5.0
Guest review
Tonga Quarry was beautiful
Quieter than other spots in the park, and a lovely stop before the kayak. Highly recommend this option.
Olivia
New Zealand
Trip Overview
Split Apple Rock, then Tonga Quarry.
Cruise past the iconic Split Apple Rock and on to Tonga Quarry, then walk the coastal track before cruising back. A scenic, unguided extension of the Split Apple kayak, available year round.
Best for
First-time VisitorsScenic ValueGuided Experiences
What's included
This price covers your guided kayak and kayak rental, shared with the standalone Split Apple Kayak & Explore trip. The cruise past Split Apple Rock to Tonga Quarry and the walk are unguided and free of charge. You're paying for the kayak portion of the day, with the cruise and walk included at no extra cost.
Book this trip
From
NZ$105
Includes guided kayak, kayak rental, cruise past Split Apple Rock and walk at Tonga Quarry.
Departure Location
Kaiteriteri
Sailing Options
Depart9.00am ·11.30am
Return
3.45pm
Cruise Time
2hr
Walk time
35min return
Paddle time
2hrs
Paddle distance
6km
Difficulty
Easy
Highlights
Split Apple Rock
The park's best-known landmark, viewed from the water on the way out.
Tonga Quarry
A historic granite quarry site with a sheltered beach, the starting point for the walk.
Tonga Quarry Coastal Walk
A coastal walking section through native bush and along the shoreline.
Route map
Gallery
See the experience
Trip information
Plan your experience
Use this section to understand timing, what to bring, highlights and practical notes before you travel.
Suggested itinerary
Arrive
Check in for the selected departure and confirm return timing before boarding.
Explore
Cruise past Split Apple Rock to Tonga Quarry and walk the coastal track (35min return), then cruise back before beginning your guided kayak.
Return
Return details depend on the selected product, season and booking availability.
What to bring
- Small day pack
- Warm layer and waterproof jacket
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Swimwear and towel, if swimming
- Lunch or onboard food plan
- Camera or charged phone
- Comfortable walking shoes
Destinations
Related Trips
Prefer just the kayak?
This trip is built on Split Apple Kayak & Explore. Compare both options before you book.
FAQs
Common questions
Quick answers to the practical details guests usually check before choosing this experience.
How is this different from Split Apple Kayak & Explore?
This trip adds a scenic cruise past Split Apple Rock to Tonga Quarry and a coastal walk before your guided kayak. See Related Trips above to compare both options.
How is this different from the Medlands version?
Both share the same guided kayak and price. The difference is the walk destination. This trip visits Tonga Quarry; the other visits Medlands Beach and Bark Bay.
Is the walk guided?
No. The cruise and walk are unguided and free of charge. You're paying for the guided kayak portion only.
Is this trip available year round?
Yes. This trip runs year round.
What happens in poor weather?
Operations are subject to weather and sea conditions. Guests should check confirmation details and Wilsons advice before travelling.
Do I need to return on the same boat I departed on?
No — your fare covers any of the listed departure and return sailings, not a fixed pair. Catch whichever crossing suits your day; the times don’t need to match.
Still not sure which trip is right for you?
Talk to our teamGuest reviews
What guests say
4.8 average rating
Recent feedback from guests who have experienced this trip.
5.0
Guest review
Good history at the quarry
Didn't know about the old quarry history until our guide mentioned it on the kayak. Nice extra layer to the day.
Ben
Australia
5.0
Guest review
Easy decision
Same price as the plain kayak trip so it was an easy choice to add the cruise and walk. Glad we did.
Claire
Canada
Related Trips
Explore more of the park.
Other Wilsons experiences guests often combine with this trip.
4.9
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Cruise to Awaroa, then walk to Tonga Quarry or continue to Medlands via the Bark Bay waterfall trail. Explore remote beaches, native forest and a coastline rich in Māori and European history.
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Add a scenic cruise to Medlands and a coastal walk to Bark Bay to your Kaiteriteri kayak. Same guided kayak, same price. The cruise and walk are free and unguided. Available year round.
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Add a scenic cruise to Medlands and a coastal walk to Bark Bay to your Split Apple kayak. Same guided kayak, same price. The cruise and walk are free and unguided. Available year round.
First-time VisitorsOcean LoversPhotographers
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NZ$105