From Marahau to Totaranui and return – it’s an adventure!
Spend three days in the stunning Abel Tasman. The first two days see you kayaking from Marahau through to Onetahuti.
We collect your kayak for you on day two and leave you to walk North through to the last water taxi pick up point, Totaranui. The bush through here is lush and the coastal views amazing! We collect you at the end of day three when the water taxi retraces your route back to Marahau.
Recommended campsites: Night 1 Observation Beach or Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. Night 2 Onetahuti. Camp passes included in price which we book on your behalf.
- Start paddling at Marahau and finish at Onetahuti.
- Donโt paddle the same coastline twice!
- 2 days of kayaking allows plenty of time to explore all the way up the Marine Reserve.
- Walk to the Northern taxi pick up point Totaranui.
- Retrace your steps on the water taxi on your journey back to Marahau.
Hut accommodation is available for an additional cost, please contact us to arrange and camping gear can be hired at time of booking if required.
Minimum group size 2 (no solo hires).
Price
$280pp
Duration
3 Days
- Check-in: 8.15 am
- Open: 1 Oct – 31 May
- Age: Minimum 14 years, under the age of 18 you need to be accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 ratio
- Includes: Kayak hire, kayak transfer, passenger transfer and camp pass (Abel Tasman Kayaks books on your behalf)
- Food: Self catered
- Paddling: Approximately 4 – 5 hours per day interspersed with breaks. No prior experience required
- Abel Tasman Great Walk: Approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Water Taxi: One water taxi cruise
- Bus: $70 Nelson return, $30 Motueka return operating 1 Oct – 30 Apr. On request outside of these times
Adele Island Bird Sanctuary
Adele Island / Motuareronui is a predator free sanctuary and home to species such as the South Island Robin/Toutouwai (pictured) and Saddleback/Tieke.
NZ Fur Seal/Kekeno
NZ fur seals Kekeno can be seen at the northern end of the island.
Onetahuti & Surrounds
Explore the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its surrounds you can go as far as Shag Harbour.
Astrolabe
Paddle the sheltered waters of the Astrolabe exploring 12 beautiful beaches, caves and rocky outcrops.
Kaka
Kaka New Zealands native parrot have been reintroduced to Bark Bay.ย They are often heard before they are seen, listen out for their call a harsh, repeated, rhythmic ‘ka ka’.
Lagoons
Explore Frenchmans Bay, Sandfly Bay, Bark Bay (marker) lagoons on the high tide.
Bark Bay & Surrounds
Explore the forest fringed granite coastline and tidal estuaries.
No rental kayaking past this point (shag harbour)
Awaroa Estuary Crossing
Spectacular low tide estuary crossing.
Majestic rain forest
The northern end of the park offers great examples of sub tropical rain forest. There are plenty of majesticย Nikau to be found on this section of track.
Onetahuti kayak pick upย
Totaranui passenger pick up
Night 1
Anchorage Campsite (50 sites).
Night 2
Onetahuti Bay Campsite (20 sites)
Departure Times
Please note the Department of Conservation apply differential pricing between 1st October and 30th April. If you are a New Zealand resident choose the New Zealand Resident price, if you are an International Visitor choose International Visitor price.
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
Risk Disclosure: For an understanding of the potential risks please click here and read before you book.
Itinerary
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Day 1
8.15amCheck in and start your kayak rental briefing. The briefing highlights areas of interest in the Abel Tasman National Park, weather forecasts and local conditions, hazards, safety and self rescue.10.00amOn water assessment with guide.10.30amContinue on your own to explore the Abel Tasman. Spend the night at Observation Beach, Te Pukatea Bay or Anchorage. -
Day 2
3.15pmKayak pick up at Onetahuti. Spend the night at Onetahuti or Tonga Quarry. -
Day 3
8.15amWalk from Onetahuti to Totaranui approx 4.5hrs,14.2km.2.15pmWater Taxi pick up at Totaranui.4.30pmReturn to Abel Tasman Kayaksโ base.
*Please note this is an estimate of timings and based on our summer 8.15am check-in. There may be times when this trip will be reversed.
Preparation
Camp pass: Provided at check in.
Kayaking clothes: Youโre bound to get wet when kayaking bring some quick drying clothes to paddle in. Shorts, t-shirt (long sleeves are preferable), warm top (wool/fleece), hat, sunglasses and shoes. Donโt forget your swimsuit and a towel!
Campsite clothing: Warm campsite clothing is essential for the evenings. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, warm top (wool/fleece), trainers and socks, sleeping clothing, rainproof jacket.
Personal items: Such as medication, toiletries, camera (with plenty of film or memory space!), personal drinking bottle, first aid kit, torch, sunscreen and insect repellent.
We provide: Buoyancy vest, spray skirt, paddle jacket, paddle, safety emergency flares, waterproof map, water pump and a spare paddle.
Additional items in the winter: wetsuits, wetsuit booties.
Food & water: Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey, food tips can be found here. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.
Day 1: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Cooking equipment: If you plan to cook a hot meal ensure you bring a cooker and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain parts of the park, at certain times of the year. Pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, plates and cups will also come in handy.
Camping equipment: During the evening it can become quite cool in the park so please make sure you pack a tent, camping mat and a warm sleeping bag.
FAQS
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Can we hire/rent single kayaks?
No. Due to the safety procedures in place, you cannot hire or rent single kayaks. The exception is if your group size is an odd number where there will be one single kayak provided along with double kayaks. E.g For a group of 3 – 1 x double kayak, and 1 x single kayak, group of 5 – 2 x double kayaks and 1 x single kayak.
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Environment Access Fee
Your trip includes an Environmental Access Fee which goes directly towards preserving the Abel Tasman National Park.
