Nelson Region

Abel Tasman is the Spot

The Abel Tasman coastline is genuinely one of the best places in NZ to be in a kayak. Golden beaches, seal colonies, a marine reserve with arches and inlets you can only reach by water. My pick for a guided day out is the Classic Marine Reserve run, ideally timed around a king tide at midday so you can sneak into spots like the Tonga Arches and Shag Harbour. If you're after something more relaxed, a half-day rental out of Kaiteriteri covers a surprising amount of coastline in a sheltered area, and the beaches in the Astrolabe really come into their own at low tide.

Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!

Kahu Kayaks

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.8 224 reviews

Golden Bay Kayaks

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.6 29 reviews

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.4 136 reviews

Wilsons Abel Tasman

Promo code RANKERS. Save 15%

4.1 243 reviews

Timing Makes a Difference

Anytime works really, but mid-March to mid-May is the sweet spot. The sea tends to be calmer and the seal pups have grown up enough to be out and about. Avoid the peak school holiday rush in late December and early January if you can. The RANKERS promo code gets you a discount on sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman, and there are also deals on guided trips if you want someone who knows where the good stuff is.

Go One Way if You Have the Time

If you've got a couple of days up your sleeve, the one-way multi-day paddle is the move. Paddle north, get up into the marine reserve and past Shag Harbour, then take the water taxi home. You see way more than an out-and-back and it genuinely doesn't feel rushed. Even closer to Nelson city, there's paddling worth doing if you're just passing through.