A leisurely paced trip offering all of Abel Tasman's best adventure experiences in one day. Kayak to Split Apple Rock, then take a cruise from Kaiteriteri to the long golden sands of Anchorage Beach. Walk or relax on the beach. Watch the antics of seals at Adele Island on your return cruise.
The hot deal price is available on limited departures. If the hot deal price is not showing on the booking table, then the deal is not available on that date.
Our best kayak/walk combo: Split Apple kayak, Anchorage Beach, plus seal viewing from Vista Cruise. Minimum age 10 years.
9am Check in at our Kaiteriteri ticket booth to meet your friendly, expert guide. On the golden beach sands of Kaiteriteri Beach, settle into your stable double kayak with full instructions and safety brief from your guide.
Then, it's onto the water to explore and have fun, confident you can enjoy a safe paddling experience. Kayak to Split Apple Rock. Your guide knows all the best, secret spots taking into account the tides, weather and your interests and abilities. Watch out for our resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast.
Up to 2 hrs kayaking. If there is time, include a short break on a sheltered beach.
12 noon Return to Kaiteriteri. Farewell your guide and swap kayak gear for walking shoes. If required, there is time to buy takeaway lunch from the Kaiteriteri store before you board your boat
1pm Depart Kaiteriteri to cruise the protected waters of the Astrolabe Roadstead past idyllic beaches fringed by lush native forest to the golden expanse of Anchorage Bay (30â45 min).
You choose how to spend your time: swim, sunbathe, take a leisurely stroll along the beach or explore the sunny Manuka groves leading to the idyllic cove of Te Pukatea Bay and return (45 min walking time). For those that would like a longer walk, thereâs the option to walk to Te Pukatea via the Pitt Head Loop track, with stunning views across Tasman Bay (1 hr 30 min return).
There are excellent Department of Conservation facilities at Anchorage Beach, including drinking water, shady picnic tables, shelter and modern toilets.
3.35 or *5.20pm Boat pick up at Anchorage Beach. On your return journey, the boat cruises past Adele Island to view its resident seals.
4.15or *6.00pm Return to Kaiteriteri.
*Later pickup available 20 December to 31 March
The Abel Tasman region enjoys glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes.
Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary.
Footwear for kayaking is optional. Light shoes or water socks are best. Your feet will get wet.
Always bring shoes and socks for walking, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be necessary.
We provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. On cooler days, we provide booties (bring socks for lining) and gloves for added comfort.
Not recommended: cotton clothing, especially denim. It is very heavy and cold when wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best e.g. polypropylene, polarfleece, wool.
The Abel Tasman is renowned for its protected coastline but it's impossible to guarantee conditions in the marine environment. When sea and weather are calm, sea kayaking is easy and very little skill or strength is required.
Double kayaks are used for stability, enjoyment and the advantage of having two people sharing the paddling effort.
You need to be prepared for variable conditions in the outdoors. Sometimes, you might have to paddle against the wind to the nearest beach. Our qualified Guides are trained to reduce the chance of this, and assist if needed.
Guides provide full training and, if their instructions are followed, kayaking is safe and fun. Our boat crew provides full back-up so if kayaking becomes too difficult through the day you can leave your kayak at a beach and walk or take the boat.
If you're worried about the weather for your day trip, please click through to Kayak Day Trip Cancellation Conditions.
For a multiday trip with us, kayaking each day is optional and you're welcome to join the walking group or catch a boat if you're not enjoying the kayaking. For a gentle introduction to kayaking, our 5-Day Walk can include a taste of kayaking in the sheltered lagoons close to our lodges (no special booking or extra charge required).
Join our Beaches, Bays & Seals guided sea kayak day trip to sea seals from your kayak.
Half-day kayak trips (Split Apple Paddle and Kaiteriteri Highlights) kayak the sheltered beaches around Kaiteriteri. There are no seal colonies in this part of the park. Add a cruise & walk to your kayak trip to see seals from the boat at Adele Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
Split Apple Kayak Seals & Walk also cruises past the seal colony in Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
Of course! All of our kayak trips use stable double kayaks, with the guide in a single kayak. If you are on your own, your guide will pair you with another single traveller, or your guide will share a double kayak with you.
We provide buoyancy vests so swimming ability is not essential.
If you follow your guide's instructions, it is highly unlikely that you will fall out of your kayak. If this does happen, your buoyancy vest will keep you afloat and your guide will safely rescue you.
