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 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
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.
Options
Kayak and Walk Adult
Reviews
164 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Scenery
Kim F,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very well organised trip, even for non experienced kayakers. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made us feel confident at all times. The scenery on both the kayak and the walk back was amazing.
Beautiful location
Fearless68251906611,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The walk and overall location are absolutely beautiful and definitely the highlight of the experience. The half-day guided kayak tour felt quite expensive for what was offered. While the guide was friendly, the pace felt very slow and the experience somewhat drawn out. I was also a bit confused about being asked for dietary requirements, as lunch ended up being a simple salad sandwich. One other downside was the wetsuit provided, which had a very unpleasant smell and didn’t seem clean. Overall, a lovely setting, but I wouldn’t personally recommend this tour based on value for money - I would just rent a kayak and self explore.
Great Kayak and Hike tour
Wilko C,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice trip and lots of seals seen. Well arranged and delicious lunch. Hike back is also very nice walk. Guide Zoe was top knew a lot about everything in and around the ocean.
Great way to see Abel Tasman
Heather A,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sam was an excellent guide for the kayaking portion of our experience. There are compartments on the kayaks to store your gear. They also include a dry bag for phones and keys. We were on the water about 3 hrs and took breaks along the way. We saw seals along the coast of an island - very exciting! After a nice lunch on the beach we took the self-guided hike along the coast. It was very shady and the trail was well-worn and clear. Beautiful views of the ocean and lots of waterfalls to see.
Fine day!
Ginny P,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day on the water and a great walk back through forest. Seattle Sam was a great guide and took care of everyone.
Great trip
ClaireH735,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great trip. We did the kayaking section first with Mica and she was a fantastic guide. The sandwiches provided on the lunch stop were really good and we really enjoyed the walk back.
A great day of sea kayaking and walking the Abel Tasman
catherinep136,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really great day out exploring the Abel Tasman. We booked the kayak and walk to try and see as much of the coastline in our time available. The company are very professional- advance information was clear. The staff on the day were very safety conscious whilst appearing relaxed and in control. A hearty and tasty lunch was provided as well as hot drinks. Our guide Sam was fabulous!
Just a great tour ....
Silke D,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful day - from start to finish - great guide who had time for everyone and told an incredible amount - we saw a lot and laughed even more - thank you so much 🙏🏼
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.
From NZ$230.00
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