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South Island

Start: Marahau
Locations: 3 See all
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: 2
Minimum Age: 12

This full-day Abel Tasman adventure departs Mārahau and combines guided kayaking to Observation Beach with a self-guided Pitt Head Loop walk to Anchorage and a water taxi return. Check-in is at 8:15am, with around two hours kayaking and two hours walking within an eight-hour day. Operating October–April, it includes kayak equipment, guide, lunch, walking map, return water taxi, photos and video, and suits active travellers aged 12+ with no kayaking experience required.

Paddle from Mārahau to Observation Beach

Begin in Mārahau with your guide, safety briefing and kayaking gear before launching onto the sheltered waters of the Abel Tasman coast. Paddle north past golden beaches and forested headlands, with views towards the Astrolabe Islands and glimpses of the Coast Track winding through the landscape above. With approximately two hours on the water and breaks along the way, there is time to enjoy the surroundings rather than simply covering distance.

Your kayaking journey finishes at Observation Beach, where golden sand and native forest provide the setting for a well-earned included lunch. Leaving the kayak behind marks a natural change in pace: from here, the second half of the adventure unfolds on foot, giving you the chance to experience the same remarkable coastline from an entirely different perspective.

Walk Pitt Head for Views over Te Pukatea Bay

Set out independently towards Anchorage and the Pitt Head Nature Loop, following bush tracks and elevated sections that open onto sweeping views across the coastline and Astrolabe Islands. The contrast with the morning's kayaking is part of the appeal — after seeing Abel Tasman from water level, you can now look back across its bays, islands and forested shoreline from above.

One of the highlights is the outlook over Te Pukatea Bay, a beautifully curved golden-sand beach enclosed by native bush. Take your time at the viewpoint before continuing towards Anchorage Beach, where your afternoon water taxi awaits. The cruise back to Mārahau completes an eight-hour journey combining guided paddling, coastal walking and a final view of Abel Tasman from the water.

Other Kayak and Walk Adventures

Earth Sea Sky - Walk further north on your own through the beautiful Bark Bay and Falls River area. Cross the well-known Falls River Swing Bridge, then meet your guide for an afternoon kayak.

Kayak & Walk - This trip starts and finishes in Mārahau. You follow the same route back and enjoy wide views over the Astrolabe Islands.

INCLUSIONS

  • Lunch
  • Double kayak, Buoyancy vest, Spray skirt
  • Paddle, Paddle jacket, Dry bags for cameras
  • Friendly and experienced Abel Tasman Kayaks guide
  • Water taxi from Anchorage to Mārahau
  • Free social-ready images and video

WHAT TO BRING

  • Please bring personal water bottle
  • hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel
  • swimsuit, warm top (wool or fleece), wind jacket
  • walking shoes, cameras and any medication.

TOUR INFORMATION

  • Check-in time: 8:15 am
  • Paddling time: Approximately 2 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Walking Time: Approximately 2 hours
  • Nelson and Motueka Transfers available at an extra cost

AGE INFORMATION

  • Minimum Age: 12 years
  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • More than 48 hours before departure: 10% admin/cancellation fee applies**
  • Between 24 and 48 hours of departure: 50% refund**
  • Within 24 hours of departure: No refund
  • No-shows: Full payment charged, no refunds

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

In accordance with a change in New Zealand legislation, we are now 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 pass on to your clients prior to them booking, so they 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.

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