About guided sea kayaking
Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to experience Abel Tasman National Park. The park's protected coastline, sheltered bays and calm inlets make it ideal for paddling, with incredible variety in scenery and wildlife along the route.
All Wilsons sea kayaking trips are fully guided. The Abel Tasman coast is influenced by tides and changing conditions, and our guides know how to make the most of each day on the water. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of eight guests per guide, so you get real instruction and a personalised experience.
Sea kayaking is suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. When conditions are calm, it requires little strength or experience. Stable double kayaks make paddling comfortable and enjoyable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. If conditions change during the day, our boat crew provides backup support so you can continue your trip by walking or via our Vista Cruise.
What's included
We provide everything you need for a safe and comfortable day on the water. All equipment is included in the trip price:
- Stable double sea kayaks
- Spray jackets
- Buoyancy aids (lifejackets)
- Dry bags for spare clothing and camera gear
- Full pre-paddle instruction from your guide
Dry bags are waterproof when sealed correctly, but we can't guarantee sensitive electronics against splash damage. Kayak dry bags are designed to keep contents dry under normal paddling conditions.
What to wear
Abel Tasman enjoys beautiful weather year-round, but temperatures can be cooler in the mornings and late afternoon with sea breezes. The spray jacket and buoyancy vest we provide help keep you warm while paddling. For the rest, we recommend:
- A warm layer (wool or polar fleece) for breaks and beach stops
- A spare set of clothing in your dry bag
- Lightweight walking shoes in your dry bag, in case beach landings require walking
- Footwear in the kayak is optional and will likely get wet; rubber water socks or sport sandals work well
Avoid cotton, especially denim. It's heavy and cold when wet and slow to dry. Quick-dry fabrics such as polypropylene, wool or polar fleece are much more comfortable on the water.
Age and fitness
There is no maximum age limit. Minimum ages are set by kayak safety regulations for guided groups:
Sheltered water trips (e.g. Kaiteriteri Highlights)
Age 8+
Coastal kayaking (e.g. Split Apple Paddle)
Age 10+
Longer day trips and multi-day trips
Age 12+
For privately guided groups, minimum ages may be reduced at the guide's discretion after assessing the child's ability.
There are no strict weight restrictions. If you are over 190cm (6ft 3in) and/or over 90kg (200lbs), please contact us to discuss the best options for your group.
Why kayak with Wilsons Abel Tasman
Wilsons is one of only three operators to hold a DOC Tonga Island Marine Mammal Watching Permit, giving our kayakers access to seal colonies that most operators can't reach. We use modern, high-quality equipment and stable double kayaks designed for comfort, with fully qualified guides trained to strict safety standards.
As a local family-owned operator welcoming visitors since 1841, we can also combine kayaking with walking and cruising options, so you can put together a complete Abel Tasman experience in a single booking. Our boat crew provides backup support throughout every trip.