Kayak & Canoe Tours
Hiking & Walking
Family-friendly Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
What Makes This Overnight Experience Special
You’ll paddle the renowned Tonga Island Marine Reserve coastline with a professional guide sharing stories, local knowledge, and passion for this special place. Lunch and morning tea are provided, and our purpose‑built base offers hot showers, Wi‑Fi, secure gear storage, and parking. Top‑quality kayaks and fitted soft gear are included so you can travel light and enjoy every moment.
Camping passes and one bag transfer each way are included, and you can hire camping gear if needed. Day two brings an inspiring coastal walk, with highlights such as Cleopatra’s Pool and regular sightings of tūī, bellbirds, and inquisitive weka. Every trip is shaped by tide, weather, and the unique energy each person brings.
INCLUSIONS
- Guided kayaking experience
- Kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket)
- Dry bag for gear
- Map and route briefing
- Lunch on the kayaking day
- One water taxi cruise
- Filtered water at base and hut sites
- Free social-ready images and video
EXCLUSIONS
- All other meals: 1x dinner, 1x breakfast, snacks
- Camping and cooking equipment (stove, fuel, pots, utensils, cutlery, plates, cups)
- Accommodation or campsite booking fees
- Personal clothing and footwear (for both kayaking and campsite)
- Personal items (toiletries, medication, first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, torch, camera)
- Drinking water for the journey (must be brought or collected along the way)
- Transport to/from Mārahau
TOUR INFORMATION
- Check-in time: 8:15 am
- Paddling time: Approximately 4 hours interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Walking Time: Approximately 3-4 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 14 days before departure: 10% admin/cancellation fee, plus any accommodation charges applies**
- Between 7 and 14 days of departure: 50% refund**
- Within 7 days of departure: No refund
- No-shows: Full payment charged, no refunds
Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
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.
Kayaking Clothes
You’re likely to get wet while paddling, so wear quick-drying layers. Bring shorts, a t-shirt (long sleeves are best), a warm layer like wool or fleece, a sunhat, sunglasses, and secure footwear. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel.
Campsite Clothing
Evenings can get chilly, so pack warm layers for the campsite. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, fleece or wool top, trainers, socks, and sleepwear are essential. A waterproof jacket is a must in case of rain.
Personal Items
Bring your usual essentials: medication, toiletries, a camera (with spare memory or film), water bottle, small first aid kit, torch or headlamp, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Cooking Gear
Planning a hot meal? You’ll need a portable cooker and fuel—fires are only allowed in designated areas at certain times of the year. Also pack pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, plates, and cups.
Food & Water
This is a self-catered trip. You’ll need to bring 1 lunch (not on the kayak day), 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, and plenty of snacks. Lunch is included on your kayak day. We recommend stocking up before arriving in Mārahau. Bring ample drinking water—filtered water is available at our base and huts, while campsites offer untreated water.
