Abel Tasman Kayaking Guide: Guided Tours, Rentals and Planning

Overview

Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore Abel Tasman National Park, at the top of the South Island. Paddlers follow a coastline of golden beaches, granite headlands, lagoons and offshore islands, and many combine kayaking with walking sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Most trips start at Mārahau, the park's southern gateway.

Guided trip or freedom rental?

DOC sets clear expectations:

• If you haven't kayaked before, take a guided trip.
• Independent (freedom) rentals need at least two people and previous sea-kayaking experience.

If you're renting or going guided with overnight stays, talk to your kayak company before you book huts or campsites. Our guided vs independent kayaking guide covers the trade-offs.

Paddling times

DOC's rough paddling times for experienced kayakers in calm conditions, without stops:

Beginners, headwinds and stops on the way all add time.

Where not to kayak

DOC does not recommend kayaking north of Onetahuti Bay, because the coastline beyond it is remote and exposed.

Weather and wind

Kayaking is more weather-dependent than walking the Coast Track. DOC's advice:

• Book campsites within your ability, and plan for the worst: headwinds and rough seas.
• Each day, check your fitness, the wind strength and direction, and the swell before setting off.
• If it's too rough, stop and wait for conditions to improve. Only camp somewhere other than your booked site for safety reasons.
• Strong westerly winds are common from late spring through summer. Autumn and winter are generally calm.

When to go

The park is busiest from October to April. DOC says winter is generally quiet, with calmer water, fewer insects, cooler temperatures and shorter days.

Getting there

• Mārahau is 67 km from Nelson on a sealed road. You can start there by water taxi, kayak or on foot.
• Kaiteriteri, 61 km from Nelson, is another start point for kayaks and water taxis.
• Water taxis run year round between Mārahau/Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui, and must be booked.
• DOC has car parks at the road ends, and kayak operators have private parking for clients. There's no freedom camping.

Kayak operators

The operators below all run guided trips and rentals from Mārahau. Some combine kayaking with water taxis and walking. Kahu Kayaks says its tours visit sea caves, Split Apple Rock and the Tonga Island seal colony, depending on the route.

Know before you go

• Water at huts and campsites isn't treated, so boil it first.
• Sandflies and wasps are common. Carry insect repellent and any allergy medication you need.
• The coast is at risk from tsunamis. If you feel a long or strong earthquake, move to higher ground immediately.
• Drones need a permit.

Nearby

See our Abel Tasman Coast Track guide for the walk, and our Nelson city guide for the region.