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South Island

Start: Marahau
Locations: 3 See all
Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 12

This fully guided three-day Abel Tasman kayak tour departs Mārahau, travelling by water taxi to Awaroa before paddling via Onetahuti and Anchorage back to Mārahau. Departures run November–March, from once to three times weekly depending on the month, with 4–5 hours paddling each day. It includes kayak and camping equipment, beachside campsites, guide, all meals and drinking water, and suits active travellers aged 12+; no previous kayaking experience is required.

Paddle the Abel Tasman Coast from Awaroa to Mārahau

Your journey begins in Mārahau with a morning water taxi deep into the national park to Awaroa, where your guide helps you pack the kayaks and prepares you for the three-day paddle south. From here, the pace is deliberately unhurried, with time to explore sheltered bays, tidal inlets and granite-lined coastline while stopping for lunch and scenic breaks along the way.

Over three days, the changing coastline becomes part of the experience. Paddle from Awaroa to Onetahuti on Day 1, continue through the marine reserve towards Anchorage on Day 2, then follow the southern coast back to Mārahau on your final day. Around 4–5 hours of paddling each day leaves time for beach stops, optional short walks and wildlife encounters, while your guide shares stories and insights into the natural environment around you.

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Fully Supported Coastal Camping

Your first night is spent near Onetahuti, followed by a second night at Anchorage, turning the journey into much more than three consecutive days of kayaking. Once the paddling is finished for the afternoon, settle into camp beside the coast, explore on foot or simply enjoy the quieter atmosphere that arrives after many of the day visitors have left the park.

The practical side of camping is taken care of, with two-person tents, inflatable mattresses, cooking equipment and all meals included. Dinner and dessert are prepared by your guide, followed by evenings beneath the stars and mornings that begin with breakfast at camp. With your equipment, meals and guiding organised, you can concentrate on the coastline and the experience of travelling through Abel Tasman entirely by kayak.

INCLUSIONS

  • Double sea kayak, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, and buoyancy vest
  • 30L dry bag for personal items, plus additional dry bags for cameras
  • Two-person tent and Thermarest inflatable mattress
  • Sleeping bag (provided on request)
  • Plates, cutlery, cups, and gas cookers
  • Filtered drinking water
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Accommodation at scenic beachside campsites
  • Knowledgeable, friendly Abel Tasman Kayaks guide throughout the trip
  • Free social-ready images and video

TOUR INFORMATION

  • Check-in time: 8:15 am
  • Paddling time: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Walking Time: Yes – optional short bush walks
  • 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: 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.

Pack light, but come prepared for changing weather and a night under the stars:

Day Essentials:

  • Personal water bottle
  • Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Warm top (wool or fleece) and windproof jacket
  • Full change of clothes
  • Camera
  • Any necessary medication

Evening & Personal Items:

  • Long pants, t-shirt, warm layer (wool or fleece)
  • Trainers and socks
  • Rainproof jacket
  • Toiletries
  • Torch or headlamp
  • Sleeping bag (optional – can be provided)

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