Marahau, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a hub for outdoor lovers. Its proximity to Abel Tasman National Park makes it an ideal base for exploring by water and land. What sets Marahau apart is its small-town charm combined with easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. We particularly appreciate tours like the Family Cruiser for beginners and families, and the Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour for wildlife enthusiasts. These experiences offer a great mix of fun, scenery, and local flavor, all with top reviews and excellent value.
If you’re wondering what to do in Marahau, you’ll find a wide variety of kayaking trips, guided walks, and multi-day adventures. Whether you prefer a half-day paddle or a multi-day self-guided expedition, Marahau has a tour suited to your pace and interests. Keep reading to explore the options and figure out which one fits your trip best.
1. The Family Cruiser
This half-day kayaking tour is perfect for active families wanting a relaxed outdoor experience. Starting from Marahau, you’ll paddle along the coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, with the highlight being the famous Split Apple Rock. All gear is supplied, and the small group size (max. 8) ensures personalized attention. Your guide will help you spot sea caves, nesting cormorants, and even playful seals if you’re lucky. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it easy to combine with other activities. The reviews consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and the opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery without feeling rushed.
This tour is great for those with minimal kayaking experience or families with kids who want a safe, fun outing. The value is excellent at $65.68 per person, especially considering all gear and a small-group atmosphere. If you want a relaxing introduction to Abel Tasman’s coast with a dash of adventure, this is a solid choice.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, low-pressure adventure with fantastic reviews and an affordable price—ideal for beginners or those with limited time.
2. Kayak & Walk
For travelers wanting a full-day immersion into Abel Tasman’s landscapes, the Kayak & Walk tour hits the mark. Starting with a kayaking trip around islands and beaches, you’ll then enjoy a beachside lunch at Observation Beach. Afterward, a scenic hike takes you through bushland, offering stunning coastal views, native birdlife, and streams. The tour includes hassle-free pickup and transfers from Nelson or Motueka, making logistics seamless.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of sea and land exploration—it’s a great way to see both the marine and terrestrial environments of Abel Tasman in one day. The reviews mention the guides’ helpfulness and the scenic beauty, with one saying, “the kayak tour is well prepared for newcomers.” It’s priced higher at $140.26, but the value is reflected in the variety and quality of experiences packed into one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers eager to explore by water and foot, with excellent scenery and organized logistics.
3. Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour
The Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour offers an 8-hour guided adventure along Abel Tasman’s coast, with a focus on wildlife and pristine scenery. Starting with a paddle to Tonga Island, you’ll visit the fur seal colonies at Shag Harbour and Tonga Island—an extraordinary wildlife encounter. The tour includes all necessary gear and is designed for folks with some kayaking experience, making it more suited for moderately fit travelers.
During the day, you’ll explore the heart of the park, paddle past beautiful beaches, and return via water taxi. Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledge and the spectacular lagoons visited during the trip. The price of $170.75 reflects the comprehensive day’s itinerary and the small group size.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting an in-depth wildlife experience with knowledgeable guides and amazing scenery.
4. Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and Walk
This Kayak and Walk tour offers a balanced day of kayaking past 12 beaches and an afternoon hike along the Southern end of the Coastal Track. Starting early in the morning, you paddle in calm waters, then switch to walking shoes to explore more remote parts of the park. The tour includes all gear, and you’ll see seals up close along the way.
Rated at 4.8/5 from 65 reviews, travelers appreciate the well-organized nature and the chance to experience both water and land. It’s priced at $135 per person, making it a good value for a full day of diverse activities. It’s best suited for those who want an active day with plenty of wildlife viewing.
Bottom Line: An engaging multi-activity day ideal for those who want to combine paddling and hiking.
5. 1 Day Sea Kayak Rental
If you prefer to explore independently, the 1 Day Sea Kayak Rental offers the freedom to paddle at your own pace. For $67.08, you get all the necessary equipment, allowing you to follow your own route along Abel Tasman’s coast. It’s perfect for experienced kayakers who want to stop at golden beaches, spot seals, or enjoy a picnic wherever they like.
The reviews note the “beautiful day” and the activity’s suitability for those who love self-guided exploration. Keep in mind, this option requires some kayaking experience and a sense of adventure. It’s a flexible choice for those who value independence and control over their schedule.
Bottom Line: Best for confident paddlers who want to set their own pace and enjoy the coast without a guide.
6. Southern Duo kayak & walk tour
The Southern Duo offers a full-day exploration of the park’s southern section, combining kayak and hike. Starting at Marahau, you paddle to Adele Island, famous for its fur seal colonies, then hike to panoramic viewpoints, enjoying birdlife and untouched landscapes. This small-group tour (max. 8) ensures a personal experience.
Reviewers mention the “super” tour and the friendliness of the guides, with a focus on wildlife and scenic views. Priced at $103.89, it offers good value considering the two activities included. It’s best suited for moderately fit travelers who want a diverse day immersed in nature.
Bottom Line: An active, wildlife-rich day perfect for those who want a combination of water and land adventures.
7. Remote Marine Reserve – Guided Kayaking
At number 7, the Remote Marine Reserve Guided Kayaking offers a one-day trip using the tide to navigate the best spots. It’s exclusive, as only a few operators are authorized for marine mammal viewing at Tonga. The focus is on learning about the area’s geology, flora, fauna, and marine mammals, with a personalized approach.
