Hey there! Welcome to my article on Abel Tasman National Park. I’m Oceane, a French traveler who used to work as a nurse. I’ve always had a passion for adventure, so after a few years in the medical field I decided it was time for a change. My boyfriend and I hit the road to explore the world! Freedom is super important to me, which is why I wanted a job that would let me work from anywhere. I switched my career to become a virtual assistant and SEO writer. Now, I can travel and work at the same time!
We chose New Zealand as our first destination because we wanted to improve our English and enjoy the diversity of landscapes. I really love mountains and the ocean, so it was the perfect place. Many people told me that visiting Abel Tasman National Park is a must-do, as its landscapes and beaches are stunning. We’re all about exploring off the beaten path, avoiding crowds and doing things differently. So the idea of a two-day kayaking trip around Abel Tasman sounded like the ideal plan for us.
Our 2-Day Kayaking Trip in Abel Tasman
Our experience paddling around Abel Tasman was incredible! We were able to explore about two thirds of the park, venturing into hidden lagoons and rivers. One of the highlights was visiting some small islands to see seals – it was such a memorable experience! All in all, our kayaking trip was a great adventure filled with beautiful scenery and memorable moments. Our campsite was one of the most amazing spots for me because we got to watch the sunset with our tent pitched right on the beach. The sunrise over the water was also breathtaking to see from our tent.
We visited the Abel Tasman Centre in Marahau in order to get help organizing our kayaking trip. They organized everything for us with MSK (Marahau Sea Kayaks). This included the arrangement of the water taxis and campsite bookings. We recommend doing the same if you’re interested in a kayaking trip as opposed to a regular hiking trip. We also suggest coming in January, as this is when we went and the weather for us was absolutely perfect! It was sunny and there was no wind to speak of.
Why You Should Go Kayaking in Abel Tasman
I would recommend kayaking in Abel Tasman without hesitation! It’s an experience where you find yourself alone in the sea with access to islands, beaches and lagoons that are unreachable by any other means. It’s a wild adventure where you can encounter animals like seals, birds and even dolphins! Kayaking allowed us to explore places that wouldn’t have been accessible by walking the trails, making it an unforgettable trip!
Difficulty Level of Kayaking in Abel Tasman
Kayaking in Abel Tasman wasn’t too difficult, although the second day for us was more challenging than the first. The mid-route camping spot was already booked, so we had to settle for a campsite close to the starting point – we had a long distance to cover on the second day. Additionally, the sea was quite rough on the second day and we had to paddle against the current. Normally the current flows in the same direction as the route from Onetahuti Beach to Marahau, but not on that day.
While the trip would be manageable for beginner kayakers, having a good level of fitness is still important. Furthermore, a love for adventure is a must as it’s a self-sufficient trip (no phone signal, you need to bring your own tent, stove and food, and there are no showers or toilets). I suggest seeking guidance from the Abel Tasman Centre as they organized our trip and provided excellent advice on current conditions, tides and weather.
Staying Overnight at the Bark Bay Campsite
We stayed overnight at the Bark Bay Campsite during our kayaking tour of Abel Tasman National Park. While Anchorage Bay would have been more centrally located, it was already fully booked. The huts were closed and we camped on the beach in our tent. The camping spot was incredible but there were no amenities available (such as toilets or showers). We had to be self-sufficient with our water and food supplies. For those who want to go camping, you can rent camping gear at the Abel Tasman Centre.
Final Thoughts on Our Kayaking Trip
Kayaking through Abel Tasman was an incredible experience but two moments stand out: the breathtaking sunrise that we saw from our tent (feeling completely disconnected from the world and being surrounded by nature) and paddling with seals. These experiences were truly unforgettable, offering pure serenity and connection with the wildlife!
