Remote Coast Kayak Trip

What’s the Best Kayaking Trip in the Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman Trips - Shag Harbour — Shag Harbour

The Remote Coast is the Best Kayaking Trip in the Abel Tasman. Explore the entire Marine Reserve with an awesome guide finding the best coves, caves and seal sanctuaries. Fast Boat Transport and lunch included.

Getting there

The Remote Coast is the Northern End of the Abel Tasman’s Marine Reserve. While it can be trickier to get to than some of the other sections of the Abel Tasman, you can visit by Boat or by Kayak, but the Walking track does not drop down to this section. If you really want to immerse yourself in the incredible National Park then the Remote Coast Kayaking trip is the one for you. There is heaps to see and do and it’s a photographer’s dream, any direction you point your camera will get you ‘the shot’.

One of the more noticeable features of the remote coast is the glorious beaches and estuaries. Secluded and intimate coves, long stretches of beautiful golden sand. The only way to see these is by sea and as such is the best Kayaking Trip in the Abel Tasman soaking in the sun, sea, and sand.

Getting out there

Guided Kayak tours are an Abel Tasman must. Get up for a morning start at The Barn. We can arrange the trip and transport you to the main beach in Marahau where a water taxi will take you right up to the top of the Marine Reserve to Onetahuti or Awaroa, this is dependent on the weather and tides on the day. Yourselves, a guide, and your kayaks are boated all the way up the Southern Coast of the Abel Tasman. It’s a great way to see most of The Park before being dropped on the beach where you’ll set off to kayak South back down the coast and experience the tranquil serenity of the islands and beaches.

Shag Harbour

Shag Harbour is one of the absolute favorites. Located about halfway down the Marine Reserve, it is only accessible on a high tide. The granite walls of the gorge-like inlet, shaped from the ocean tides, protect the estuary from the waves and wind creating a small oasis of calm crystal clear water. If you are there at the right time of year the baby seals have been known to even jump up onto your kayak. It is a playful area of tidal pools that you can explore surrounded by the bush. The real joy is that it doubles as a seal pup nursery. The little ones play and explore the safe shallow waters while mum stands guard out the front and fetches dinner. While you are not allowed to approach the little furballs, they may just swim up to you to say hello!

Marine Reserve

Tonga Island is one of the bigger islands, its huge granite boulders poking out of the sea is the perfect home for seal colonies! More colonies also litter the whole coastal area and as you kayak through the reserve you can get a chance to close the gap between you and the wild.

There are heaps of seals about and while you aren’t able to kayak towards them, always keeping a 25m distance, this does not mean you won’t get close and personal with them, the seals will come to you! They are curious animals and are fond of playing with the people kayaking through their homes. Some will follow as you kayak, swimming under and all around you as they play and interact.

As you kayak further down the coast you’ll start to notice the beaches opening up. Onetahuti is an absolute favorite of ours and the Tonga Quarry Campsite is the perfect spot to stop for lunch. After a couple of hours of exploring; jumping out of the kayak and into the water is the perfect way to cool down. The guide will lay down a big picnic rug and you and the group can share hot drinks and a hearty sandwich before heading off again on your kayaks into the beautiful blue of the sea.

Pick Up At Bark Bay

Depending on how much time you spend making your way down the coast will determine where the water taxi picks you up from, Mosquito Bay and Bark bay are 2 of the most beautiful coves on the whole stretch. Mosquito Bay is only accessible by boat and has a beautiful little tidal bay with golden sand and beautiful clear water.
Bark Bay is one of the overnight stops on the Abel Tasman Great Walk and is accessible by boat and by foot. They have a fully serviced hut and campsite here.

If you come at high tide you can kayak right up into a wide, shallow estuary that will lead you right up to a swing bridge and waterfall!
The water taxi will pick you up from the main Bark Bay beach, passing by Anchorage Bay you can jump back in the water for a final swim before heading back to Marahau.

What to expect

Lunch included
A professional and experienced guide.
All kayaking gear
Spacious Double Kayaks with more than enough space for overnight camping gear and packs.
Two Boat Trips
Access to the Marine Reserve
Group size from 2 to 10 per guide.

Finish up the Day in Marahau

After an awesome day exploring our favorite place to unwind and relax is The Barn, right at the start of the Abel Tasman Track and 100m away from The Park Cafe for wood-fired pizzas and a well-earned drink.