Golden Bay Kayaks
Golden Bay Kayaks
4.9
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Full view
About
Golden Bay Kayaks is one of the best little kayak companies in New Zealand, situated in one of the best kayaking destinations in the world, which is why it is such a popular destination for all kayakers from beginners to the more experienced. The closest kayak company to the Abel Tasman and the ONLY company that lets you paddle the entire length of the park. They specialise in half day, full day and multi-day rentals. Amazing instruction on the simple, no fuss guided tours. The personal touch makes this a high value and extremely memorable experience. Perfect for those that have not kayaked before or very little or for those keen to learn about the Northern end of the Abel Tasman's rich history, geology and wildlife. Stand Up Paddle boards also available for hire. The most amazing way to experience the easily accessible Tata Islands, which are a fantastic destination to explore nature so close.
Takaka, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.9
285 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
18
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Wanderer18457605295
Wellington, New Zealand11 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Tony and the team at Golden Bay Kayaks were professional and thorough. We did a five day self-guided hire from Golden Bay to Marahau. Previously we’ve kayaked in the Abel Tasman from Marahau, but Tony’s briefing was impressive which included advice on surf landings and launches as well as what to look for when making decisions to round headlands or areas of turbulent water. Also, how to load the kayaks to get the weight distribution right. This we’d not heard before, and was very helpful.
When we finished in Marahau on New Year’s Day, Golden Bay Kayaks were closed for the holiday, however, Tony still arrived on time to take us back to Golden Bay. Top guy. Top company.
Highly recommend Golden Bay Kayaks if you want to have a great kayaking experience in the Abel Tasman.
Note: Golden Bay is at the top end of the park. Marahau is at the bottom. Water taxis operate as far north as Totaranui, so the park is more crowded the closer to Marahau you are.
When we finished in Marahau on New Year’s Day, Golden Bay Kayaks were closed for the holiday, however, Tony still arrived on time to take us back to Golden Bay. Top guy. Top company.
Highly recommend Golden Bay Kayaks if you want to have a great kayaking experience in the Abel Tasman.
Note: Golden Bay is at the top end of the park. Marahau is at the bottom. Water taxis operate as far north as Totaranui, so the park is more crowded the closer to Marahau you are.
Written 3 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.
Ngā mihi and thank you for taking the time to write this thoughtful and informative review. Thank you for you support and thank you for your kind words. It fills our cups! We look forward to seeing you again and loved that you chose to paddle with us. All the best and happy adventures. Lisa and Tony
Written 7 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rwdogs
Corona, CA368 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Unfortunately, we did not take the actual tour. We got a very kind email from Golden Bay Kayaks letting us know that weather was predicted to be cold and windy, offering us a different day. We could not reschedule, as we were leaving, and they kindly offered us a full refund so we can come back a different time and try again! A lot of good things can be said about a company and a tour when weather is perfect and there are no glitches. This is about a company that truly wants their clients to have a great experience, or avoid a less-than-great one.
Written 11 November 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.
Absolutely gob smacked by these beautiful and kind words. I really wish the weather was better so that we could meet you, hopefully another day we will meet. Much aroha! Lisa and Tony
Written 7 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ironmoi
6 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Beautiful experience. The guide was very professional, giving a lot of information about the zone and some activities to do in Golden Bay. Totally recommendable. Every detail is made with care in order to bring a good experience to the client.
Written 25 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.
Carl B
Wellington, New Zealand18 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
I did the 'family focus' four hour kayaking trip with my twelve-year-old daughter. There were also some younger kids in the group we went with.
It's a really beautiful area for kayaking. We visited areas that can only be seen from the sea. This allowed us to see seals, which was really cool because I've never seen a seal in Golden Bay despite holidaying at Wainui many times before.
Our guide Gaylene was friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, and good-humoured. She provided lots of interesting information about the bird and marine life, and about local history. I also asked for advice on kayaking independently in the area, and she was very helpful.
I found the pace relaxed - it wasn't overly strenuous for either me or my daughter.
Highly recommended.
It's a really beautiful area for kayaking. We visited areas that can only be seen from the sea. This allowed us to see seals, which was really cool because I've never seen a seal in Golden Bay despite holidaying at Wainui many times before.
Our guide Gaylene was friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, and good-humoured. She provided lots of interesting information about the bird and marine life, and about local history. I also asked for advice on kayaking independently in the area, and she was very helpful.
I found the pace relaxed - it wasn't overly strenuous for either me or my daughter.
