Search icon

South Island

Start: Marahau
Locations: 3 See all
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: 2
Minimum Age: 12

This fully guided two-day Abel Tasman kayak tour departs Mārahau, travelling by water taxi to Awaroa before paddling via Bark Bay back to Mārahau. Departures run on selected days November–March, with 4–5 hours kayaking each day and an overnight beachside camp. It includes kayak and camping equipment, campsite accommodation, professional guide, all meals and water, and suits active travellers aged 12+; no previous kayaking experience is required.

Kayak from Awaroa to Bark Bay and Sleep by the Sea

Begin in Mārahau with your guide before taking the morning water taxi deep into Abel Tasman National Park to Awaroa. From here, pack your kayak, complete a safety briefing and take to the water for the first stage of your journey south. Around 4.5 hours of paddling, including breaks, gives you time to appreciate golden beaches, granite headlands and sheltered bays while your guide brings the coastline to life with local knowledge of its wildlife, history and marine environment.

By late afternoon, arrive in the Bark Bay area and trade your kayak for a beachside campsite surrounded by native bush and the sounds of the coast. With the tent, mattress, cooking equipment and meals taken care of, you can settle into camp rather than worrying about carrying a full overnight setup. Dinner and dessert under the stars complete the first day before waking to birdsong and breakfast ahead of the paddle back towards Mārahau.

4-5 hours paddling per day

Inclusions

  • Double sea kayak, paddle, spray skirt, paddle jacket, and buoyancy vest
  • 30L dry bag for personal items, plus extra dry bags for cameras
  • Two-person tent and Thermarest inflatable mattress
  • Sleeping bag (on request)
  • Plates, cutlery, cups, and gas cookers
  • Filtered water and all meals during the trip
  • Campsite accommodation at stunning beachside locations
  • Professional local guide with expert knowledge of the Abel Tasman Marine Reserve

Tour Information

  • Check-in: 8:15am
  • Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
  • Abel Tasman Great Walk: 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 applies**
  • Within 14 and 7 days before departure: 50% refund, less accommodation fees**
  • 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.

Day Essentials:

  • Personal water bottle
  • Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Towel and swimwear
  • Warm top (wool or fleece), windproof jacket
  • A full change of clothes
  • Camera
  • Any personal medication

Evening & Camp:

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

Day One

Lunch: Abel Tasman Kayaks freshly baked roll filled with local produce.

Dinner: Chickpea curry & steamed pudding.

Day Two

Breakfast: Cooked breakfast and/or muesli served with yoghurt and fruit.

Lunch: Wraps.

Dinner: Nacho bean mix served with sour cream & sliced cake.

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.