15 Top-Rated Marahau Canoe & Kayak Experiences

Marahau stands out as a top spot for canoe and kayak adventures thanks to its prime location on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. With crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, and abundant wildlife, this small coastal village offers a range of options—from guided tours that share expert insights to independent rentals for the more adventurous. We love the Kayak & Walk tour for its seamless blend of water and land exploration, offering magnificent water views paired with a guided hike through wild landscapes. Whether you’re paddling past Adele Island or walking along the coast, Marahau makes it easy to connect with nature in a genuine way.

Quick Overview:
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of kayak tours, from full-day guided excursions like the Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour to flexible rental options such as the 1 Day Sea Kayak Rental. There are tours suitable for different fitness levels and interests, including wildlife sightings, marine reserve explorations, and multi-day adventures. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated experiences.

1. Kayak & Walk

Rating: 5.0/5 (161 reviews)
Price: $142.73 per person
Duration: Approx. 1 day
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

Starting with the Kayak & Walk experience, this tour balances paddling along the coast with a guided hike in Abel Tasman National Park. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of adventure without overextending themselves. The tour includes magnificent water views, a walk through the park’s wild landscapes, and a delicious lunch on a beach overlooking the ocean. It also offers hassle-free pickups from Nelson or Motueka, making the logistics smooth. Guides are praised for their care and knowledge, with guests noting their enjoyment of the forest walk and the calm, guided kayaking. It’s ideal for those looking for a well-rounded outdoor day with both sea and land exploration.

Bottom Line:
A great choice for first-timers or anyone wanting a balanced taste of kayaking and hiking in Abel Tasman, with excellent reviews backing its value.

2. Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Price: $198.58 per person
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

At number 2, the Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour stands out for its longer, more immersive experience. It’s tailored for moderately fit travelers with some kayaking experience, offering the chance to paddle through untouched lagoons and along rugged coasts. The tour includes the chance to see fur seals at Tonga Island and explore the smallest national park in New Zealand—a highlight for wildlife lovers. All gear is provided, and the small group size (max eight) ensures personalized attention. Guides are praised for their local knowledge and ability to keep the trip exciting despite potential weather challenges.

Bottom Line:
Ideal for active travelers who want a full day of paddling, wildlife viewing, and exploring marine reserves in a small-group setting.

3. Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and Walk

Rating: 4.8/5 (65 reviews)
Price: $135 per person
Duration: 1 day
Location: South Island, New Zealand

This tour is a classic for those wanting a condensed, yet diverse experience. It starts with a morning kayak trip past 12 golden beaches to Observation Beach, then switches gears into a guided walk along the coast in the afternoon. Guests love seeing seals up close and walking the southern end of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. The balance between paddling and walking makes it perfect for those who want a taste of both worlds without committing to a multi-day adventure.

Bottom Line:
A solid pick for those seeking a shorter, varied day with memorable wildlife encounters and stunning scenery.

4. 1 Day Sea Kayak Rental

Rating: 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
Price: $74.47 per person
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

For independent travelers comfortable with kayaking, the 1 Day Sea Kayak Rental offers unbeatable flexibility. You get all necessary gear and can paddle at your own pace, exploring icons like Split Apple Rock or taking a picnic on the beach. The reviews highlight how much people enjoy discovering secluded beaches on their own, making this ideal for experienced paddlers who prefer to set their own schedule.

Bottom Line:
A budget-friendly, flexible option for self-sufficient paddlers wanting to explore at their own pace.

5. Southern Duo kayak & walk tour

Rating: 5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Price: $117.91 per person
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This Southern Duo combines personalized small-group attention with both water and land exploration. It’s perfect for moderately fit travelers who want the full experience of Abel Tasman’s southern parks. After paddling around Adele Island with the chance to see fur seals, you’ll walk on land to further explore the coast’s hidden corners. The tour provides all gear and emphasizes a personalized experience with a maximum of 8 participants.

Bottom Line:
Great for travelers wanting a more intimate, multi-faceted exploration of the park’s southern section.

6. Remote Marine Reserve – Guided Kayaking

Rating: 5.0/5 (14 reviews)
Price: $220.30 per person
Duration: Approx. 1 day
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This tour emphasizes exploring the park using the tide, giving each trip a unique flavor. It’s run by Abel Tasman Kayaks, one of the few authorized operators for marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks at Tonga. The focus is on learning about the geology, fauna, and wildlife of the marine reserve. The reviews are glowing, noting the informative experience and the chance to learn about New Zealand’s natural environment.

Bottom Line:
Best suited for adventurers who want a full-day, educational trip with wildlife viewing and tide-based exploration.

7. Mārāhāu: Abel Tasman Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

Rating: 5/5 (18 reviews)

This 8-hour kayak tour focuses on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where you’ll see playful fur seals in their natural habitat. The experience includes a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach and paddling through tranquil lagoons. The base offers hot showers and Wi-Fi, making it comfortable after a day on the water. Guides are experienced in showing visitors the best wildlife spots, and reviews praise the up-close seal encounters.

