On the Water
1 day
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$199
per adult
Abel Tasman Kayaks
Abel Tasman Kayaks
5
Walking ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Abel Tasman Kayaks was established in 1986, realising a vision to bring visitors into the glorious Abel Tasman National Park. Sea kayaking is such a unique, low impact way to explore the beautiful golden beaches, peaceful coves and lagoons, offshore islands, wildlife and the native forest fringing our granite coastline! This innovation became an instant hit with visitors to the area, and saw the growth and development of Abel Tasman Kayaks into one of the leading kayak operations in the world. We have continued to lead the way with a strong commitment to high safety standards and experienced guides with incredible passion and extensive local knowledge of the park. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of guided, day and multi-day tours. We are here to bring this magic place to life for you....
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Abel Tasman Kayaks
On the Water
1 day
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$320
per adult
On the Water
1 day
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$110
per adult
On the Water
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$230
per adult
On the Water
1 day
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$320
per adult
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5.0
636 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
58
Average
18
Poor
11
Terrible
8
AJ777
Hong Kong, China17 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Did the 5 day kayak trip, booked very last minute and they were able to accomodate us at short notice. We then flew to NZ pretty much just for this. From then on everything was really well organised by Abel Tasman Kayaks starting with our pickup from Nelson. The awesome kayaking experience was a fascinating journey where we saw some of the best scenery and wildlife New Zealand has to offer and had an absolutely fantastic time camping in stunning secluded scenic spots. There was even time to get a bit of hiking done to explore more of the park. The ocean going kayaks are of a high standard and easy to paddle and navigate. Our first one developed a small tear in the side, but the company was super quick in getting a replacement out.
Our amazing guide, Nicole, was very friendly, outgoing, and professional, and really engaged with our small group of 7 who were mostly kiwis. Nicole has an enthusiastically passionate knowledge of the Abel Tasman National Park, including its history, wildlife and nature, and the best spots to see as well as being an amazing host, cook, tour guide and skilled kayaker. Truely couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us this stunning part of New Zealand. Thanks again Nicole! :)
Our group got along really well together and we really enjoyed our time with them. Everyone did their part to help run the camp, get the kayaks going, and keep the wekas at bay which made for an easy going experience. The catering was excellent with ample food and refreshments. All the camping gear is provided, and is of good quality. We packed way too much of our own stuff, but now know for next time.
Weather was perfect except for the last day where it got a bit rough causing us to capsize, for the only time, just meters away from the finish. However, all part of the fun experience and made the hot shower at the end feel so much better.
Truely one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. Can’t wait to come back!
Our amazing guide, Nicole, was very friendly, outgoing, and professional, and really engaged with our small group of 7 who were mostly kiwis. Nicole has an enthusiastically passionate knowledge of the Abel Tasman National Park, including its history, wildlife and nature, and the best spots to see as well as being an amazing host, cook, tour guide and skilled kayaker. Truely couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us this stunning part of New Zealand. Thanks again Nicole! :)
Our group got along really well together and we really enjoyed our time with them. Everyone did their part to help run the camp, get the kayaks going, and keep the wekas at bay which made for an easy going experience. The catering was excellent with ample food and refreshments. All the camping gear is provided, and is of good quality. We packed way too much of our own stuff, but now know for next time.
Weather was perfect except for the last day where it got a bit rough causing us to capsize, for the only time, just meters away from the finish. However, all part of the fun experience and made the hot shower at the end feel so much better.
Truely one of the most amazing trips we have ever done. Can’t wait to come back!
Written 19 August 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.
Thank you for posting a review months later! We love that you enjoyed our five day classic is is an amazing way to fully immerse yourself in the Abel Tasman.
Written 25 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ivanovbt
Canberra, Australia29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We all knew that the trip would be special when we needed more coffee and salami on the first day, and our humble guide Roy (or “Lolli” in Australian) announced that we would be getting “better than average” salami after being grilled about the quality. Our 3-day classic was completely brilliant, with excellent company, excellent food, excellent weather, excellent adventures, and better than average salami (which was excellent too). Roy knew his stuff, and willingly shared his knowledge of all aspects of the history, the aquatic and marine life, the birds, the flora, the geology, and much more.
Shag Harbour was an absolute highlight, though so too was Cleopatras Pool (and the extra climb/canyoning trip beyond), but the entire coastline made it all pretty special, especially with Roy’s inside knowledge of the best places to go. Throughout the journey we were fed exceptionally well, with plenty of tasty food and drink, and the efficient organisation from start to finish reassured us all that we were not only in safe hands, but above average hands. A big shout out to Bal for the first two days (with the larger group), too.
In summary: a very professional adventure with plenty to see and do, and with expert knowledge to add greater value to the whole trip, and which made it very memorable. Highly recommended.
Shag Harbour was an absolute highlight, though so too was Cleopatras Pool (and the extra climb/canyoning trip beyond), but the entire coastline made it all pretty special, especially with Roy’s inside knowledge of the best places to go. Throughout the journey we were fed exceptionally well, with plenty of tasty food and drink, and the efficient organisation from start to finish reassured us all that we were not only in safe hands, but above average hands. A big shout out to Bal for the first two days (with the larger group), too.
