The Two Gods – Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk – New Zealand

If you’ve ever dreamed of paddling alongside seals, exploring hidden coves, and walking through lush forests in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks, the Two Gods tour might just be your ideal adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of an experience that combines natural beauty with well-organized logistics—at a fair price point.

What we love about this tour? First, it’s a flexible experience that adapts to tide times, ensuring you see the best parts of the park. Second, the guides, like Jordan, are praised for their knowledge and professionalism—adding a personal touch to the trip. Third, the mix of kayaking and walking means you get a full day of activity balanced with moments of tranquil reflection in some of New Zealand’s most scenic spots.

One consideration is the lack of included transportation from Nelson or Motueka, which means you’ll need to arrange your own transfer. But if you’re keen on exploring the park on your terms, this setup allows for more control over your schedule.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and a touch of local lore. It’s especially ideal for those looking for a full-day experience that blends active pursuits with opportunities for relaxing and appreciating nature.

Key Points

• Customizable itineraries ensure you see the park’s best features based on tide times.
• Knowledgeable guides like Jordan make the experience informative and fun.
• Stunning coastal and marine views from kayaking and walking routes.
• Authentic local lunch with fresh, regional ingredients.
• Flexible start points let you choose from Awaroa or Onetahuti routes.
• No included transport from Nelson/Motueka; plan accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Two Gods Tour

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Two Gods experience offers a thoughtfully curated day in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests. Unlike purely guided trips, this combo allows for a mix of guided and unguided exploration, giving you an authentic feel of the park’s natural wonders.

What truly sets this experience apart is its ability to adapt to the park’s tidal schedule. This means the kayak start and finish points are adjusted to maximize your time on the water and ensure you see the park’s most breathtaking spots. Whether you start at Awaroa and finish at Bark Bay or vice versa, you’re guaranteed a route that highlights the marine reserve and coastal highlights, like Tonga Quarry or Tonga Arches.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Start at Awaroa / Finish at Bark Bay:
Launching from Awaroa, you’ll paddle out to Shag Harbour, a hidden inlet that’s a favorite among those in the know. This secluded spot offers a peaceful respite and a chance to marvel at the untouched beauty of the coastline. From there, the route takes you south along the marine reserve, with ample opportunities to spot seals and other marine life, a highlight praised by reviewers. “We loved the way our guide Jordan knew all the local points of interest,” mentions one recent visitor, emphasizing the importance of a knowledgeable guide even in unguided sections.

After paddling, you’ll arrive at Onetahuti for lunch—an ideal spot to refuel amid stunning views. The afternoon involves exploring the coastline on foot between Onetahuti and Bark Bay, passing highlights like Tonga Quarry and Bark Bay Estuary. The walk offers a change of pace, with lush forest scenery and chances to see local birdlife like Kaka parrots, which are often seen in the area.

Start at Onetahuti / Finish at Anchorage:
This route begins with paddling past Tonga Island, a famous spot for seal sightings. Reviewers describe seals “frolicking on Tonga Island,” which adds a playful element to the tour. You’ll also pass Tonga Arches and serene lagoons, each offering perfect photo moments. After lunch at Bark Bay, the walk continues along the coast, with sights like the Falls River suspension bridge and Torrent Bay lagoon. These highlights offer a varied landscape—water, forest, and rugged coastline in one day.

What to Expect During the Trip

Kayaking:
Expect a well-paced paddle, tailored to the tides. The guides, like Jordan, are praised for their professionalism and local knowledge, enhancing the experience. You’ll paddle in calm waters, ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers. The routes are designed to give you access to the most scenic parts of the marine reserve, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including seals and Kaka parrots.

Walking:
The walking sections are relatively easy, suitable for most fitness levels, and focus on scenic coastal tracks. The trail between Onetahuti and Bark Bay offers views of the estuary and forest, with some reviewers mentioning it’s a highlight of the day. The optional unguided component means you can take your time and appreciate the natural surroundings without feeling rushed.

Lunch:
A freshly baked roll filled with local produce, complemented by fruit, a sweet snack, and a choice of fresh plunger coffee or local juice, provides a satisfying break. Reviewers have appreciated the regional focus of the meal, which adds to the authentic feel of the trip.

Guides and Safety

While the tour is partly unguided, the presence of guides like Jordan ensures safety and expert insights. Reviewers point out that guides are well-versed in local lore and know the park well, making the trip educational as well as fun. The trip also includes safety gear and briefings to ensure everyone can participate comfortably and securely, contributing to the overall positive experience.

Practical Aspects: Price, Duration, and Accessibility

At $195.94 per person, the tour offers solid value, considering the inclusion of lunch, safety equipment, and the expertise of guides. The entire experience lasts around a day, with start times at 8:15 am, fitting well into most travel schedules.

Participants should note that transport from Nelson or Motueka is not included, so planning your transfer is essential. The tour accommodates most travelers, with age and fitness not being significant barriers, provided you’re comfortable with water-based activities and walking.

Authentic Reviewer Insights

One reviewer highlighted the trip as “an awesome kayak adventure” with a small group that made the experience more intimate and engaging. Another described it as “a dream day,” appreciating the mix of kayaking and hiking with only a backpack and hiking boots—indicating how flexible and straightforward the day can be.

These firsthand accounts reinforce that the tour offers an accessible, memorable immersion into Abel Tasman’s natural beauty, guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy active days combined with scenic relaxation. It’s great for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to explore Abel Tasman with some flexibility, guided by experts. If you appreciate wildlife encounters, stunning coastal vistas, and a well-organized itinerary, the Two Gods trip will meet your expectations.

However, those who prefer fully guided tours with vehicles included might find the lack of transport arrangements a bit inconvenient. Still, if you’re comfortable planning your transfer and want a flexible, immersive day, this trip offers excellent value.

FAQ

Is transportation from Nelson or Motueka included?
No, the tour does not include return transport from Nelson or Motueka. You’ll need to book your own transfer separately.

What is the start time of the tour?
The tour begins at 8:15 am, which is ideal for making the most of daylight hours in the park.

Are dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, the included lunch features a freshly baked roll with local produce, and dietary needs can be accommodated.

Can I participate if I am not an experienced kayaker?
Yes, the trip is suitable for most travelers, including beginners, as the routes are designed for calm waters and safety equipment is provided.

Are guides involved throughout the trip?
Guides like Jordan assist at certain points, providing insight, safety, and local knowledge, especially during the guided sections or when required.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group setting makes it family-friendly, provided children are comfortable with water activities and walking.

Final Thoughts

The Two Gods tour offers a balanced blend of kayaking and walking through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal parks. Its flexible routes, knowledgeable guides, and scenic highlights make it a compelling choice for those seeking an active day immersed in nature. The attention to detail—like tide-timed routes and regional lunches—adds value and authenticity, creating a memorable experience that captures the essence of Abel Tasman.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic adventure that showcases the park’s best features without feeling rushed, this trip is a strong contender. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of guided insights and free exploration, all set against stunning natural backdrops. With its positive reviews and balanced approach, the Two Gods tour stands out as a top choice for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of New Zealand’s coast.