Highly recommended.
Written 19 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.
Jess C
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Perfect day for a kayak! Weather was awesome and to explore the little islands and swim through rocks and arches was so much fun! We just did an independent half day hire as we have kayaked before, but shoutout to Madison, our safety instrcutor, shd was very friendly and concise with safety and best spots to kayak.
We had other plans for the rest of the day so a half day hire was plenty of time
We had other plans for the rest of the day so a half day hire was plenty of time
Written 29 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.
DakotaRose_24
Rapid City, SD103 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
The day the four of us arrived for our half day guided experience we were told it may only be 2 hours because of the weather forecast. When we started it moody overcast but by the time we returned it was sunny blue sky day. Shay did a wonderful job.
Written 29 March 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.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for choosing to come paddling with us. Super glad you had a lovely time!
Written 13 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter A
Quechee, VT4 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We had a wonderful trip guided by Harley, who is really capable, well informed, and chill. It was exciting coming back in brisk winds. The kayaks are very stable. We enjoyed having tea and cake on an island before returning. We loaded up on Golden Bay T-shirts, a jacket, and a hat, all excellent values. The lady in the shop recommended a really authentic New Zealand place for lunch, the Mussel Inn, and the W … beach by Farewell Spit, which is fantastic.
Written 16 December 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.
What a cool review, love that you had a great time and also really love that you are travelling around the world with Golden Bay Kayaks kit and looking smart. The beach is Wharariki (Far out and freaky is how you pronounce it). Thanks for taking the time to write a review and hopefully we meet again. Many thanks Lisa and Tony
Written 7 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate N
Whitianga, New Zealand42 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Andrew guided us for a spectacular private 🛶 tour, beginning & ending with a Māori prayer. He was knowledgeable about the area, always put our safety first, told fascinating stories, shared amazing history - our favorite tour guide in all of New Zealand! Their lunch hamper was delish as well.
Written 2 April 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.
Thank you so much for choosing the Eco Bespoke Private Guided tour, such a joy to see your review. I think Andrew loved it as much as you both did!
Written 13 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian L
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
Lisa, Tony and staff offer such kind hospitality and professionalism that you are sure to have an amazing, enjoyable and safe kayaking experience. My wife and I did Tata beach to Totaranui and then over to Waiharakeke where we camped overnight. (Book your campsite ahead of time through the DOC). The next morning we paddled back to Totaranui for the return shuttle ride to Tata beach. It was a freedom trip. We arrived at Golden Bay Kayaks on 2/15 for our safety briefing but the wind forecast was not good even though the water looked beautiful. We followed Lisa’s advice and pivoted. We did an awesome local hike that day and went back to GBK bright and early on the 16 th. What a smart decision and great advice. The sea winds can pick up in the afternoon so it’s best to arrive early, 7 or 8 am if they can accommodate you is not too early.
5 stars no question. Cheers to Lisa and Tony for facilitating such a wonderful experience!!!
5 stars no question. Cheers to Lisa and Tony for facilitating such a wonderful experience!!!
Written 18 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.
Ohhhh, makes me feel all mushy! We are lucky with what we do and meeting amazing people like you. Thank you for the lovely and informative review and so glad everything worked out...Ngā mihi nui. Lisa
Written 16 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connorcat
6 contributions
Jan 2022
I went on a 4 hour guided kayak tour with 2 other ladies this morning along with our fabulous guide Eric who not only had a great sense of humour, but was incredibly knowledgeable about the local history, bird life etc. We got to listen to some wonderful Maori legends, chants and songs that made my skin tingle.
I felt very safe with Eric and he was constantly checking in on all 3 of us to see if we needed a water break, beach break, if it was getting too rough etc.
I would highly recommend giving it a try if you are in the area, you will not be disappointed. It is a beautiful part of the world. Ask for Eric!
I felt very safe with Eric and he was constantly checking in on all 3 of us to see if we needed a water break, beach break, if it was getting too rough etc.
I would highly recommend giving it a try if you are in the area, you will not be disappointed. It is a beautiful part of the world. Ask for Eric!
Written 5 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 for taking the time to write a lovely review and glad you had a wonderful time with Eric...see you again soon. Lisa.
Written 4 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Gary, would you be willing to share your itinerary and trip logistics? We are planning our trip to Abel Tasman for February next year, and we would love to kayak entire length, and return kayaks at Marahau. Golden Bay Kayak seem like a perfect option. I would very much appreciate your input.
Written 7 May 2018
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