Navigate Abel Tasman National Park’s pristine coastlines with Independent Guides’ Five Day Hire, a flexible sea kayaking adventure combining expert training and fully supplied gear. Choose to kayak full days or mix paddling with scenic hikes for a unique coastal journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
full days up to 5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have good upper body strength and stamina to paddle multiple hours daily, with basic hiking fitness for onshore segments.
Wildlife
History
Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942 and protects 225 square kilometers of coastal forest and marine environments.
Conservation
Independent Guides promotes Leave No Trace ethics, ensuring minimal impact and helping preserve this unique marine and forest ecosystem.
Independent Guides
Navigate Abel Tasman National Park’s pristine coastlines with Independent Guides’ Five Day Hire, a flexible sea kayaking adventure combining expert training and fully supplied gear. Choose to kayak full days or mix paddling with scenic hikes for a unique coastal journey.
Independent Guides is a Mārahau-based kayak hire and guiding business operating in and around Abel Tasman National Park. They offer a range of flexible kayak hire options — Single day hire, Two Day Hire, Three Day Hire, Four Day Hire and Five Day Hire — each delivered with expert training and all necessary gear provided.
Every experience includes a comprehensive briefing and hands-on training so participants are prepared for tidal conditions, coastal navigation and safe paddling. Trip formats include full-day paddles and one-way kayak hire options that pair paddling with walking sections; some customers choose to paddle one way into the national park and walk back. Independent Guides supplies kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids and dry bags so visitors can focus on the scenery and the route.
Independent Guides operates from Mārahau, providing convenient access to common launch points and coastal routes in Abel Tasman. The company emphasizes safety, local knowledge and clear communication when planning itineraries to match weather and group ability. Independent Guides serves day visitors and multi-day groups seeking reliable, well-equipped kayaking experiences in Abel Tasman National Park, making coastal paddling accessible and memorable for a wide range of visitors.
Location
Mārahau, Tasman
Launch point for Abel Tasman trips
Tours Offered
5 Trip Options
Single- to five-day kayak hires
Training Included
Briefing & Instruction
Hands-on training before each launch
Gear Provided
All Necessary Equipment
Kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids
Select single- to five-day options — training and all necessary gear included for Abel Tasman adventures.
Master the kayak basics
Attend the mandatory morning briefing to learn critical paddling techniques and gear usage before hitting the water.
Plan for weather shifts
Coastal weather can change quickly; dress in layers and be prepared for wind and rain even on clear mornings.
Secure your gear
Use provided dry bags and gear systems to keep valuables and equipment safe from water exposure during your kayak journey.
Respect tidal and paddling limits
Understand tide timetables and avoid paddling in more challenging open ocean conditions if unsure, to maintain safety.
Neoprene booties
Protects feet from cold water and rocky shorelines during wet landings.
fall
Paddle jacket or shirt
Lightweight sun-protective clothing designed to wick moisture and block UV rays.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps valuables and spare clothing dry in kayak compartments.
Insulative layers
Thermal layers help maintain body warmth during chilly paddling conditions.
winter