Like any outdoor environment the Abel Tasman National Park requires respect in many ways.
Respect for its natural environment, respect for its ability to give you blue skys along with wind
and rain, respect in the oceans ability to be calm and serene or stormy and dangerous. It might
sound a little dramatic but really its quite simple. If you come here adequately prepared, you will
have a fantastic experience in our amazing place. Have a read through the following information,
pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful trip.
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Safety Training
At the start of every MSK trip we give you an introduction to kayaking and how to make
the best of your trip with us. Its called a safety briefing and it takes about 30 minutes
for guided tours and a little longer for freedom rentals. It includes setting up your
kayaks so that you have maximum comfort when paddling, teaching you the correct
techniques for paddling, weather information and for rental clients a map briefing
showing you all the points of interest along the coastline. This safety session is a
really important to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the trip.
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MSK Equipment
We pride ourselves in providing you with the latest, specialised sea kayaking equipment
to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your Abel Tasman experience.
Kayaks: Unless you are very experienced kayakers we always
use two-person kayaks on our guided trips and freedom rentals. Why? Double kayaks are far better suited to our sea conditions here.
They are more stable, faster and have much bigger storage capacity for your equipment and
as such give you a far more enjoyable experience. Single kayaks are provided for groups
with uneven numbers.
All clients are equipped with purpose designed sea kayaking apparel and safety equipment
including:
Bouyancy Jackets, Spray Decks, Splash Jackets, Waterproof Maps, Waterproof Camera
Bags, Bailing Pumps, Emergency Flares. Wetsuits, Booties, Thermals, Gloves and Hats
during winter months
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Dobbe Double QK Penguin Paddling Perfection Sea Bear
Plastic Plastic Single Fibreglass Double
1-3 Day Kayak 4+ Day Kayak
190 litres storage 380 Litres Storage
What should you Bring?
When packing remember that you are going into the outdoors. Pack smartly so that you can
fit everything into the kayak storage space.
Food, Water and Cooking Equipment
Guided Tours
On our guided day trips all you need to bring is a water bottle. We provide lunch and
snacks through the day along with hot and cold refreshments
Park life Tours
On Park life trips the first day is spent with a guide. This includes lunch and snacks for the
day through until about 3.30pm. For the remainder of you trip you need your own food and
refreshments along with any cooking equipment and utensils required.
Freedom Rentals
are un-catered. You need to bring all food and refreshments with you along with cooking
equipment and utensils.
Remember that you are going into the outdoors. Pack sensible food that will last, dry food such
as pasta rice provide good energy and are easy to prepare on small gas stoves.
Water
in the campsites is often unsuitable for drink without boiling, filtering or purifying it
first. On guided tours we carry additional drinking water in the kayaks. Freedom rental clients
shouldaim to have 4 litres of water with you when departing from our base. Filtered drinking water
is supplied at Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa and Whariwharangi campsites for refilling during
yourtrip.
Clothes and Personal Items
Clothing
Shorts, T-Shirt, Sandals/Shoes, Hat, Towel, Swimwear, Warm change of clothes for the evening
andcold days (Woolen), Socks and Raincoat for overnight trips.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat,
Other
Personal medication, Insect Repellent, Water bottle, Camera, Playing Cards (for overnight tours)
Camping Equipment
For freedom rentals and park life guided / freedom tours your own camping equipment throughout
the trip. Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mat, Gas Cooker, Pot, Plates and Utensils, Torch for the
evening(headlamps ideally). If you do not have any of these then we have a full range of
camping equipment available for hire through the
Abel Tasman Centre
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| Item |
Hire price per night |
| Two Person Tent |
$15 |
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| Sleeping Bag with liner |
$10 |
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| Hiking Pack |
$12 |
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| Cooking Stove |
$5 |
plus $7 to purchase the gas |
| Camping Pot |
$3 |
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| One Person Cooking Set * |
$18 1st night |
$10 per extra night |
| Two Person Cooking Set * |
$22 1st night |
$14 per extra night |
| Sleeping Mat |
$6 |
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Accommodation
You must pre-book all accommodation before you enter the park. We offer Abel Tasman campsite and hut
booking services free to all of our kayaking clients. Campsites are $12 per night and huts are$25
per night. if you are going to make your own bookings we ask that you contact us first to ensure
your distances and trip plan is achievable. On the
DOC
web site you can find full information on the facilities, availability and make bookings for
all campsites and huts.
Alternatively
Aqua Packers
is a floating backpackers anchored at Anchorage Bay. Meals and linen are included with the stay and
is a great option for those who don’t want to carry everything! You can literally do a 2 day tour
with nothing more than a change of clothes, second day lunch and a drink bottle.
Awaroa Lodge
at Awaroa Bay is a 4+ star lodge and restaurant. This is an option for kayakers continuing
on walking north on the multi day kayak and walk tours such as Freedom Totaranui and
Parklife Totaranui. Advance booking is a must.
Transport
We run a daily return bus from Nelson (through Motueka) to Marahau each day. It takes the
hassle out of travel for you and gives you door to door service from your
accommodation.
Cost: Nelson - Marahau Return $20 per person
Motueka - Marahau Return $10 per person
Its a big orange bus and you can't miss it!
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