Remote Marine Reserve - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand
5
Remote Marine Reserve - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand
By Abel Tasman Kayaks
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About
Our best one day kayak trip using the tide to explore the best of the park on any given day.
Abel Tasman Kayaks is one of only three operators authorised to undertake marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks at Tonga.
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation
Ages 12-100, max of 100 per group
Duration: 24h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Dietary requirements catered for. Lunch is a freshly baked roll filled with local produce, a sweet snack, fruit, fresh plunger coffee and local juice.
What's not included- Return transport from Nelson needs to be booked separately from the tour.
- Start:
- 273 Sandy Bay-Marahau Road, Mārahau 7197, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 161500P7- Most travellers can participate
- In accordance with New Zealand legislation, we are 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 read prior to booking, so you 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 161500P7
From
$320.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- T981HKrichardb0 contributionsGreat experienceHenry was a great guide. Trip was value for money and beach picnic was tasty and ample. Kayak was about 2.5 hrs, reasonable pace, the group were all competent. Walk back took slightly longer but great way to explore national park from water and land. Slept well after day's activities!Written 18 January 2025
- jonnyp7730 contributionsHighlight of a one month trip around NZ!We went on a three day kayak trip around Abel Tasman National Park and it was the highlight of our month-long trip in NZ. Our guide, Mitchell, was incredibly knowledgable friendly and helpful at all times - he really made the trip what it was. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, tropical blue waters and plenty marine life including penguins and seals - it truly is the best way to explore this magical place. The camping facilities and meals were exceptional too! We never went hungry or tired and we met some great people throughout the trip. So much fun, with a company that really respects the natural environment. Couldn’t recommend this highly enough! Do itWritten 11 January 2025
- gracecar0line0 contributionsAmazing!!We had an incredible experience hiking and then Kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They showed a true love for science and nature that was clear in all they spoke about and we learned so much. We also had a blast - the kayaks were extremely easy to use. We saw seals, sting rays, and so many birds. Would recommend this to anyone visiting the area!Written 8 January 2025
- Han_c070 contributionsAmazing experienceWe had an absolute ball on our 3-day experience with Abel Tasman Kayaks. 9 of us kicked off the new year with their amazing kayaking/hiking trip. From start to finish it was great - was picked up in Nelson and brought to their base. Kieran looked after us so well- gave us all the info we needed and set us off right. We did 1.5 days kayaking and 1.5 days hiking - staying in Anchorage Hut and Awaroa Campsite. We booked these ourselves with the time of year being busy. It was the most stunning experience. On our last day we were collected by Garret in the water taxi. He went out of his way to give us the scenic route back - driving into Shag Habour, Frenchman’s Bay and around Tonga Island. Both lads were great craic and made the experience for us! Would highly recommend. Had a wonderful meal on NYE to celebrate friends getting engaged. Our waiter was great, patient and good fun. Food was stunning and he had recommended just the right amount. Would highly recommend.Written 5 January 2025
- Johnnyboy50000000 contributionsLife highlightShoutout to Isaac (a.k.a. Food Mother), the best guide in the seven seas! I splurged on a private 5-day kayak tour. I have a decent amount of kayak experience and am very high-energy/high-fitness, and this company created the perfect itinerary for me. We paddled every inch of coastline in the park, hiked up some creeks, bathed in natural pools (not required!). In the water, we saw seals, blue penguins, sting rays, eagle rays, dolphins, longfin eels, and lots of different birds. On the beaches, we explored caves with glowworms and wetas. We camped on several beaches with nobody around. Sunsets and weather were amazing. Kayaking was epic. Scenery was unforgettable. I am also vegan, and they accommodated with amazing food. I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, but this was a life highlight worth any amount of money.Written 26 December 2024
- ian1ellis0 contributionsChilled kayak and walk in a beautiful settingZoe, our guide, made sure we were completely prepared for the trip, but in a very chilled way. We were lucky with the conditions and Zoe gave us plenty of info re the local fauna & flora and the history of the area. Highly recommended !Written 12 December 2024