Guests rave about the educational value and unique wildlife sightings. The tour, priced at $216.95, is ideal for those who want an informative and scenic experience with fewer crowds.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife and nature lovers eager to learn more about this special marine environment.
8. 1 Day Freedom Rental
If flexibility is your priority, the 1 Day Freedom Rental provides all gear for independent exploration. For $67.22, you can paddle along the coast at your own pace, stopping for beaches, seals, or swims. It’s suited for experienced kayakers who prefer autonomy over guided tours.
Tour reviews highlight the beauty of the coastline and the ease of setting your own schedule. Be sure you’re comfortable with navigating on your own, as this is not a guided activity.
Bottom Line: An economical, flexible option for confident paddlers who want to craft their own adventure.
9. Mārahau: Abel Tasman Marine Reserve Kayak Tour
This Marine Reserve Kayak Tour explores Tonga Island’s marine environment over 8 hours. You’ll encounter playful fur seals and stunning lagoons, guided by professionals. The tour includes a picnic lunch and access to hot showers and wifi at the base.
Rated highly, this trip is ideal for anyone wanting a comprehensive day of wildlife, scenery, and comfort. It costs $208 per person, reflecting its extensive itinerary and amenities.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wildlife lovers and those seeking a full-day guided experience with comfort.
10. Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand
For serious adventurers, the Three Day Classic Kayaking lets you explore Tonga Island and Tonga Bay over multiple days. The trip includes wildlife sightings, beachside lunches, and self-guided or guided options. It’s priced at $732.73 but offers a deep dive into Abel Tasman’s remote areas, ideal for those with time and a love for multi-day travel.
Guests praise the ability to see seals and penguins and the flexibility of the itinerary. This is best for active travelers comfortable with longer outings.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, multi-day adventure for experienced kayakers who want to really get off the beaten track.
11. Seal Sanctuary Tour – Guided Kayaking
This Seal Sanctuary Guided Tour combines wildlife viewing with a scenic paddle. Covering about 1.5 hours on the water, you’ll visit Tonga Island, home to fur seals and blue penguins. The tour is highly rated for friendly guides and a relaxed pace. Priced at $158.89, it’s suitable for those short on time but eager to see wildlife.
Good for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this trip emphasizes close encounters with seals and a relaxed, manageable outing.
Bottom Line: A shorter, wildlife-focused tour with expert guidance.
12. Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop
This Guided Kayak & Walk explores from Marahau to Anchorage in a full day. You’ll paddle along the coast, then hike Pitt Head to enjoy panoramic views. The tour is ideal for those wanting a combination of sea and land exploration, with a focus on natural beauty and native birdlife.
Rated 5/5 from 5 reviews, it’s praised for professional guides and scenic variety. At $161.87, it’s a balanced option for active travelers.
Bottom Line: For those who want a well-rounded day exploring both water and land environments.
13. 3 Day Unguided Kayaking starting in the Abel Tasman National Park
For independent explorers, this 3 Day Unguided Kayaking offers a flexible way to see Abel Tasman at your own pace. It includes kayak, life jackets, paddles, and a park camping pass. You start at Marahau, transfer by water taxi, and then paddle south on your own schedule.
Reviews note this is best for adventurous, experienced paddlers comfortable with self-navigation. Costing $222.34, it’s a great value for multiple days of independence.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for seasoned kayakers wanting total freedom.
14. 2 Day Freedom Kayak
This 2 Day Rental allows you to explore Abel Tasman’s coastline with your own schedule. For $126.44, you get all necessary gear, and the flexibility to stop at beaches or look for seals whenever you want. A perfect option for independent travelers with some kayaking experience.
Guests describe it as “a beautiful day” with “easy access to beaches and wildlife.” It’s ideal if you prefer self-guided adventures over organized tours.
Bottom Line: Best for confident paddlers seeking a flexible, multi-day exploration.
15. 3 Day Kayak & Walk North New Zealand
Finally, the 3 Day Kayak & Walk combines kayaking from Marahau to Totaranui with a walk back from Onetahuti. It’s perfect for active travelers wanting both paddling and hiking with a focus on scenic and wildlife experiences. At $194.86, it’s a great way to see more of Abel Tasman’s parks and beaches over several days.
Reviewers mention the variety and the chance to see fur seals and blue penguins, making it a popular choice for wildlife lovers.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, multi-day option for those who want to combine water and land adventures.
How to Choose
When selecting the best tour in Marahau, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a relaxed family outing, the Family Cruiser offers great value. If wildlife and marine environments excite you, the Oarsome Marine Reserve or the Seal Sanctuary are top picks. For independent travelers, the self-guided rentals or multi-day trips provide maximum flexibility.
Timing matters too—book early, especially for popular tours like the Three Day Classic or the Remote Marine Reserve trips, which fill quickly in summer.
Final Thoughts
Marahau offers a wide variety of tours suited to different tastes, budgets, and fitness levels. For families or beginners, the Family Cruiser provides a fun, manageable experience. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider the Oarsome Marine Reserve, while adventure seekers might love the multi-day Three Day Classic. Whether you want guided comfort or self-guided independence, there’s something to make your trip memorable.
If you’re planning a visit, remember that booking early secures your spot and ensures access to the best times and weather conditions. With such an array of options, your adventure in Abel Tasman National Park will surely be one to remember.