3-day kayaking in Marahau: Paddle Abel Tasman

Three days paddling from the northern beaches down to Marahau

A 3-day guided kayaking trip along the Abel Tasman coastline from Totaranui or Awaroa to Marahau, with a professional guide, full meals and beachside camping included. You paddle past seals, explore lagoons and islands, visit Maori Pa sites, and camp on beaches where the Milky Way is visible at night. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Dietary requirements are catered for.

The experience

The route runs the northern section of Abel Tasman National Park, a stretch most visitors never reach. You paddle from Totaranui or Awaroa in the north down to Marahau's golden shores, covering coastline that opens onto lagoons, islands and beaches where you'll camp each night. A professional guide travels with you for all three days, sharing knowledge of the park's natural history and Maori heritage. The pace lets you absorb the landscape rather than rush through it: paddling with seals, drifting through calm water, and stopping on numerous beaches to explore on foot.

Accommodation and all meals are included, so you arrive with a paddle and leave with the memory. The guide handles the logistics of camp setup and catering, which means you spend your energy on the water and the exploration. Nights are spent listening to waves and waking to bird song. The night sky in the park is clear enough to see the Milky Way. Dietary requirements are catered for, so you can plan around your own needs.

The trip is fully outfitted, meaning the kayak, safety equipment and camping gear travel with you. Return transport from Nelson or Motueka to the start point is not included and should be booked separately. The activity suits all fitness levels, though three days of paddling does require comfort in the water and a willingness to camp outdoors.

What’s included

• Professional guide for all three days.
• kayak and safety equipment.
• beachside camping accommodation.
• all meals with dietary requirements catered for.
• access to lagoons, islands and Maori Pa sites.
• training and instruction in paddling technique.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:15

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Abel Tasman Kayaks

Is this one for you?The three days of paddling and camping means you're on the water and in the park for the full duration, not rushing between stops: ideal if you want to absorb the coastline and the night sky rather than fit it into a single afternoon. Early starts and full days on the water suit paddlers who are comfortable spending hours in a kayak and sleeping outdoors.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the paddling like on a 3-day Abel Tasman kayak trip?

The route covers the northern coastline from Totaranui or Awaroa down to Marahau, mixing open water and sheltered bays. You paddle past seals, through lagoons and around islands, with stops on beaches to explore Maori Pa sites and local history. The pace is set by the guide and the group, not by a fixed schedule.

What do I need to bring for three days camping on the beach?

The operator provides the kayak, camping gear and all meals, so you pack personal items, sun protection, a warm layer for evenings, and any medications or dietary supplements you need. Accommodation is beachside camping, and the guide manages setup each night.

Can I do this trip if I've never kayaked before?

Yes. The trip suits all fitness levels and includes a professional guide who shares knowledge and manages the group. Minimum age is 12. The guide provides training and safety equipment, and you're responsible for following their directions and making safe choices on the water.

How does the guide handle dietary requirements over three days?

Dietary requirements are catered for throughout the trip, so let the operator know your needs when you book. All meals are included and prepared as part of the fully catered experience.

What time of year is best for this paddle?

The operator notes that summer calls for lasting memories and recommends booking for the summer season. The Abel Tasman is open year-round, but summer offers the most stable weather and the clearest night skies.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the start point?

Yes. Return transport from Nelson or Motueka to Totaranui or Awaroa is not included in the trip price and should be booked separately before your departure date.