- marilynhF887TZ0 contributionsThe most memorable kayak/hike adventure to date!!Amazing company. We felt well cared for. The logistics of our trip were so comfortable (3 hour kayak along coast and out to a bird sanctuary island then beach and lunch and a 4+ hour hike back to start along the coastline - we took longer than most due to a desire to dawdle and explore beaches, and we're 70+). Staff are all enthusiastic, caring, and obviously in love with their jobs and their country. It's a fantastic experience. There are many options which they can help you sort through and choose the best one for you, your group, and your time availability. I'd give 10 stars if I could.Written 29 November 2024
- Jane B0 contributionsFantastic tour!Louisa, our guide, was excellent. Three of us were first time kayakers and she was patient, very helpful and encouraging. Safety was first and she gave information on much of Abel Tasman national park.it was raining, but she made it enjoyable. The hike back was spectacular with the ferns, trees and periodic views of the water.Written 13 November 2024
- Sunshine424938425870 contributionsHiking and kayaking in paradise!This was an absolutely amazing experience! Would do it again in a heartbeat! The service we received was excellent and all the staff were wonderfully welcoming. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed both the hike and the kayaking and could not decide which of the many highlights of this day, was our favorite. The scenery is just gorgeous! I can highly recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks. Thank you, Jack and Mitchell, for making this a truly unforgettable day.Written 14 October 2024
- pkh2130 contributionsGreat way to see the beauty of Abel Tasman National ParkThis is a full day tour. We traveled from Nelson to Marahau which takes about an hour. Checked in at 8 a.m. and found out we would be kayaking first. There were four couples in double kayaks and our guide, Dez. We launched at Low Tide Landing. We kayaked out to Adele Island where there is a bird sanctuary. We also saw some New Zealand fur seals on the rocks. It was a relaxing kayaking trip that ended at Observation Point where we had lunch on the beach. We then hiked back to where we started. The climbing was steep at the beginning from the beach but then evens out. It takes about three hours. Enjoyable day.Written 9 June 2024
- lsrc230 contributionsSplit Apple Guided KayakFab day, all members of my grouped loved it. Including the guide, we paddled out with 6 of us. Emily was a fantastic guide. Whole process was seamless, no waiting around or being unsure. Company provided wind breaker jackets and dry bags. Kayaked out to Split apple rock, had tea/coffee and a break on the beach. Our guide had picnic rugs, extra layers if we were cold, wind proof jackets etc felt like they'd thought of everything to give us a great trip. Timing was great, long enough to have fun and feel like we've had an experience without feeling tired/it going on for too long. Grateful for the hot showers at the end!Written 6 March 2024
- a_daydream_believer0 contributionsA full day of adventure not to be missedWhat a fantastic way to spend a day! Our guide Mo was such fun, her incredible knowledge of the area & its wildlife was a real hit for us. From the facts & figures about Adele Islands predator free status to pointing out gulls nesting spots, it all added to the experience.Written 3 March 2024
- Julafton0 contributionsDon't hesitate, just go!Absolutely worth it! Start the day with the walk and take a coffee at the bar in the beginning of the walk. Then meet up with the group and have a lunch before going with the kayak. Had the guide Tash ( 1st of March) and she was brilliant, explained everything from the seals lifecycle to the impact from the pest. Can't recommend it enough. /the Swedish coupleWritten 2 March 2024
- christophergA5250ZY0 contributionsA wonderful trip on and off the waterWe did the half day kayak and hike back with a lunch stop. The whole day was awesome, including our guide and the training. The weather was perfect which of course helps. But the bird sanctuary island with the fur seals was worth the price of admission, but then of course there was the rest of it.Written 29 February 2024
- Diavan20140 contributionsAdventure in a stunningly beautiful placeOur kayak adventure with Able Tasman Kayaks was well managed from beginning to end. Every staff member from was friendly, helpful and efficient but Mitchell, our guide, was amazing. His ability to anticipate our needs, keep to the schedule, to provide the details we needed, to make the necessary adjustments (on the third day he provided us with a walking option that was very satifying) and to prepare healthy, delicious meals and snacks for up to 10 of us was truly amazing. The campsites were set up for us and we even had air mattresses. We are not strong paddlers so a kayak/walk/kayak may have been a better choice for us as the waves and headwind around a couple of of the points were hard but Mitchell made it work for us. Thank you Mitchell! I highly recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks for an adventure in a stunningly beautiful place.Written 15 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
12
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0
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Sillymommy2003
Portsmouth, RI30 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
LOVED this tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, safe, and funny. He guided us to beautiful lagoons, outcroppings with fur seals, and pointed out lots of birds. Perfect trip with our young adult and teen kids!
