Able Tasman Kayak & Walk Day Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Kayak to Adele Island & Coastal Walk in Abel Tasman

Get ready to paddle out from Marahau with a local guide, spot playful NZ fur seals by Adele Island, and wander golden beaches on foot through Abel Tasman National Park. This day trip blends kayaking adventure with an easygoing coastal walk — plus plenty of time for birdsong and quiet views you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You hear that?” our guide, Hana, whispered as we drifted near Adele Island — honestly, I hadn’t noticed the birds at first because I was still catching my breath from paddling. But then it hit me: this wild chorus, layered over the slap of water on the kayak. The air smelled like salt and something green, almost sharp. We’d launched early from Marahau, a bit bleary-eyed but grinning, and now here we were floating just offshore while a bunch of kekeno (NZ fur seals) flopped around on the rocks. One slid into the water and disappeared under our kayaks — I swear my heart skipped.

The sun kept shifting behind thin clouds as we landed on the beach for the walking part. My arms felt like noodles (kayaking is no joke), but Hana promised the coastal walk would be worth it. She was right — there’s this bit where you come up through manuka scrub and suddenly you’re looking down at gold sand curving away below, with nothing but bush and sea between you and forever. I tried to say “Adele” in Māori — “Motuareronui” — but probably butchered it; Hana just laughed and corrected me gently. There’s something about walking here that makes you feel small in a good way.

I didn’t expect to care so much about birdsong or how soft the sand would feel after hours in a kayak seat. We stopped at a lookout where the wind carried this mix of salt and warm earth, and for a second nobody said anything at all. I still think about that silence sometimes — how rare it is to just listen without rushing off somewhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore National Park by Water and Land

• View National Park highlights by water and land

Top questions

How long does the Abel Tasman kayak & walk tour take?

The full experience usually takes about 6–7 hours including both kayaking and walking sections.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided, so bring your own snacks or meal for the break along the way.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No previous kayaking experience is needed; your local guide will give instructions before setting out.

Are there public transport options to Marahau?

Yes, public buses run from Motueka to Marahau most days during high season.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

It’s best for people with moderate fitness; younger kids might find it tiring due to paddling distance.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories along the way, plus plenty of time exploring both water and land in Abel Tasman National Park before returning to Marahau in the afternoon.