Wilsons Abel Tasman - Walk, Cruise, Kayak, Stay in the Beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

Explore the most scenic kayaking territory in Abel Tasman National Park between Torrent Bay and Frenchman's Bay.

See seals and birds, explore forest-fringed bays and enjoy paddling along the shoreline of golden sand beaches, through the granite archways and channels that make up this unique coastline.

Meet your Guide at our Kaiteriteri ticket booth to join our 9.30 am Boat Cruise into the heart of Park at Torrent Bay.  If you are walking the track, book ahead to join this trip at Torrent Bay.  Click the Itinerary Tab above for full details.

Beaches, Bays & Seals trip includes the latest kayak gear:

• Stable double kayak
• Spray jacket
• Buoyancy aid
• Dry bags for spare clothing and camera gear but please note we cannot guarantee to keep sensitive electronic equipment dry
• Maximum 8 people per Guide

Pricing:
20 October 2012 to 18 April 2013: Adult $155 Child $105 (12-14 yrs)
Discount $10 if you are already in the Park and can join the trip at Torrent Bay
Please note: no kayaking on Christmas Day (December 25)

Considering exploring more of the park?... try our Kayak & Walking Breaks
Compare All One Day Sea Kayaking Options

If you're still not sure please contact our friendly reservations team who will be happy to talk you through all the options

How to get here

Click here for detailed driving directions and maps (opens in new window)

Other Sea Kayaking Day Trips Options

Your Guide introduces you to your kayak with full instructions and safety brief on the beach in front of our Torrent Bay Lodge.  You can choose to meet your guide at Torrent Bay or Kaiteriteri.

(Discount applies if you meet your Guide at Torrent Bay)

9.00 am Meet your Guide at Kaiteriteri.

9.30 am Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a scenic cruise passed the islands and golden coves of the Astrolabe Roadstead to Anchorage Beach.

10.15 am On the golden beach sands in front of our Torrent Bay Lodge, your friendly, expert Guide settles you into a stable double kayak with full instructions and safety brief.  Then it's on to the water to paddle amongst the wondrous headlands, coves and islands of the granite coast.

Your Guide will ensure you make the most of the day depending on the tides, weather conditions, and your interests and abilities. Watch out for resident Blue Penguins and other sea birds along the coast. Enjoy watching the antics at the seal colony on Pinnacle Island. Stop at a sheltered golden cove for a lunch break. On your return journey, in favourable winds, your Guide will hoist a sail to ride the breeze.

3.20 pm: Rejoin the Vista Cruise

4.10 pm: Return to Kaiteriteri for your connecting coach transfer or, if self driving, time for a drink or a meal at a local cafe.

High Season Option (20 October to 18 April)

At the end of your paddle, take an unguided walk  (aproximately 2 hours, 5 kms) around the picturesque Torrent Bay inlet to the long golden beach at Anchorage. The track is well marked and easy to follow so you don’t need a Guide to enjoy this walk.

5.15 pm: Our friendly boat hosts ensure you are picked up at Anchorage Beach

5.50 pm: Return to Kaiteriteri. Please note: this option is available only if you are self-driving, or staying at Kaiteriteri. There are no connecting coaches available at this time.

Departure Timetable:

Daily (9.15am). Available year round. Itinerary might vary slightly during the cooler months (19 April - 8 October). Please check details when booking.

What To Bring: Day Trip in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Lunch

Bring your own lunch or order a scrumptious picnic lunch from us the day before you travel. Please order lunch by 6pm on the night before your Wilsons day trip, or at the time of booking.

What to Wear

We enjoy glorious weather, summer and winter. Temperatures can be crisp in the mornings and cool in late afternoon with summer sea breezes. Bring a warm layer of wool or polar fleece and a light rain jacket to ensure your comfort. The Coastal Track is well formed and mostly shaded by native forest. The track comes down onto golden-sand beaches fringed by lush native forest and protected azure waters - ideal for swimming.

* Cotton clothing (especially denim) is not recommended. It is very heavy and cold if it gets wet, and takes a long time to dry. Thermal, quick-dry fabrics are best eg. Polypropylene, polar fleece, wool.

For kayaking, we provide a spray jacket and buoyancy vest that will keep you warm on most days when paddling. Bring a spare set of clothing and warm layer to be stored in the kayak so you can change into dry gear if necessary. Always bring some shoes you can walk in, in case weather causes you to land on a beach where some walking might be nesessary.

Sun Protection

Abel Tasman National Park enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. Our clear skies, with no pollution result in a very high risk of sunburn, even on a cloudy day. Bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

Footwear

We recommend cool, light, comfortable footwear. Not recommended: any shoes with no heel attachment, eg. jandals, flip flops, scuffs, slides etc. Click here for more information on suitable footwear, particularly for eastuary crossings (Note this is a PDF file).

For walking: Light, comfortable walking shoes are suitable to walk the track. If you have hiking boots, wear them if you prefer but they are not necessary. Depending on tides and conditions, you can usually keep your feet dry. On rare occasions, you might have to remove your shoes and roll up long trousers when you are embarking or disembarking from our boats. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear to allow for this. There will be time to rinse feet and put shoes back on when necessary.

For kayaking: Weather conditions might require pulling into a beach for shelter and some walking may be required. You might like to do some exploring on foot. Therefore, please bring some footwear, suitable for walking. Footwear in the kayak is optional. Many people find it more comfortable to wear some foot cover to prevent their heels rubbing against the kayak. Rubber water socks are ideal.

Light Day Pack

Please use a plastic liner inside the day pack to ensure your day requirements stay dry. (Kayakers only: the day pack will be stored in watertight holds in the kayaks. For important items, such as cameras and spare clothes, we will supply a special watertight "dry-bag".) Please Note: we cannot guarantee to keep camera or electronic equipment dry.

• Light, comfortable walking shoes
• Quick-dry, loose clothing (shorts or trousers that can be rolled up)
• Warm thermal layer
• Waterproof jacket with hood (disposable rain coat available to buy at our office
• Swim wear and towel (optional)
• Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (available to buy at our office)
• Sunglasses
• Drinking water
• Check that lunch has been ordered for you or bring your own lunch
• Camera (CHECK THE BATTERIES) and film (waterproof disposable cameras available to buy at our office)
• Cotton handkerchiefs. Please do not bring tissues or paper towels. They add to litter in the Park.
• Hand steriliser (not wipes)
• Kayakers will need a change of clothing including a warm sweater or polar fleece

Cell Phones

Coverage is intermittent south of Awaroa. There is no coverage north of Awaroa Bay.