Remote Marine Reserve

Highlights

We have tailored our start and finish points around the tide timetable, it means on any given departure we offer the best part of the park to explore the marine reserve to the fullest. Start Awaroa/Finish Bark Bay Starting at Awaroa, courtesy of our water taxi transfer, we visit Shag Harbour*, a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman.We then paddle south, focusing on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its playful inhabitants - the NZ fur seal.After a picnic lunch on one of the beautiful beaches we'll visit Tonga Arches, exploring south along the carved granite coastline through to the tranquil lagoons and golden sand to Bark Bay. Start Onetahuti/Finish Anchorage Paddle from Onetahuti out to Tonga Island where you'll have your first encounters with New Zealand fur Seals.Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands, tranquil lagoons and everything that's special about the heart of the Abel Tasman.Finish at Anchorage and return by water taxi. On this trip covering the Tonga Island Marine Reserve coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 8 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman.*Start & finish tide dependent

Summary

We have tailored our start and finish points around the tide timetable, it means on any given departure we offer the best part of the park to explore the marine reserve to the fullest. Start Awaroa/Finish Bark Bay Starting at Awaroa, courtesy of our water taxi transfer, we visit Shag Harbour*, a hidden inlet like nowhere else in the Abel Tasman.We then paddle south, focusing on the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and its playful inhabitants - the NZ fur seal.After a picnic lunch on one of the beautiful beaches we'll visit Tonga Arches, exploring south along the carved granite coastline through to the tranquil lagoons and golden sand to Bark Bay. Start Onetahuti/Finish Anchorage Paddle from Onetahuti out to Tonga Island where you'll have your first encounters with New Zealand fur Seals.Paddle south with the breeze, exploring sculptured granite headlands, tranquil lagoons and everything that's special about the heart of the Abel Tasman.Finish at Anchorage and return by water taxi. On this trip covering the Tonga Island Marine Reserve coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 8 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman.*Start & finish tide dependent

Tour info

Duration

24 hours

Why take this tour?

The park's rocky coastline is a haven for a myriad of marine life and is always a fascinating place to explore. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one of only three operators authorised to undertake marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks at Tonga.

What’s included?

Dietary requirements catered for.

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 24h
Mobile tickets accepted

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Abel Tasman Kayaks

About operator:

Abel Tasman Kayaks was established in 1986, realising a vision to bring visitors into the glorious Abel Tasman National Park. Sea kayaking is such a unique, low impact way to explore the beautiful golden beaches, peaceful coves and lagoons, offshore islands, wildlife and the native forest fringing our granite coastline! This innovation became an instant hit with visitors to the area, and saw the growth and development of Abel Tasman Kayaks into one of the leading kayak operations in the world. We have continued to lead the way with a strong commitment to high safety standards and experienced guides with incredible passion and extensive local knowledge of the park. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of guided, day and multi-day tours. We are here to bring this magic place to life for you....