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Kahu Kayaks Abel Tasman wouldn't be what it is today without a great team. All of our kayaking guides have a can do attitude and personality to burn. They love taking people out and showing them the Abel Tasman, and they all do it with a smile and laugh along the way. We look forward to meeting you.
With the nickname "Ssshhh here she comes" Like a greatly decorated military leader Kristin organizes us throughout the day with precision. It’s most likely to be Kristin that answers your emails or telephone calls. She does seem a little bossy always telling us what to do, but the days at Kahu do seem to run a whole lot smoother when she is here.
When we employed Vida Polakov, we thought we had got one of Russia's finest gymnasts. Turns out Vida is a kiwi girl from the sticks, she is an ex ballet dancer who has seen the world, Who would of thought, Vida thinks our neighbour is the best of the lot
Taylor is our smallest but strongest member of staff. Tay Tay or Swifty as she's sometimes known as has returned to wow you with her Maori Legends and infectious laugh. Please make bookings directly through her Tinder account by swiping right
Brad is first up on the Kahu cricket fantasy league bench. Some say that a six hit off Brads bat in a game of beach cricket split the world famous apple rock in half. Brad's hallmark baked bean lunch will have you opening the shuttle windows on your way back from kayaking. Be sure to ask him as many questions as you can because he's been doing this for a while.
Lucky for us EJ had no option but to join the ranks of Kahu Kayaks after his mum kicked him off his gaming computer and told him to go and see the outside world. After a wee bit of extra time at kayak school, turns out EJ is actually quite good at it. We have him living in the far reaches of the local camp ground miles away from the Wi-Fi, keeps him from returning to his wicked old ways.
Whether she is guzzling cast wine at a double denim party, or sporting a cocktail dress whilst drinking martinis on a movie set, Alex can fit in pretty much anywhere. we are super lucky for her to be rocking those versatile talents here at Kahu, .
To be like water is to embody the spirit of the Aqua Assassin, Cared. His wave-whisperingskills are so impressive that even dolphins ask him for tips! A true waterwhirlof knowledge, he adds an extra zest to your journey on the waves. Just as themoon influences the tides, Cared is the water whisperer of the Abel Tasman,guiding you with killer kayak poses that might just fend off those pesky weka’strying to steal your lunch.
Stephen is our most favourite ginger and arguably the best guide over 35. Known as starfish, Steve will leave you wondering how he’s survived working under the sun for so long. Our longest serving guide, his years of experience in the park shines through, leading a band of knowledgeable and passionate semi-professionals. If he’s not racing to the loos, you’ll most likely find Steve in the office, climbing trails or bathing in sunscreen.
The closest thing we have at Kahu to a pirate, often found aboard his boat “The Muchacha”. He is a self-taught chef with his signature (and only) dish avocado on toast. He can sniff out a cigarette within a 5 kilometre radius. You'll be lucky to have him as a guide with his vast knowledge of the park, just don't bring any ciggies with you, it's for your own safety
Just like a solar eclipse, Troy is rare to find but boy is he worth it!! With well known catch phrases such as "I forgot the milk" and "is there more coffee" you can expect the most unique tour with this kayak veteran. Where you go between the start and the end of the kayak trip is always a surprise. No but really where does he go????
A rock climbing wizard who has arms and legs like a lizard,
Jake’s passion is to climb any rock surface, he gets so high, it makes his mum nervous.
She prefers him kayaking along the beach, while the sun shines down like a peach.
His knowledge is grand, but delivery bland. So pack some food to eat, and enjoy this breath taking treat.
A new memberof the team this summer, an international Woman of mystery who has recentlyreturned from travelling overseas Eve is like a fire cracker, fizzing and fullof boom! Old Twinkle Toes has spades of enthusiasmand her sense of adventure is undeniable. Always goodfor a great day on the water the entertainment value is high with this one.
Cydney more commonly known as Squid, is our local friendly snack provider. She’s here at Kahu because the secret service didn’t want her. A few of her favourite acronyms include FOMO, ADHD and IWTYUTB (I will throw you under the bus). A true crowd pleaser she brings a contagious smile, joy and excitement to all she does. And then comes back to base to tell us all about it again, and again, and again, and again......
Andy has many jobs at Kahu, from part-time skipper of the mighty Hawkeye to casual maintenance man to full-time comedian he really can do it all (except give a proper kayak briefing). When Andy isn't driving our water taxi you'll either find him out for a fish or having his midday nap sleeping off the 5 sausages he had for breakfast.
Just out of Nelson Lucy was born and raised, on the beach is where she spent most of her days, chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool, doing some paddling outside of school. When a couple of girls who were up to no good, started making trouble in the neighbourhood. She got in one little fight and her mum got scared, she said "you're moving to the Abel Taz for some clean air."
Naya is our Canadian representative so as you'd expect she's always got a smile on her dial and a good attitude to match. If your jokes are lame, no worries, Naya's going to be laughing either way. In her spare time Naya’s often working on her kayaking skills, so don’t be afraid to ask for a roll demonstration!
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