Abel Tasman Kayaking
Browse our guided kayak tours and freedom kayak hire operated by Marahau Sea Kayaks
The Abel Tasman National Park has been home to New Zealand’s best sea kayaking for over 30 years. With its sheltered waters and seemingly endless progression of beaches, bays and tidal inlets to explore, the Park is equally perfect for first-time paddlers or seasoned kayakers.
An overnight kayak trip is likely be the most amazing experience you will ever have in the New Zealand outdoors. Paddling along the coastline during the day and then pulling your kayak up onto a beach to camp for the night is simply magical. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular.
Most of our Abel Tasman guided kayaking tours and kayak rentals leave from Marahau or use a water taxi to deliver your kayak to your starting point. Marahau Sea Kayaks is one of the longest standing and widely recognised kayaking companies in the Nelson Tasman region. Our guided kayaking tours and, expert local kayak guides, will give you another perspective of the park and take you to the best beaches and bays the Abel Tasman and New Zealand has to offer. If you ‘d prefer to go it alone, we also offer kayak hire from 2 hours to 5 days!
Choose from our selection of guided kayak tours, kayak and walk packages & freedom kayak rentals
There are two basic kayaking options; a guided kayaking trip or freedom kayak rental. Guided trips allow you to tap into the local knowledge of an experienced guide and expert kayak instructor. Kayak hire provides you with the freedom to paddle into the Abel Tasman under your own steam and according to your own schedule.
Activity
Freedom Islands
Freedom Kayak | Full Day
Freedom Anchorage
Freedom Kayak | Full Day
2 Day Freedom Kayak
Freedom Kayak | 2 Days
Blast & Walk
Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
3 Day Freedom Kayak
Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
Half Day Blast
Guided Kayak | Half Day
Abel Tasman Platter
Guided Kayak | Full Day
Total Freedom
Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
4 Day Freedom Kayak
Freedom Kayak | 4 Days
Gourmet Platter
Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
Freedom Tonga
Freedom Kayak | 2 Days
PM Paddle
Guided Kayak | Half Day
Marine Reserve Express
Guided Kayak | Half Day
5 Day Freedom Kayak
Freedom Kayak | 5 Days
Paddle & Walk
Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
Magical Marine Reserve
Guided Kayak | Full Day
Best of Both Worlds
Guided Kayak & Walk | Full Day
Freedom Totaranui
Freedom Kayak | 3 Days
Ocean and Earth
Guided Kayak & Walk | 2 Days
Homeward Bound
Guided Kayak & Walk | 3 DaysAbel Tasman Kayaking Map
Kayaking information
Abel Tasman Kayaking Times:
| Mārahau – Observation Beach | ~3hrs |
| Mārahau – Anchorage | ~4hrs |
| Anchorage – Bark Bay | ~2hrs |
| Bark Bay – Onetahuti | ~1.5hrs |
Highlights: Crystal clear water, golden sand beaches, lush native bush, New Zealand wildlife
Climate: Moderate, maritime with warm summers and cool winters. Learn more about Abel Tasman Seasons
What to bring: Visit our Abel Tasman Planning & Preparation guide
Where to stay: See our Abel Tasman Camping & Accommodation guide
Tidal Crossings: Tide times at Awaroa Inlet must be checked carefully. To explore the inlet by kayak, high tide is the best option. The inlet may only be crossed on foot within 1hr 30mins before and 2hrs after low tide so please make careful note of these times. Outside of these times the crossing by foot is dangerous. There are other tidal crossings in the Park (Torrent Bay, Bark Bay) but all have alternate high tide routes. You can check the Abel Tasman tides here and check the weather in the Abel Tasman here
Locals Tip
“You simply can’t beat a guided kayak trip where we show you our favourite nooks and crannies and teach you about the wildlife and history of the park.”