Kayaking Adventures with Independent Guides at Abel Tasman
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.
Overview
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.
Five Day Hire
For ages 14+ • Go further into the depths of the Abel Tasman • Get the fifth day free!
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About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking Abel Tasman National Park like never before! Join a guided kayaking adventure where you'll receive expert training and all necessary gear. Choose between a full day on the water or a one-way hire, allowing for a unique blend of kayaking and scenic walking. Unforgettable memories await!
#Come get amongst it and explore the Abel Tasman in the best way!
##About Meet at Old MacDonalds Farm office for bookings and payments open at 8:00am every day. Payments and camp bookings to be done prior to the briefing starting at 9:00am.
Multi day people start packing 8:30am.
At 9:00am you will be brought round to the base (50m from the office) where you will be introduced to your kayak and how to pack it and put on all warm neoprene tops/booties that are supplied.
For the next half hour you will be taken through an intensive training session that we call a briefing. After filling in a form its off to the beach for launch with 10-15 minutes more complimentary training/testing before setting off on your day or days journey. The day will finish at 4:30pm with a pick up at the beach.
You may choose a one way hire, from Marahau into the Abel Tasman National Park then walking back. This this incurs an additional cost of $44 for a single kayak and $50 for a double kayak.
##More info Independent Guides prides itself on providing the most equipment of any Abel Tasman sea kayak company while also costing the least.
1.Gloves 2.Paddle Shirt 3.Paddle Vest (Woman) 4.Paddle Vest (Man) 5.Booties 6.Double Kayak 7.Buoyancy Aids 8.Spray Skirts 9.Bilge Pumps 10.Emergency Flare 11.Split Paddles 12.10 Litre Camera Bag 13.30 Litre Gear Bag 14.Paddles x2 15.Paddle Tops 16.Map
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fur seals
- native kereru pigeon
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nelson
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Neoprene booties
Protects feet from cold water and rocky shorelines during wet landings.
fall specific
Paddle jacket or shirt
Lightweight sun-protective clothing designed to wick moisture and block UV rays.
summer specific
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 specific