Top picks · MARAHAU KAYAKING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who paddles: 4 marahau kayaking tours worth the money, each with its price, its time afloat and the one thing to know before you commit.
Start from Marahau with a three-hour walk to Observation Beach, enjoy lunch by the sea, then kayak back along Abel Tasman’s coast with a guide. Sam and Emily are among the named guides. The route may run in reverse, and sailing is possible when conditions allow.
“Great day on the water and a great walk back through forest. Seattle Sam was a great guide and took care of everyone.”
Set out from Marahau with an English-speaking guide such as Ed, Mitchell, or Zoey, paddling a double kayak toward Observation Beach. Watch for seals near Adele Island, eat lunch, then walk the southern Abel Tasman Coastal Track back toward Marahau. The order may reverse.
“Zoey was a lovely guide. We had so much fun. The lunch was really good and tasty.”
Spend about eight hours kayaking from Marahau through Abel Tasman National Park and the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Your guide leads a group of no more than eight to fur seal colonies, scenic lagoons, and Anchorage Beach, then you return by water taxi. Guides such as Pandy and Quinn add useful local insight.
“Folks were great as we were delayed by an accident in the drive there. Gave us options, got us there for the second half of the trip and our guide was fun and knowledgeable”
Rent a kayak from R&R Kayaks in Marahau and spend up to seven hours paddling the Abel Tasman coast. You set the pace, visit golden-sand beaches, pass Split Apple Rock, look for seals, and return to the same meeting point. Kayaking experience and moderate fitness are recommended.
“We had a beautiful day of kayaking in this gorgeous part of the world. We'd recommend this experience to anyone who loves kayaking and discovering beautiful, secluded beaches.”
Pick a coast, a river or a dark bay.