In summary: a very professional adventure with plenty to see and do, and with expert knowledge to add greater value to the whole trip, and which made it very memorable. Highly recommended.
Written 27 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 Ivanovbt for the rave review for the three day classic. It sounds like our guides, scenery, park knowledge & food hit the spot!
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stef B
London, UK59 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We booked the Park Start which is a 3 day and 2 night trip which starts by taking a water taxi up to the Northern part of the National park where you’re dropped off enabling you to kayak back to Marahau with the wind behind you! The kayaks are spacious with lots of room for tent, other camping equipment and clothes for the trip, and the compartments in the boat are pretty much water tight. Abel Tasman Kayaks provide a dry bag and big plastic bags if you need them to keep your things dry. They also do a good safety briefing to get you started before you go including a practice paddle on the water. The company booked our campsites which made life easier and the map provided of the coastline is really useful. My only criticism would be that we had to be at the site at 8.15am for a briefing but didn’t actually get our water taxi until 11.30 so felt like we were missing out on time when we could’ve been on the water. All in all an excellent company and way to explore Abel Tasman national Park.
Written 27 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 Stefsabb for the review. Great to hear you had a great time on the 3 Day Park start. Regarding the 11.30am start there is a definitely a level of excitement to get on the water as soon as possible, however to make this the best possible experience for you there is a level of safety training and park familiarisation we need to cover before you head out by yourselves, especially with park start hires. The 11.30am departure is made clear throughout the booking process and whilst this can be overlooked in the excitement, as you would have experienced the benefits more than outweigh the later start. ; ) We are always looking at ways to improve so appreciate your feedback.
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian Y
5 contributions
Nov 2020
My partner and I got a day-hire kayak for 90pp. I couldn't recommend Abel Tasman Kayaks any higher. There was a thorough safety briefing before the day started and they kitted us out with all the equipment that we needed. The team was great at pointing out where it would be feasible to kayak for a day trip. Kayaking in the bays was great as well, lots of small private beaches that you can stop on, lots of wildlife (we saw a seal tearing through an octopus on the water!) and doing a loop around Adele or Fisherman's Island is very manageable. It was a bit difficult to see where we had to return to, so in the future I would clarify that before I leave. Jack was also great to us. Friendly, approachable, keen for a yarn and made the whole experience better!
Written 17 November 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 Brian, sounds like your day out in the Astrolabe was very memorable, it is a magic area to explore.
Written 9 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AucklandWiz
Auckland, New Zealand2,256 contributions
Feb 2021
We opted for a half day freedom (unguided) rental as we just wanted a taste of kayaking this beautiful area and didn't have a huge amount of time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great to have- it meant our kayak did not fill up with sea water. We decided to kayak over to Adele Island while the winds were still low and then back to the mail land to explore some bays and then kayak back with the wind. But it was really tough kayaking against the wind and tide and by the time we got to the island it was too rough and we were tired so we saw a couple of seals and decided to get back to the shelter of the astrolabe area. Really a waste of time and energy when the kayaking is tough like this.
These bays are beautiful, golden sand, peaceful providing lovely swimming in clear, clean water.
We decided to return back early which we had asked what the procedure was during our safety briefing and we were instructed to head for the big black buoy. As the tide had gone right out it was quite hard to spot the buoy but we had a fair idea of what land marks were we had to head for. We then just asked another operator to contact our kayak company. He offered to take the kayaks back to the company on his truck which meant no waiting for us. We had a quick hot shower - clean dry towel supplied, before we continued our road trip. A beautiful area of the country. I have done this once by kayak and probably would not do this again- perhaps a boat drop off and a walk back would be nice, if there is a next time.
We started our day with a very professional safety briefing which covered all aspects of kayaking, use of equipment, how to get in and out safely, righting the boat if you capsize etc. We were fitted with spray skirts which was great to have- it meant our kayak did not fill up with sea water. We decided to kayak over to Adele Island while the winds were still low and then back to the mail land to explore some bays and then kayak back with the wind. But it was really tough kayaking against the wind and tide and by the time we got to the island it was too rough and we were tired so we saw a couple of seals and decided to get back to the shelter of the astrolabe area. Really a waste of time and energy when the kayaking is tough like this.
These bays are beautiful, golden sand, peaceful providing lovely swimming in clear, clean water.
We decided to return back early which we had asked what the procedure was during our safety briefing and we were instructed to head for the big black buoy. As the tide had gone right out it was quite hard to spot the buoy but we had a fair idea of what land marks were we had to head for. We then just asked another operator to contact our kayak company. He offered to take the kayaks back to the company on his truck which meant no waiting for us. We had a quick hot shower - clean dry towel supplied, before we continued our road trip. A beautiful area of the country. I have done this once by kayak and probably would not do this again- perhaps a boat drop off and a walk back would be nice, if there is a next time.
