Able Tasman Sea Kayak & Seal Sanctuary
Various options are available to take to the water while visiting the Able Tasman National Park. The most popular guided day trips are as follows ..
Half Day
Start with a scenic ride on our Water Taxi into the heart of the national park. Explore the surrounding coastline by kayak paddling past Tonga Island. Observe the antics of the resident New Zealand Fur Seals Kekeno and watch out for little Blue Penguins too! You will have ample time to spend with the playful Kekeno who call the island home. Return by water taxi to Marahau on either the 12.30pm or 2pm boat. The later time allows you to relax on the beach before heading back to Marahau.
Full Day
Join us for the complete Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tour. This is a stunning day trip that covers the entire marine reserve from start to finish. Starting at Awaroa, courtesy of our water taxi transfer, allows us to 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, Kekeno. After a great picnic lunch on one of the beautiful beaches we'll visit the Tonga Arches, exploring south along the carved granite coastline through to the tranquil lagoons and golden sand of the 'heart of the park' and our final destination, Bark Bay.
Half Day
Start with a scenic ride on our Water Taxi into the heart of the national park. Explore the surrounding coastline by kayak paddling past Tonga Island. Observe the antics of the resident New Zealand Fur Seals Kekeno and watch out for little Blue Penguins too! You will have ample time to spend with the playful Kekeno who call the island home. Return by water taxi to Marahau on either the 12.30pm or 2pm boat. The later time allows you to relax on the beach before heading back to Marahau.
Full Day
Join us for the complete Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tour. This is a stunning day trip that covers the entire marine reserve from start to finish. Starting at Awaroa, courtesy of our water taxi transfer, allows us to 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, Kekeno. After a great picnic lunch on one of the beautiful beaches we'll visit the Tonga Arches, exploring south along the carved granite coastline through to the tranquil lagoons and golden sand of the 'heart of the park' and our final destination, Bark Bay.