A portion of your ticket price goes directly towards preserving the unique environment you will enjoy on your trip in the Abel Tasman. This includes the compulsory concession fees paid to the Department of Conversation as well as voluntary contributions to local organisations and projects to improve the environment, ecology and access to the National Park.ย Fees are adjusted according to your trip, you can see your contribution when you purchase a ticket.
Find out more on how we are looking after this special place including our commitment to the Mฤrahau Pledge.
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What is the minimum age for renting a kayak?
Rental customers need to be 14+ and anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.
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Is food included?
All kayak rentals & kayak & walk rentals are self catered (unless you have opted to add lunch for day 1 at time of booking) the trip description provides suggestions of meals. Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey, food tips can be found here.ย We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau.ย Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you.ย Filtered water is available at our base and hut sites, untreated water is available at the campsites.ย ย
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If I am on my own can I rent a kayak?
Itโs possible to join a guided trip if you’re a solo traveller. We will pair you with another guest or a guide. No rentals are available to solo kayakers due to safety.
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Do I need any previous kayaking experience to rent a kayak?
While past kayaking experience is desirable, a reasonable level of camping and outdoor skills and water confidence is essential. Before you go out on a kayaking trip you are briefed by a qualified sea kayak guide who is very familiar with the park and will provide you with information about places to go, how far you are likely to get in the time you have and information on safety, weather and sea conditions.
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Do you hire camping gear?
Yes, from gas bottles to a full set of gear. It can be booked online at time of booking or over the phone a full list can be found here. These items are subject to availability.
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More FAQ’s
A full list of our FAQโs can be found here.
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What our customers say
We did this day in early October and had a fabulous time. The whole process was smooth and hassle free, the gear was good and the packed lunch (with coffee!) was delicious.Our guide (Awatea) did a great job of briefing us, getting us going out on the water, and sharing information about the area. The seals were an unexpected bonus.We were then shuttled to the start of our walk on... read moreWe did this day in early October and had a fabulous time. The whole process was smooth and hassle free, the gear was good and the packed lunch (with coffee!) was delicious.Our guide (Awatea) did a great job of briefing us, getting us going out on the water, and sharing information about the area. The seals were an unexpected bonus.We were then shuttled to the start of our walk on a super speedy boat where we strolled the 6+km north to our pick-up point.After that it was a quick trip back to base, with a few more pick-ups, along the way.Thoroughly recommend this option if you only have one day.We were trio of 50+ women and had a blast.Thanks guys :) read less
NParley
Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and brought lots of positive energy.
The views were amazing, we saw lots of wildlife and with the high tide we paddled through 3 beautiful lagoons.
The lunch was also delicious!
Saraandaaron
3 day immersion at the Abel Tasman ,saw lots of seals and surrounded always by pristine park
Was a group tour
Guide super helpful with kayaks and paddling was enjoyable with a min to mod fitness level of middle aged person
gggerty
Wir haben eine Kayak und Walk Tour gemacht. Unser Tour-Guide war extrem nett und hat einen sensationellen Job gemacht. In unserer kleinen Gruppe mit 4 Kayaks haben wir ein paar schรถne Stunden verbracht, wรคhrend der wir durch den wunderschรถnen Nationalpark gefahren sind und einiges รผber den Park sowie die einzigartige Artenvielfalt dort erfahren haben. Nach der Kayak-Tour bekamen wir am Strand ein leckeres Mittagessen und danach ging es auf eigene... read moreWir haben eine Kayak und Walk Tour gemacht. Unser Tour-Guide war extrem nett und hat einen sensationellen Job gemacht. In unserer kleinen Gruppe mit 4 Kayaks haben wir ein paar schรถne Stunden verbracht, wรคhrend der wir durch den wunderschรถnen Nationalpark gefahren sind und einiges รผber den Park sowie die einzigartige Artenvielfalt dort erfahren haben. Nach der Kayak-Tour bekamen wir am Strand ein leckeres Mittagessen und danach ging es auf eigene Faust zu Fuร auf einem sehr guten Wanderweg zurรผck zum Ausgangspunkt. Insgesamt ein wunderschรถner, gelungener Tag. read less
Mi-Nadine
Super leuke dag gehad op het water. De uitrusting is goed, alles is verzorgd! De lunch en snacks zijn healthy wat het even anders maakt dan veel andere tours. Ook de gids Nathan maakt een degelijk verschil, hij heeft ons veel verteld en geleed, is interactief met iedereen in de groep en weet zeker waar hij het over heeft. Good job Nathan ;)
De prijs is wel aan de hoge... read moreSuper leuke dag gehad op het water. De uitrusting is goed, alles is verzorgd! De lunch en snacks zijn healthy wat het even anders maakt dan veel andere tours. Ook de gids Nathan maakt een degelijk verschil, hij heeft ons veel verteld en geleed, is interactief met iedereen in de groep en weet zeker waar hij het over heeft. Good job Nathan ;)
De prijs is wel aan de hoge kant, de kwaliteit is geweldig maar de prijs zou iets om laag kunnen! read less
carlijndr
Our family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer... read moreOur family, 2 adults and 2 kids did a 4 day freedom hire trip through Abel Tasman Kayaks last week and we had the most amazing time. The double kayaks we hired were good quality fibre glass boats, our safety briefing from Tim was informative and fun and the communication from start to finish was spot on.
Abel Tasman kayaks have been around a long time and are extremely customer focused and efficient. The tractor ride to take you and the boats out onto the water and back is heaps of fun.
I highly recommend this great company and kayaking in the Abel Tasman national park as well, we had great weather, no crowds, gorgeous beaches to ourselves and superb camping. We saw a pod of dolphins, little blue penguins and lots of baby seals.
A trip to remember !
Thanks Abel Tasman Kayaks, we will be back. read less
Karenza H