Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PADDLING THE ABEL TASMAN
The Abel Tasman Coast Track has long been trampers' territory, but its beauty makes it seductive spot for sea
kayaking, which can be combined with walking and camping.
A variety of professional outfits are able to float you out on the water, and the possibilities and permutations
for guided or freedom trips are vast. You can kayak from half a day to three days, camping, or staying in DOC
huts, bachs, even a floating backpackers, either fully catered for or self-catering. You can kayak one day, camp
overnight then walk back, or walk further into the park and catch a water taxi back.
Most operators offer similar trips at similar prices. Marahau is the main base, but trips also depart from Kaiter-
iteri. A popular choice if time is tight is to spend a few hours kayaking in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, fol-
lowed by a walk from Tonga Quarry to Medlands Beach. This will cost around $195 including water taxis. Three-
day trips usually drop you at the northern end of the park, then you paddle back (or vice versa); they cost from
around $620 including food. One-day guided trips are around $200.
Freedom rentals (double-kayak and equipment hire) are around $70/110 per person for one/two days; all depart
from Marahau with the exception of Golden Bay Kayaks (
Click here
), which is based at Tata Beach in Golden
Bay.
Instruction is given to everyone, and most tour companies have a minimum age of either eight or 14 depending
on the trip. None allow solo hires. Camping gear is usually provided on overnight trips; if you're disappearing in-
to the park for a few days, most operators provide free car parking.
November to Easter is the busiest time, with December to February the absolute peak. You can, however,
paddle all year round, with winter offering its own rewards. The weather is surprisingly amenable, the seals are
more playful, there's more bird life and less haze.
Following are the main players in this competitive market (shop around):
Abel Tasman Kayaks
(
03-527 8022, 0800 732 529;
www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz
;
Main Rd, Marahau)
Kahu Kayaks
(
03-527 8300, 0800 300 101;
www.kahukayaks.co.nz
; cnr Marahau Valley Rd)
Kaiteriteri Kayaks
(
03-527 8383, 0800 252 925;
www.seakayak.co.nz
; Kaiteriteri Beach)
Marahau Sea Kayaks
(
03-527 8176, 0800 529 257;
www.msk.co.nz
;
Abel Tasman Centre, Franklin St,
Marahau)
Sea Kayak Company
(
03-528 7251, 0508 252 925;
www.seakayaknz.co.nz
; 506 High St, Motueka)
Wilsons Abel Tasman
03-528 2027, 0800 223 582;
www.abeltasman.co.nz
; 25 High
MAP
St, Motueka)
Tours
Tour companies usually offer free Motueka pick-up/drop-off, with Nelson pick-up avail-
able at extra cost.
Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures
( 03-527 8375, 0800 467 245;
www.sailingadventures.co.nz
;
Kaiteriteri; day trip $179)
Scheduled and on-de-
mand catamaran trips, with sail/walk/kayak combos available. The popular day trip in-
cludes lunch on Anchorage Beach.
SAILING
