Kayak & Walk
Overview
Available languages
24 hours
Mobile ticket
Spend half a day exploring the southern Abel Tasman by kayak, and half a day exploring the great walk coastal track between Observation and Marahau. This is the original Abel Tasman Kayaks, kayak and walk tour. This area has the highest concentration of golden sandy beaches and this trip also explores Adele Island bird sanctuary and the seal colony.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Dietary requirements catered for. Lunch is a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack, fruit, fresh plunger coffee and local juice.
Return transport from Nelson/Motueka is not included in the trip price. Please book separately.
What To Expect
Embark on a morning guided kayak adventure setting out from Marahau and paddling your way to Observation Beach. In the afternoon exchange your paddle for walking shoes as you retrace your steps. Enjoy lunch at Observation Beach. The southern end of the national park boasts some of the Abel Tasman’s most picturesque scenery. Here, you’ll find twelve stunning beaches, awe-inspiring rock formations, and opportunities to spot a seal or two. 8.15am Check in and meet your guide. Your guide will provide tips and a map for your morning walk. 8.30am Walk unguided to Observation Beach approx 3 hrs. 12.15pm Meet your guide at Observation Beach and enjoy lunch. 1.00pm 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. Please note this trip may run in reverse
Options
Kayak and Walk Adult
Reviews
156 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An unforgettable day on the water
70chadia,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sea kayaking trip with Abel Tasman Kayaks was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, everything flowed with ease — the kind of day that feels both effortless and full of magic. Our guide was an absolute delight to share time and space with — experienced, engaging, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He struck the perfect balance between being informative and giving us room to soak it all in. You could tell he truly wanted us to have the best possible experience, taking us to hidden coves, quiet beaches, and crystal-clear stretches of water that felt straight out of a postcard. The pace of the trip was relaxed and enjoyable, with enough time to pause, connect, and take in the beauty of Abel Tasman’s coastline. Between the wildlife sightings, the golden sand, and the calm rhythm of paddling, it was the perfect way to experience the natural charm of this incredible place. Topping it off with a home-made lunch and walk along the famous coastal track was a treat. If you’re considering exploring Abel Tasman by kayak — do it. And if you can, go with Abel Tasman Kayaks. It’s an adventure that leaves you both refreshed and inspired.
A great experience with a really friendly, caring crew
st335,
Apr 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I fully recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks. The two of us joined 3 others and Henry, our guide, paddling out and then walking back. Henry was a really great guide (and we’ve seen our fair share over the years). He mixed a real passion for New Zealand’s culture with interesting information about our surroundings, humour and care for the different needs of our group. The kayaks were good and ensured our kit stayed dry. The journey gave us views of flora as well as seabirds and seals. It finished with an excellent picnic on the beach before we took ourselves home along the simple 8km footpath. Others used water taxis or walked to other locations before grabbing their taxi. This is a small, caring firms with really friendly staff. I highly recommend you use them.
Great experience
T981HKrichardb,
Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Henry was a great guide. Trip was value for money and beach picnic was tasty and ample. Kayak was about 2.5 hrs, reasonable pace, the group were all competent. Walk back took slightly longer but great way to explore national park from water and land. Slept well after day's activities!
Amazing!!
gracecar0line,
Jan 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible experience hiking and then Kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They showed a true love for science and nature that was clear in all they spoke about and we learned so much. We also had a blast - the kayaks were extremely easy to use. We saw seals, sting rays, and so many birds. Would recommend this to anyone visiting the area!
Chilled kayak and walk in a beautiful setting
ian1ellis,
Dec 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zoe, our guide, made sure we were completely prepared for the trip, but in a very chilled way. We were lucky with the conditions and Zoe gave us plenty of info re the local fauna & flora and the history of the area. Highly recommended !
The most memorable kayak/hike adventure to date!!
marilynhF887TZ,
Nov 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing company. We felt well cared for. The logistics of our trip were so comfortable (3 hour kayak along coast and out to a bird sanctuary island then beach and lunch and a 4+ hour hike back to start along the coastline - we took longer than most due to a desire to dawdle and explore beaches, and we're 70+). Staff are all enthusiastic, caring, and obviously in love with their jobs and their country. It's a fantastic experience. There are many options which they can help you sort through and choose the best one for you, your group, and your time availability. I'd give 10 stars if I could.
Kayak on the sea
Wojciech D,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Kajak tour is well prepared even for participants, who have never to do with this sport. The assistance given by the guieds is fantastic.
Fantastic tour!
Jane B,
Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louisa, our guide, was excellent. Three of us were first time kayakers and she was patient, very helpful and encouraging. Safety was first and she gave information on much of Abel Tasman national park.it was raining, but she made it enjoyable. The hike back was spectacular with the ferns, trees and periodic views of the water.
Great way to see the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park
pkh213,
Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a full day tour. We traveled from Nelson to Marahau which takes about an hour. Checked in at 8 a.m. and found out we would be kayaking first. There were four couples in double kayaks and our guide, Dez. We launched at Low Tide Landing. We kayaked out to Adele Island where there is a bird sanctuary. We also saw some New Zealand fur seals on the rocks. It was a relaxing kayaking trip that ended at Observation Point where we had lunch on the beach. We then hiked back to where we started. The climbing was steep at the beginning from the beach but then evens out. It takes about three hours. Enjoyable day.
Great experience in Abel Tasman National Park
O4238XWandreasb,
Apr 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayak tour with Emily and a great way back via the Abel Tasman Coast Track. I will remember it for a long time!
From NZ$230.00
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