Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park: Private boat charter

Emerald lagoons, granite cliffs and a 120-million-year-old split rock, all from one boat

A private boat charter through Abel Tasman National Park where you kayak in lagoons, hike sections of the coastal track, swim and snorkel from the boat, or simply watch the scenery unfold: your skipper tailors the day to your interests and fitness level. The park is accessible only by boat or on foot, and the charter includes a platter lunch with local produce, complimentary wine and beer, kayaks, snorkel gear, and all landing fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Abel Tasman National Park by boat

• View Split Apple Rock
• See NZ fur seal colony
• Hike Abel Tasman coastal track
• Kayak, swim, or snorkel
• Enjoy platter lunch with drinks
• Relax onboard and enjoy scenery

The experience

The boat picks you up and takes you into a park that sits between subtropical forest and emerald water, with no road access: only water and walking tracks reach it. Your skipper knows where the NZ fur seals haul out on the rocks and where the lagoons stay calm enough for kayaking. You choose the shape of the day: paddle into the tranquil water, hike a section of the Abel Tasman coast track (one of New Zealand's Great Walks), swim and snorkel from the boat, or stay aboard with a glass of wine and let the granite cliffs and golden beaches pass by. The skipper adjusts the itinerary based on what you want to do and what the conditions allow.

Split Apple Rock (a granite boulder cleaved nearly in half and estimated at 120 million years old) sits just offshore and makes for an unusual stop. The park's clear water, golden sand beaches and subtropical forests are the backdrop throughout the day. You'll see the fur seal colony at the marine reserve, respecting safe viewing distances while the wildlife moves through the bay.

Lunch is a platter of fresh local produce served onboard. Complimentary wine, beer, coffee and tea come with it. Kayaks, snorkel equipment, towels, sunscreen and insect repellent are all provided. The boat has a restroom onboard. Six hours total gives you time to move between activities without rushing, and the charter works for groups of friends and family or couples, with the skipper catering to varying fitness levels and ages.

What’s included

• Kayaks and snorkel equipment.
• platter-style lunch with fresh local produce.
• complimentary local wine, beer, coffee and tea.
• towels, sunscreen and insect repellent.
• landing and facility fees.
• restroom onboard.
• a live guide in English with local knowledge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

GroupPrivate

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 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Abel Tasman Charters - Day Tours

Is this one for you?Six hours leaves room for a full day of activities or a slower pace if you want to split time between paddling, hiking and relaxing onboard: the skipper adjusts the itinerary to what you choose, so you're not locked into a fixed schedule.

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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 is Split Apple Rock and where is it in Abel Tasman?

Split Apple Rock (Tokangawha) is a naturally occurring granite boulder that looks like a stone apple split cleanly in half, located just off the coast between Kaiteriteri and Marahau in Abel Tasman National Park. It's estimated to be around 120 million years old and is the second most photographed rock in the southern hemisphere: the boat passes close enough to see it clearly.

Can I kayak if I've never paddled before?

Yes. Kayaks are carried onboard and included in the charter, and your skipper can guide you into the tranquil lagoons where the water stays calm. The charter caters to all fitness levels and ages, so the skipper will match the paddling to your experience.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a platter of fresh local produce served onboard, with complimentary local wine and beer. Special diets can be accommodated: mention yours when you book.

How do I get to the boat, and is there parking?

The charter operates from Marahau in Abel Tasman National Park. Access is beach only, as there are no docks or wharves in the park. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.

What wildlife might I see?

The NZ fur seal colony at the marine reserve is a regular stop. You'll see them sunbathing on the rocks or swimming in the emerald green waters. The skipper ensures you view wildlife at safe distances throughout the day.