Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure, serenity by the bucket load and more stunning scenery than you could think possible. Join our friendly kayak guides as they introduce Abel Tasman's beautiful, accessible coastline.
Learn about New Zealand's flora and fauna as you paddle amidst birdsong, bush clad hills and playful seals.We offer full day guided kayak tours such as the Kahu Classic Marine Reserve which focuses on the protected waters around Tonga Island. Begin at the beautiful bay of Onetahuti Beach, glide past the seals at Shag Harbour, visit the remarkable rock formation known as the "Arches of Tonga" take a break while your guide brews fresh coffee. For those with less time to spare, you'll still get an amazing rich experience exploring the nooks and crannies on our half-day guided kayak tours in the Abel Tasman. Take a look at Kahu Kayaks Southern Blend or our Family Cruiser Tour. You'll see countless kilometres of golden sand, island sanctuaries, sea caves, reefs and sheltered tidal lagoons. For a different perspective, choose one of our tours like the Swinger Delight guided option where we include a walk or link up with water taxis to get us to or from the heart of the park.
From Marahau climb aboard the Water Taxi headed for the golden sands of Onetahuti, following some quick kayak instructions, we launch our comfortable stable double kayaks for a magical guided kayak paddle northwards. Along the way we enjoy close encounters with the Abel Tasman resident seal population on the bouldery headlands and sheltered coves of this spectacular slice of coastline. Tides permitting, we’ll show you the delights of Shag Harbour where seal pups frolic playfully in the clear shallow waters. From here our journey heads south and takes us to the remarkable rock formation known as the “Arches of Tonga”. Enjoy your lunch while your guide brews a fresh coffee, there’s ample time to take a swim, a short walk or just relax and enjoy the ambiance of this wonderful place. A string of beautiful beaches and enchanting lagoons await us on our paddle south, before we hoist our specially designed spinnakers for an effortless sail into Anchorage Bay. From here it’s back on the water taxi to enjoy the scenic cruise to Marahau via the world famous Split Apple Rock.
This tour has the option of starting at Onetahuti Bay and finishing at Anchorage for those of you that are already in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Minimum age 14 yrs
Our most Active tour starts by boarding the water taxi, as we catch a ride up to the glorious golden beach of Onetahuti. After some quick instruction you’re ready for a morning kayak around this stunning marine-rich environment. Say kia ora to the seals, listen for native bird song, glide past the arches of Tonga and soak up the serenity as we paddle our way down to beautiful Bark Bay. Leave your kayak, wave goodbye to your guide and begin your freedom walk (11.5 kilometres - approximately 3 hours). Enjoy lush coastal forest and the famous Falls River swing bridge on your walk through to Anchorage, where you’ll board your afternoon water taxi home. If you are short on time, or prefer not to walk, you can catch a water taxi directly from Bark Bay back to Marahau after your morning kayak.
This tour has the option of starting at Onetahuti Bay and finishing at Bark Bay for those of you that are already in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Minimum age 14 yrs
This half-day guided kayak tour in Abel Tasman involves paddling between Marahau and Observation Beach (approximately three hours). It then takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves, reefs and tidal lagoons, this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak. Following your ½ Day Guided Kayak tour there are numerous options for your afternoon adventure
Guided Kayak & Walk: $170pp After your kayak take an easy unguided walk (approx three hours) through native fern gullies and bush clad headlands back to Marahau
**This trip may be run in reverse order**
Guided Kayak & Sail: $325 p/p Stroll half an hour to Anchorage Bay where you board Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures Catamaran. From here sail north to Pinnacle Island to view the seal colony before an exhilarating sail back down the coast. Please call 0800 300 101 to book.
This half-day guided kayak tour in Abel Tasman involves paddling between Marahau and Observation Beach (approximately three hours). It then takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves, reefs and tidal lagoons, this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak. Following your ½ Day Guided Kayak tour. From Observation Beach jump on a water taxi and return to Marahau
Minimum age for children (10-13yrs)
Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of nesting cormorants, sea caves and the world famous Split Apple Rock. Ideal for families and those of you who like to take it easy. Returns to Marahau approximately 11.45 am.
Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of nesting cormorants, sea caves and the world famous Split Apple Rock. Ideal for families and those of you who like to take it easy. Returns to Marahau approximately 12pm where you will board our water taxi to Anchorage. Here you can relax on this stunning beach or take one of the short walks around the area. Catch the 4pm Water Taxi from Anchorage back to Marahau.
This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of the beautiful Astrolabe Roadstead. Watch for playful NZ Fur Seals and embrace the wonderful birdsong, ringing from the bush-clad Adele Island. Take a short walk or a swim while we stop for lunch and café styled drinks on one of the many glistening golden sand beaches. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore along this stunning coastal paradise. If the sea breeze is blowing we’ll hoist the spinnaker and let the wind push us home.
A swing bridge, some seals and an island or two; the Swingers Delight is perfect for those who like a little bit of everything. Jump aboard the water taxi for a ride up into the heart of the park where a walk between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay allows you to enjoy wicked views, lush native bush and the Falls River swing bridge. The Water Taxi will then link you through to Observation Beach for a guided kayak along the southern stretches of the Abel Tasman will see you taking in beaches, caves and tidal lagoons. These delights are all nestled in the sheltered waters between Observation Beach and Marahau.
Have the morning to relax before jumping on the 12:00pm water taxi to Observation Beach, have a bit of a swim and chill out before sliding the kayaks into the water for the afternoon tour back which takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves and reefs , this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak.
Minimum age for children (10-13yrs)
The morning taxi taxes you up to Torrent bay, enjoy the unguided walk to Cleopatra’s pools for a swim or maybe a glide down the natural rock slide, carry on walking to Observation Beach for your afternoon kayak delight, this will take you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves and reefs , this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak.
Minimum age for children (12-13yrs)
Jump aboard the 10:30am water taxi for the golden sands of Anchorage; take in the numerous viewpoints along your unguided walk to Observation Beach (approx. 1 hour). Here you catch your guide for the afternoon kayak back to Marahau which takes you through the safe, sheltered and scenic southern reaches of the Abel Tasman. Home to more than a dozen beautiful golden beaches, two islands, several sea caves and reefs , this area of Abel Tasman is a delight to sea kayak.
Minimum age for children (10-13yrs)
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