3 Day Unguided Kayaking starting in the Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand

Overview

Available languages

English

72 hours

Mobile ticket

Park Start, staring in the park ensures you paddle in the same direction as the sea breeze rather than going against it! After a safety briefing, catch a water taxi up to Onetahuti beach in the Abel Tasman National Park then paddle south one-way down the coast over three sun and sea kissed days back to Marahau!

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).

In accordance with New Zealand legislation, we are obliged to inform a person seeking to participate in our adventure activity of any serious health and safety risks they may be exposed to by participating in the activity. We therefore include our Risk Disclosure Statement for you to read prior to booking, so you are aware of the risks of participation. Risk Disclosure In any outdoor adventure activity, participants are exposed to variations in weather conditions and therefore there is an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking this water-based activity include but are not limited to; Personal Injury (sea sickness, heat stroke, hypothermia, drowning) and Property Damage. Abel Tasman Kayaks mitigate this risk through thorough preparation and adherence to a detailed Risk Identification and Management System. This includes providing you with the necessary information, training and safety equipment to participate in our activities. You are personally responsible for listening to our directions, adhering to our advice, and making responsible decisions to keep yourself safe. Additionally, we reserve the right to modify, alter or cancel activities at any given time if we feel your safety, or the safety of others may be compromised.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Camp pass

Buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddle jacket, paddle, safety emergency flares, waterproof map, water pump and a spare paddle.

Return transport from Nelson/Motueka is not included in the trip price. Please book separately.

Camping equipment is not included.Camping sets and individual items can be hired - ph our office.

Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).

What To Expect

Day 1

Marahau - Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

Accommodations

Spend the night at Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

Abel Tasman National Park

8.15am Check in and start your kayak rental briefing. The briefing highlights areas of interest in the Abel Tasman National Park, weather forecasts and local conditions, hazards, safety and self rescue. 10.00am On water assessment with guide. 11.30am Water taxi up to Onetahuti. 12.30pm Spend the night at Te PukatArrive for your afternoon exploring the Tonga Island surrounds. Spend the night at Bark Bay or Mosquito Bay.

8 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Day 2

Bark Bay to Astrolabe

Accommodations

Spend the night at Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay.

Abel Tasman National Park

Spend the day exploring the Abel Tasman National Park by kayak.

8 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Day 3

Astrolabe - Marahau

Abel Tasman National Park

Spend the day kayaking around the Abel Tasman National Park. 4.00pm Return to Abel Tasman Kayaks’ base.

8 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Adult New Zealand

Department of Conservation have introduced differential pricing for over nighting in the Abel Tasman Nat Park.

Adult International

Department of Conservation have differential pricing for International visitors over-nighting in the Abel Tasman Nat Park.

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Absolutely amazing experience!
K7050SIamandas,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
They have a very long safety discussion prior to going out, so we felt very safe. The water was extremely blue and overall conditions were great. When it did downpour, the anchorage bay hut/campsite had plenty of space to hide from the rain. Camping at the Onetahuti campsite was insane and directly on the beach with amazing views of sunrises on Tonga island. Day hikes are short near the camp sites, for example, the pool at onetahuti is a perfect tiny waterfall to wash the saltwater off your body and is a 5 minute walk. The last day took about 5/6 hours to hike and was a good amount of uphill, but nothing too bad. Boat ride back was fun because you get to see everywhere you kayaked/hiked!
Phenomenal
Ballzac1,
Jan 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Just wanted to leave a review to say thanks to Abel Tasman Kayaks for an awesome experience. All of the staff were so helpful, friendly and accomodating. I had no previous experience paddling so was honestly a bit nervous but right from the start the guy sorting us out (can’t remember his name but he was the big blonde Viking, you know who you are) was so chilled and informative that he quickly dismantled any doubts. The kayaks had so much space we could easily have taken triple the amount of food that we did. The campsites were awesome. We got maps that were super helpful. Everything was perfect. Honestly blown away with how good this trip was. 100% recommend. Cheers.
Every bit amazing
jmc13,
Dec 5, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We couldn't fault one bit of our kayak rental with Abel Tasman Kayaks! They were really professional, super friendly, flexible and helpful! The kayaks were in great condition, held way more stuff than we thought and were super easy to use! Thank you Abel Tasman Kayaks!
Christmas adventure
Kate W,
Dec 27, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great way to explore Abel tasmen! Many trip options but also can chop and change with ideas we did a 3 day kayak made into four with a beach day in between. Great company - they teach you all the basics before you start out & go on a test run beforehand. Showers available at the end! Really recommend 5⭐️