Abel Tasman Kayaks: 3 Day Kayak and Walk North

Taking a three-day adventure through the Abel Tasman National Park sounds like a dream for outdoor enthusiasts—whether you’re into paddling, hiking, or simply soaking up breathtaking scenery. While I haven’t personally done this trip, I’ve reviewed the details and feedback to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this guided experience offered by Abel Tasman Kayaks.

What immediately caught our attention are the flexibility of exploration, the chance to see stunning coastal views, and the convenience of water taxi transfers and full gear provided. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the need for participants to be 14+ years old and the requirement of a minimum of two people to run the trip—important if you’re traveling solo or with younger kids.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of paddling and walking, crave a sense of independence, and want to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty at their own pace. If you’re looking for an active, scenic, and well-organized tour that balances adventure with comfort, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: After a safety briefing, you’re free to explore at your own pace.
• All equipment included: Double kayaks, safety gear, waterproof maps, and wetsuits in winter.
• Stunning scenery: Experience the best of Abel Tasman’s coastline and forest.
• Water taxi transfers: Effortless travel between starting points and endpoints.
• Comfort at base: Hot showers and WiFi available for relaxing after your adventures.
• Age and group size: Suitable for ages 14+ with a minimum of two participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: Paddling and Walking in Perfect Harmony

This three-day tour from Marahau to Totaranui offers a balanced taste of kayaking, walking, and cruising. The journey begins with a comprehensive safety and orientation briefing, which ensures that even those new to kayaking feel confident. You’re then handed a double kayak equipped with buoyancy vests, spray skirts, paddle jackets, and waterproof maps—meaning you’re ready to explore without needing to rent or buy gear.

On Day 1, you’ll paddle from Marahau, a small coastal village renowned as the gateway to Abel Tasman. The route typically heads north along the coast, with your goal being the water’s edge at Onetahuti. The paddle offers a perfect blend of gentle waves and scenic views, with plenty of chances to stop and admire the marine reserve’s abundant wildlife and lush coastline. Reviewers have highlighted the stunning views, with one mentioning, “We loved the way the coastline unfolded before us, shifting from rocky outcrops to quiet beaches.”

Day 2 continues with more paddling, allowing you to explore different sections of the coast, with the option to walk to the northern water taxi pickup point at Totaranui. This part of the trip offers great flexibility—some travelers prefer to spend longer paddling, while others might choose to relax and take in the scenery. The water taxi ride back from Totaranui is a highlight, providing a different perspective of the coast and giving you some relief after two days on the water.

The Walking and Natural Beauty of Day 3

The final day is dedicated to exploring the lush coastal forests and natural beauty of the region. After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll have the chance to walk along well-maintained trails that wind through New Zealand’s famous greenery. The reviews mention that the walks are beautifully scenic, with some noting that the interpretation provided during the safety briefing helps to appreciate the environment even more.

This part of the tour is perfect for those who love gentle hikes and want to see more than just the coastline from a kayak. The walk serves as a peaceful way to reflect on the trip and soak up the tranquility of Abel Tasman’s forests and beaches before heading back by water taxi.

The Return: Water Taxi and Base Comforts

The water taxi from Totaranui back to Marahau is an effortless way to conclude your adventure. The ride offers panoramic views and a chance to spot sea life, making the return just as memorable as the journey out. Once back at the base, you’re welcomed with hot showers and WiFi, offering a comfortable finish to a busy few days.

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Equipment and Amenities: What’s Included and What’s Not

A big plus is the comprehensive gear provided: double kayaks, buoyancy vests, spray skirts, paddle jackets, paddles, emergency flares, waterproof maps, and even water pumps and spares. In winter, wetsuits and booties are supplied, making the experience accessible year-round. Reviewers consistently praised the quality of equipment, noting it allowed them to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about gear.

The base offers hot showers, WiFi, equipment storage, and client transporters—adding a layer of convenience and comfort. However, it’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the start point.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers aged 14 and above who want a flexible, self-guided experience in Abel Tasman. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with basic kayaking skills and enjoy a mix of paddling and walking. The small group size (limited to 10) means you’ll get personalized attention, but the independence of exploring on your own makes it especially attractive to those seeking a sense of adventure with some structure.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $197 per person, this three-day experience packs in a lot of value. You’re paying for all the necessary gear, safety guidance, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The inclusion of water taxis, equipment, and facilities means fewer extra costs, making it a convenient option for those wanting to avoid the hassle of planning every detail.

Compared to other guided tours that might be more scheduled or rigid, this approach offers freedom, personalization, and the chance to connect with nature. The reviews mention that the scenery is second to none, and the chance to paddle along different coastline sections without retracing your steps adds to the sense of discovery.

Considerations for Planning

• Weather conditions can influence the day-to-day experience, so it’s wise to be prepared for wind or rain.
• The minimum age of 14 and group size limit mean it’s less suitable for families with young children or solo travelers looking for larger groups.
• You’ll need to bring personal items like warm clothing, hats, swimwear, snacks, and sunscreen—though the base provides a good starting point.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day kayak and walk adventure in Abel Tasman offers a wonderful blend of active exploration and relaxation, all surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery. It’s ideal for those who want independence during their adventure, coupled with the reassurance of safety and quality gear.

You’ll love the stunning coastal views, the opportunity to explore at your own pace, and the comfort of having facilities available after your paddling and walking. While it’s not suited for children under 14 or solo travelers without a companion, it remains a fantastic choice for active groups, couples, or friends seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

The flexibility to explore different sections of the coast, the quality gear, and the scenic water taxi rides make this tour a memorable way to see Abel Tasman’s natural beauty. If you’re after an adventure that balances independence with guided safety, this is well worth considering.

FAQ

How many days is this tour?
It’s a three-day experience, with most trips starting in the morning and returning by the end of the third day.

Is this a guided or self-guided tour?
After a safety briefing and orientation, you’re free to explore the area on your own, making it a self-guided experience with support.

What equipment do I need to bring?
You should bring warm clothing, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, food and drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication, and a reusable water bottle.

Are wetsuits included in winter?
Yes, wetsuits and wetsuit booties are provided during the colder months.

Can I do this trip if I’m not an experienced kayaker?
The trip is suitable for beginners, especially since safety and paddling techniques are covered during the briefing. The focus is on enjoyment, not advanced paddling skills.

What facilities are available at the base?
Hot showers, WiFi, equipment storage, and client transporters are available, providing comfort after your days on the water.

Is transportation to the start point included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Marahau.

Can children participate?
Not under 14 years old; this trip is designed for older teens and adults.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The ability to explore different sections of Abel Tasman’s coastline at your own pace, combined with scenic water taxi rides and the natural beauty of the forests and beaches.

This multi-day kayak and walk adventure in Abel Tasman promises a fantastic blend of freedom, scenery, and active fun—perfect for nature lovers and those craving an authentic outdoor experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: