Tasman district holds Abel Tasman National Park on the east side of Tasman Bay and Golden Bay over Takaka Hill. Marahau and Kaiteriteri are the launch beaches most kayakers use, where golden sand meets beech forest and tidal estuaries run milky green after rain. Water taxis and sail-assisted kayaks share the same coastline as the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the country's Great Walks.
Takaka is the Golden Bay hub, a small town with cafes and a weekend market beneath limestone bluffs. Split Apple Rock sits in the sea near Kaiteriteri, and Farewell Spit at the bay's northern tip draws birders when guided access opens.
What to do in Tasman
Guided kayak days teach strokes in sheltered coves before you paddle to Onetahuti or Bark Bay. Multi-day trips camp on DOC sites where weka birds wander between tents. Afternoon northerlies can chop Tasman Bay, so operators often start early. Tie the park into Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman with a night in Nelson or Kaiteriteri on each side of your paddle.
Booking on adventuro
On the Book here tab, check whether your trip leaves from Marahau, Kaiteriteri or Nelson with a shuttle, and whether campsites are included on overnight paddles.
