – Bark Bay
Description: Explore the realm of Tangaroa the god of the sea, kayaking the length of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Spend the afternoon walking unguided from Onetahuti to Bark Bay. Feel the presence of Tane Mahuta god of the forest on this section of the track. This is a trip you will remember for a long long time, as you live and breathe the soul of the Abel Tasman. We make getting there and back easy with a water taxi to start and finish the day.
Showcases: Seal Colony and habitat, blue penguins, granite headlands, Maori stories and legends.
Kayak: Awaroa - Bark Bay
Description: Join us for the complete Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tour. This is a stunning trip that covers the entire marine reserve from start to finish. Starting the tour at Awaroa, allows us to visit Shag Harbour (tide dependant), a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman. We then paddle south, focusing on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and it’s playful inhabitants- the NZ fur seal, Kekeno. After a great picnic lunch on one of the seven beautiful beaches we’ll paddle past Tonga Arches and peaceful lagoons to our final destination at Bark Bay Beach. The best thing about this trip is that you see plenty of seals and very few fellow kayakers.
Showcases: Coastline, seals, lagoons and historic Maori Pa (village sites).
Kayak: Totaranui - Anchorage
Description: Kayak the coastline from Totaranui in the North down to Anchorage. Endless choices include paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons and islands. It’s a relaxing two day excursion into paradise! The classic trips are the only trips to explore the northern reaches of the park. Fully catered with delicious kai food.
Showcases: Every journey is unique but our premier tour always delivers a slice of paradise.
Kayak: Totaranui - Marahau
Description: Kayak the coastline from Totaranui to Marahau. Spacious and spectacular; the northern section is seldom visited by others. Immerse yourself in unique Abel Tasman experiences from paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, islands and Maori Pa village site to learn about local history and lore. It’s a relaxing, content rich and incredibly memorable three day experience! The classic trips are the only trips to explore the northern reaches of the park.