Written 13 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.
impulsivekiwi
Auckland Central, New Zealand36 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
I did the 3 day tiki tour as a solo female traveller and found it an amazing experience. Everything was well organised and I had great communication from Abel Tasman Kayaks in relation to my questions prior to and post booking. Each staff member I dealt with was great from those who were emailing me back, those at their base, those who did the water taxi driving and those who led the kayak excursions. Thank you for Abel Tasman Kayaks for a great experience.
Pamela
Pamela
Written 20 February 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.
Julie O
85 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
My husband and I needed a water taxi ride to go hiking in Abel Tasman National Park so we used Abel Tasman Kayaks. Very efficient and well laid out business with lots of great staff, boats, tractors and equipment. We really enjoyed and appreciated Capt Jack who expertly drove the tractor and the boat in addition to serving as a tour guide by providing lots of historical info about the park. While we did not kayak, everyone on the return trip boat who had kayaked appeared to have had a great time.
Written 20 March 2023
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 for our water taxi service.
Maria
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RobandJulia R
North Canterbury37 contributions
Mar 2022
We did the 3 day classic guided kayak trip. From the first contact with the company through to when we said our last goodbyes, Abel Tasman Kayaks were fantastic. Our guide, Awatea was amazing, whipping up fabulous meals at each lunch and overnight stop. He was an experienced guide, coaching us through a couple of more exciting sections on the route and we always felt safe and had great fun. Awatea kept us amused with his 'Dad jokes' and informed with his local knowledge. As we came ashore for the last time at Marahau I really felt I'd achieved something by kayaking the Abel Tasman. Definitely recommend this trip and absolutely recommend Abel Tasman kayaks as the company to go with.
Written 23 March 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.
We are pleased to hear that your interactions across the whole company were fantastic. Thanks for the recommendation.
Written 12 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa P
7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Fantastic ‘Freedom Kayak’ (self guided) 3 day Park Start. Highly recommended! On our water taxi drop off Skipper went out of his way to look for dolphins that he had heard were around, and what a show they put on for us! Incredible advice from guide Tom before we set out to wait for the tides on day 2 so we didn’t miss being able to paddle in the lagoons. They were so peaceful and great to spot sea life. We saw lots of seals, a ray, a penguin, many shags, etc. It is such a gorgeous place and the campsites (especially Mosquito Bay) are magical. We also had time to do 2 small hikes from anchorage Campground recommended byTom, including a swim and waterslide in Cleopatra’s Pool. Excellent equipment. I wish we had had a full week in AT. Just go. You wont regret it!
Written 1 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 for the five star review! It is great to hear your so much marine life on your trip. The briefing allows us to point out all the special spots and the best time to access those, depending on tide times.
Written 6 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bethany Facendini
Oakland, CA4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Abel Tasman Kayaks deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️++++++ for their exceptional customer service, communication and professionalism. They made my tramping experience possible with transfers, gear rentals, baggage storage, boat taxi to the trail, and expert advice. They support kayaking AND tramping experiences at Abel Tasman. Every time I requested something, I was always met with a “yes”. They were timely and very organized at the start of my trek managing multiple groups simultaneously. I was happy with the quality of their gear. I was even offered a much needed hot shower and the ability to recharge electronic devices upon return from my four day tramp. I was impressed by every staff member that I interacted with. I cannot recommend this business highly enough.
Written 10 November 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 for the 5 star plus review. Thanks also for the comments on our professionalism and staff, much appreciated.
Written 15 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How much time does it take to complete the 'kayak and walk' tour? Also, how much time does it take to complete the national park kayak tour? A response to either question would be fantastic! THANKYOU.
Written 27 December 2019
Hey! I can't decide between Tiki tour or Remote coast overnighter. Both 2 days.I'm afraid of losing any important view if i chose one or the other as they have different walks. The paddling it's almost the same, the marine reserve is covered. What do you recommend? Thanks!
Written 14 May 2019
The walk between Bark Bay and Torrent Bay (on the Remote coast trip) is spectacular. You will cross the suspension bridge, one of the highlights. This walk is one of my top five favorites, ever. Unfortunately, I haven't visited the northern section so I can't offer a comparative opinion.
Written 17 May 2019
i would
like to do a one night kayak trip and stay in a lodge. any suggestions.
Written 29 December 2016
Sadly no ideas. We stayed in Te Anau and drove 120km to get to Milford. Limited and pretty basic facilities in Milford from what I can gather.
Written 29 December 2016
Non riesco a mettermi in contatto con il sito, quanto costa una giornata intera in kayak?
Grazie mille
Marzia
Written 25 October 2016
devo rimanere al parco una notte e sono indecisa su che escursione fare.
mi potreste consigliare?
Written 21 October 2016
we are visiting in Dec, 2016 and would like to do an overnight sea kayak trip. Do you offer this?
Written 6 May 2016
Hi workingmom, yes they do offer a few different overnight trips. If you google "abel tasman kayaks" you can click on their website and see which ones they offer. We will be visiting in Nov. and plan to do the Remote Coast overnighter. Hope this helps!
Written 13 May 2016
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