Written 11 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review, this is a great trip for all ages. We are pleased you all had such a great time.
Written 13 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rorinho
Seattle, WA341 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Beautiful scenery, great guides. Full day of sea kayaking with several stops on beaches for snack and bathroom breaks and lunch. It was windy and the water was very rough so we weren't able to go as far north as is advertised for this tour. Still it was worth it. Very well organized and instructions were provided. Be advised that launching and landing kayaks were done by the kayakers, not by the guides, so some experience would be helpful. We were fortunate to see kakas fly over twice (rare parrots that have been reintroduced into the national p) and it was gratifying to see how excited the guides were about seeing them. Guides provided excellent information about the park and the ongoing environmental restoration activities. Lunch was very good.
Written 22 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning scenery and found our guides knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It’s always a special moment to spot the kaka in the wild!
We appreciate your understanding about the route adjustment due to the weather—safety is always our priority, and we are pleased that the trip was a highlight of your NZ trip.
Written 3 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greer7
Lyttelton, New Zealand49 contributions
We did the 2 night 3 day ‘remote coast overnighter’ option, with the first day a guided kayak through the marine reserve, followed by two nights walking out of the park, camping at the end of the kayaking day at Bark Bay and the second night at Anchorage. Both campsites were stunning beaches as all of them are. Bark Bay was camping on the sand back from the beach, it had fascinating kaka (cheeky native parrots recently released into the wild there). There is a cold (public) beach shower at both locations which was an unexpected bonus to freshen up after a dip in the sea. Anchorage was a grassed canpsite next to another stunning golden beach with interesting caves at the end, lovely for a quiet evening explore when the beach was almost empty despite being peak season. We were blessed with perfect weather and the trip was very well organised with high safety and environmental standards. Non kiwis might need to be aware the sea is not tropical island warm in early Jan, but is fine if you’re used to cooler sea swimming (and if not, take a deep breath and do it.)
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet.
Darren has decades of experience guiding the region and spoke about lots of different topics from geology, flora and fauna, and some of the environmental issues and politics of the region. We both felt safe in his hands and enjoyed the trip so much. Saw dolphins, seals and sea lions, a couple of bobbing penguins, and stunning birdlife. By far the best trip we have done despite now having done quite a few guided adventures in our home NZ and overseas. Whether alone or with a friend or group, I fully recommended Abel Tasman Kayaks for a taste of kiwi adventure in one of the most stunning relatively unspoilt environments on this planet.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greer7 thank you for review we are rapt to hear it is one of the best guided trips you have done in recent times! The Remote Coast Overnighter is a great way to experience the park if you have time on your side and our guides love sharing information about the park which they are so passionate about.
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JASPER72
Cairns, Australia35 contributions
I chose the full day guided tour hoping to get an overview of the marine life and surrounding areas. From the start the introduction from the guide was about as interesting as a wet paper bag.. All the other guides were enthusiastic about their upcoming day but ours was more interested at looking at his phone. We will call him Gee as I found it hard to remember his name let alone understand him.
There was no clear guidance very little information and when we went to his favourite spot he sat back and read his phone. By then I was over it. Come lunch time we pull into a beautiful sandy bay. our small group pulls in to the furthest point from tables bathrooms whilst groups from the same company land within a few mins walk. There were no other kayaks on the beach. Our stroll to the bathroom was over 20 mins return. I dont expect 5 star by any means but we shouldnt expect to pee behind a bush if the bathrooms are located nearby. DOCS really dont appreciate it either.
The beauty of the park made ot for a great day. But the lack of enthusiasm by the guide was such a disappointment. Take nothing away from the other guides they were the highlight of our day getting a ride back in the water taxi.