Bottom Line:
Excellent for wildlife lovers wanting a full day of paddling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing beach time.

8. Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand

Rating: 5/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $744.07 per person
Duration: 3 days
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience around Tonga Island. Kayakers explore rugged coastlines, beaches, and wildlife like blue penguins and fur seals. The trip includes guided excursions with optional wildlife sightings and a delicious beachside lunch. The trip’s highlights include hassle-free transfers and the chance to see large populations of fur seals in their natural setting.

Bottom Line:
Ideal for step-up adventurers eager for a multi-day, wildlife-rich kayaking experience with excellent logistical support.

9. Seal Sanctuary Tour – Guided Kayaking

Rating: 5/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $161.35 per person
Duration: About 5 hours
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

Focusing on Tonga Island’s seal colony, this tour combines a water taxi transfer with kayaking along stunning coastlines. You’ll enjoy up to 1.5 hours on the water, with stops for lunch on the beach. Guides help spot fur seals and blue penguins, and reviews mention the excellent spotting opportunities and well-organized trip. It’s perfect for those wanting a focused wildlife experience with a manageable time commitment.

Bottom Line:
Best suited for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a guided day trip with ample chances to see marine animals.

10. Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop

Rating: 5.0/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $164.45 per person
Duration: About 8 hours
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This tour offers a full day of combined activities—paddling from Marahau to Anchorage, then walking part of the Pitt Head Nature Loop. It’s ideal for those wanting expert guidance on the water and the freedom to explore alone on land. The trip includes a water taxi, making it flexible and adaptable to tides.

Bottom Line:
Great for active travelers ready for a balanced mix of guided kayaking and unguided hiking.

11. 3 Day Unguided Kayaking

Rating: 5/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $225.89 per person
Duration: 3 days
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This self-guided 3-day kayak rental lets you explore Abel Tasman at your own tempo. It includes a park camping pass, and you’re responsible for your own gear and planning. Paddling along the coast, you can stop for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. The reviews note that it’s perfect for adventurers comfortable with sea kayaking and wanting full independence.

Bottom Line:
Best for experienced paddlers seeking complete flexibility and a self-directed wilderness adventure.

12. 2 Day Freedom Kayak

Rating: 5/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $128.46 per person
Duration: 2 days
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

With this two-day rental, you can explore the Abel Tasman coastline at your own pace, camping overnight if you wish. The package includes all necessary gear and a briefing. It’s perfect for adventurers who want to craft their own itinerary and enjoy the scenery without guided constraints.

Bottom Line:
Excellent for flexible explorers with some paddling experience looking to set their own schedule.

13. 3 Day Kayak & Walk North

Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $197.96 per person
Duration: 3 days
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This trip combines kayaking from Marahau to Onetahuti with a walk from Onetahuti to Totaranui, offering a comprehensive look at Abel Tasman’s stunning coastline. It allows for active days on both water and land, perfect for those who want a deep dive into the park’s natural beauty over several days.

Bottom Line:
Ideal for active, outdoor-focused travelers seeking a multi-day, combined kayaking and hiking adventure.

14. The Two Gods – Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk

Rating: 5/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $220.30 per person
Duration: Around 1 day
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

This experience blends guided kayaking in the middle section of the park with unguided walking. You choose your start and end points based on tide times, ensuring the best possible experience of Tangaroa and Tane Mahuta—sea and forest gods. It’s perfect for travelers eager to customize their day and explore at their own pace, with professional guides providing insights along the way.

Bottom Line:
Great for adventurers who appreciate flexibility and want to experience the park’s diverse landscape.

15. Full-Day Freedom Kayak Rental

Rating: 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Price: $77.57 per person
Duration: Approx. 1 day
Location: Marahau, New Zealand

Last on our list, this unguided full-day rental offers freedom to explore the 12 beaches of the Astrolabe area. It’s perfect for independent paddlers who want to craft their own experience with a safety briefing included. Reviews highlight how much people enjoy discovering secluded beaches and enjoying the coastline at their leisure.

Bottom Line:
A budget-conscious, flexible option for confident paddlers wanting to design their own day.

How to Choose the Right Canoe & Kayak Experience in Marahau

When selecting your ideal tour, consider your fitness level, experience with paddling, and whether you prefer guided or independent adventures. For example, if you’re new to kayaking, the Kayak & Walk offers excellent value with a guided experience. Conversely, seasoned paddlers might enjoy the self-guided full-day rentals.

Budget also plays a role: guided trips range from around $135 to over $220, while rentals start at under $80. Think about your interests—wildlife, scenic views, or multi-day escapes—and choose accordingly. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular multi-day tours or guided trips during peak season.

In summary, Marahau offers a wide array of canoe and kayak experiences suitable for all levels—from peaceful self-guided paddles to immersive multi-day adventures. For those seeking a guided, wildlife-rich day, the Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour is a standout. If independence is your style, the full-day rentals let you craft your own journey along some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastlines. No matter what you choose, early planning ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences.