Abel Tasman Kahu Kayak Guided Tours – A Taste of Adventure
Abel Tasman Guided kayak Tours
The Abel Tasman kayaking trips led by Kahu Kayaks give a taste of adventure, an abundance of tranquilly, and more breathtaking landscape than you could possibly imagine. Join our friendly kayak guides as they introduce the accessible coastline of Abel Tasman.
Learn about the ecology and fauna of New Zealand as you paddle through bird music, bush-covered slopes, and playful seals. We provide full-day guided kayak experiences like as the Kahu Classic Marine Reserve, which concentrates on Tonga Island’s protected waters. Begin at the gorgeous harbour of Onetahuti Beach, glide by the seals at Shag Harbour, explore the amazing rock formation known as the “Arches of Tonga,” and enjoy a delectable lunch accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.
On our half-day guided kayak tours in the Abel Tasman, individuals with less time will still have an incredible, immersive experience exploring the nooks and crannies. Consider our Southern Blend or Cruiser Family tours. Countless kilometres of golden sand, island sanctuaries, marine caves, reefs, and protected tidal lagoons will be visible.
Choose one of our tours, such as the Paddle Me Home guided option, where we stroll or connect with water taxis to reach the heart of the park, for a unique perspective.
Kahu Classic Marine Reserve
Price: $250 per person
Start: 8:30
Duration: Full Day guided Tour
Available 1st November 2022 onwards
From Marahau, board a Water Taxi bound for the golden dunes of Onetahuti. After a brief kayaking orientation, we launch our comfortable, sturdy double kayaks for a guided paddle northward. Along the trip, we get intimate encounters with the native seal population of Abel Tasman on the rocky headlands and hidden bays of this breathtaking stretch of coastline. We will show you the beauties of Shag Harbour, where seal pups happily cavort in the clean shallow waters, if the tides permit. From here, we will go south to the impressive rock feature known as the “Arches of Tonga.” While your guide brews fresh coffee, you can have a swim, go for a short walk, or simply relax and soak in the ambience of this magnificent area. On our paddle south, we will encounter a series of stunning beaches and charming lagoons before hoisting our specially built spinnakers for an effortless sail into Anchorage Bay. Back in the water taxi for the picturesque trip to Marahau by the internationally renowned Split Apple Rock.
If you are already in Abel Tasman National Park, you have the option of beginning and ending this journey at Onetahuti Bay and Anchorage, respectively.
The Serenity Guided Kayak Tour
Price: $210 per person
Start: 8:30
Duration: Full Day guided Tour
Available 1st November 2022 onwards
The water taxi will transport us to the magnificent golden beach of Onetahuti. After a brief lesson, you are prepared for a morning kayak tour of this breathtaking marine environment. Say ‘kia ora’ to the seals, listen to the local bird singing, float through the Tonga arches, and take in the tranquilly as we paddle down to picturesque Bark Bay. Leave your kayak, bid your guide farewell, and begin your freedom walk (11.5 kilometres – approximately 3 hours). Enjoy the rich coastal forest and the famed Falls River swing bridge on your walk to Anchorage, where you will board your homebound water taxi in the late afternoon. If you are pressed for time or prefer not to walk, you can take a water taxi from Bark Bay back to Marahau after your morning kayaking if you do not like to walk.
If you are already in Abel Tasman National Park, you have the option of beginning and ending this journey in Onetahuti Bay and Bark Bay, respectively.
Southern Blend Kayak and Walk
Price: $130 per person Child: $95
Start: 8:30
Duration: 8 Hours approx
Available 1st September 2022 onwards
This half-day guided kayak and afternoon unguided walk tour in Abel Tasman involves paddling between Marahau and Observation Beach (approximately three hours). It then takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves, reefs and tidal lagoons, this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak. After your kayak take an easy unguided walk (approx three hours) through native fern gullies and bush clad headlands back to Marahau
Southern Blend Walk and Kayak
Price: $130 per person Child: $95
Start: 12:30 pm kayaking from Observation Bay
Duration: 8 Hours approx
Available 1st September 2022 onwards
This half-day afternoon guided kayak in Abel Tasman involves paddling between Observation Beach and Marahau (approximately three hours). It takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves and reefs, this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak. Spend your morning walking through native fern gullies and bush clad headlands from Marahau to Observation beach Campsite. (approx 3 hours). Here you will meet your guide for you afternoon paddle home. Meet at Observation Beach Campsite 12:30pm
Full Day Family Cruiser
Price: $170 per person Child: $125
Start: 8:30
Duration: 8 Hours approx
Available 1st October 2022 onwards
Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of nesting cormorants, sea caves and the world famous Split Apple Rock. Ideal for families and those of you who like to take it easy. Returns to Marahau approximately 11.45am. This trip can also be turned into a Full Day by joining our 12pm water taxi to Anchorage. Here you can relax on this stunning beach or take one of the short walks around the area. Catch the 4pm Water Taxi from Anchorage back to Marahau.
Half Day Family Cruiser
Price: $100 per person Child: $65
Start: 8:30
Duration: 4 Hours approx
Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of nesting cormorants, sea caves and the world famous Split Apple Rock. Ideal for families and those of you who like to take it easy. Returns to Marahau approximately 11.45am. This trip can also be turned into a Full Day by joining our 12pm water taxi to Anchorage. Here you can relax on this stunning beach or take one of the short walks around the area. Catch the 4pm Water Taxi from Anchorage back to Marahau.
Lock Stock & Two Smoking Paddles
Price: $140 per person Child: $110
Start: 8:30
Duration: 8 Hours approx
This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of the beautiful Astrolabe Roadstead. Watch for playful NZ Fur Seals and embrace the wonderful birdsong, ringing from the bush-clad Adele Island. Take a short walk or a swim while we stop for lunch and café styled drinks on one of the many glistening golden sand beaches. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore along this stunning coastal paradise. If the sea breeze is blowing we’ll hoist the spinnaker and let the wind push us home.
Swingers Delight
Price: $210 per person Child: $175
Start: 8:30
Duration: 8 Hours approx
Available 1st September 2022 onwards.
A swing bridge, some seals and an island or two; the Swingers Delight is perfect for those who like a little bit of everything. Jump aboard the water taxi for a ride up into the heart of the park where a walk between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay allows you to enjoy wicked views, lush native bush and the Falls River swing bridge. The Water Taxi will then link you through to Observation Beach for a guided kayak along the southern stretches of the Abel Tasman will see you taking in beaches, caves and tidal lagoons. These delights are all nestled in the sheltered waters between Observation Beach and Marahau.
Return to Nelson Tasman region