4 Canoes & Kayaks in Nelson Worth Booking

1.Kayak & Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · from $142Our pick

Start in Marahau with a guided kayak trip along Abel Tasman’s coast, stopping at islands and beaches before lunch at Observation Beach. You then follow the coastal track through forest and past streams. Guides such as Sam and Emily have helped make the water section friendly for beginners. Transport from Nelson or Motueka costs extra.

“Sam was an excellent guide for the kayaking portion of our experience. There are compartments on the kayaks to store your gear. They also include a dry bag for phones and keys. We were on the water about 3 hrs and took breaks along thRead more”

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2.Abel Tasman Kayaks: 1 Day Freedom Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 58 reviews · 1 day · from $74Best value

Start and finish in Marahau with a full day in a double kayak around Abel Tasman’s Astrolabe area. After a safety briefing, you paddle independently toward Adele and Fisherman Islands, stop at Watering Cove, enter coastal caves on a high tide, and choose your own return route. A map, safety gear, storage, and winter wetsuits are included.

“Super, selbst zu entscheiden, was man anschaut oder wo man wie lange bleibt!”

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3.Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $198

Set out from Marahau at 8:30 am with a guide and a group of no more than eight. Paddle through Abel Tasman National Park to Tonga Island Marine Reserve, where fur seals gather, then continue toward Anchorage Beach and return by water taxi. Guides such as Pandy and Quinn lead the full-day trip.

“Fantastic day out on the water exploring the national park. Our guide (Quinn) was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and made this whole day amazing. A must do whilst up here to explore incredible untouched lagoons and learn heaps about the flora and fauna”

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4.1 Day Sea Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $74

Set out from Marahau at 8:30 am with your kayak and required equipment, then paddle independently along the Astrolabe Roadstead toward Split Apple Rock, beaches, and offshore islands. You need at least two people to book, moderate fitness, and suitable weather. The route returns to Marahau after about seven hours.

“We had a beautiful day of kayaking in this gorgeous part of the world. We'd recommend this experience to anyone who loves kayaking and discovering beautiful, secluded beaches.”

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