There was no clear guidance very little information and when we went to his favourite spot he sat back and read his phone. By then I was over it. Come lunch time we pull into a beautiful sandy bay. our small group pulls in to the furthest point from tables bathrooms whilst groups from the same company land within a few mins walk. There were no other kayaks on the beach. Our stroll to the bathroom was over 20 mins return. I dont expect 5 star by any means but we shouldnt expect to pee behind a bush if the bathrooms are located nearby. DOCS really dont appreciate it either.
The beauty of the park made ot for a great day. But the lack of enthusiasm by the guide was such a disappointment. Take nothing away from the other guides they were the highlight of our day getting a ride back in the water taxi.
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sigrid H
Georgensgmuend, Germany169 contributions
Dec 2019
We had the day tour remote coast. The weather was a little bit cloudy whcih we appreciated - otherwise you have really take care about getting sun burned. Only a small group 4 kajaks and Kai from UK as our guide. He did a great job - explained a lot and was always teking care about all of us. Had lunch at Bark bay with nut steeling kaka`s. Have seen seals, shoal of fishes and birds. The landscape is beautiful - the ocean is still cold at December. We have felt very save in the kajaks and the equipment is very professionel.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Sigrid for the review, pleased that you had a great day on our Remote Coast.
Written 22 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne H
Oamaru, New Zealand10 contributions
Can absolutely recommend this company. They organised a tramping trip combined with a kayak trip. Did all the bookings, answered endless emails and were so helpful. All the staff were incredibly friendly. The marine tour itself was a highlight. Our guide was brilliant and it was no problem that I'd never kayaked before. The equipment was great and all in all just a fabulous experience. Thanks guys!
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Anne, pleased you had a great time. The marine reserve in the Abel Tasman is a very special part of New Zealand to explore, we are pleased you had a great trip.
Written 24 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brooke & Buddy - TrailingAway
33 contributions
Feb 2020
The guide really makes it or breaks it when you are out on an all-day tour like this and we really lucked out by having Daz. He made sure to keep us safe, well-informed about our interesting surroundings, and laughing! This tour is so well done and even though the weather wasn't ideal (windy and gloomy), it ended up being an absolutely fantastic day to be out on the water. We saw sea lions, lots of bird life, and rays. We also loved the lunch stop with a waterfall and cave to explore, as well as the saling!!! But, just paddling along enjoying the landscape was a lovely way to see the Abel Tasman NP. We'll cherish the experience! Thanks a bunch to Daz and the rest of the Abel Tasman Kayaks team! :)
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks you for the review, I think you mean lucked in having Daz rather than out from reading your review! Kayaking the coastline is a great way to experience the Abel Tasman.
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan F
10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This was a great experience! I loved all the secluded beaches we stopped at and all the wild life we saw! Darrel was an awesome guide and had a lot of wonderful information about the area and New Zealand as a whole. Would highly recommend this kayak company!
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Megan for the recommendation. Sounds like you had a great time on the Remote Marine Reserve there is a lot of great beaches to explore on this trip, you choose a great trip to explore the Abel Tasman.
Written 26 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison F
Tauranga, New Zealand8 contributions
Jan 2022
We loved this trip and I cant recommend it enough. We did a 3 day kayaking adventure. Our guide, Whitey was just brilliant. Super experienced and really good with my 12 year old. He was incredibly knowledable and also a great cook. The food and provided alcohol were just exceptional. I felt safe taking my two daughters , aged 12 and 14. The scenery was just stunning and we were so lucky with weather Saw heaps of seals. The camping equipment was easy to use . We did a few side walks which were great. I would 100% do this again!
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Alison for the review about our product & Whitey our guide. Sounds like you had a fabulous trip with your teenage daughters on a three day classic.
Written 16 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenSharpe
Mons, Belgium13 contributions
We had a fantastic day , superbly organised from start to finish. Our guide was excellent , felt really safe but was also an adventure and really good fun. Opportunity to see wildlife up close, time to swim, explore remote little bays.
A fantastic day.
A fantastic day.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Karen, we are pleased you had such a great time on the water with us.
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.