by Shawn Forno

Created on: January 22, 2011

Hands down, the best way to see New Zealand is by visiting its extensive network of National Parks, hikes, and trails known as “Great Walks.” These protected land parcels make up nearly thirty percent of New Zealand’s land mass, and comprise areas where the endangered birds, reptiles, and plants of New Zealand can thrive while still being accessible to tourists and locals alike. The most popular of these Great Walks is the Abel Tasman National Park, located just north of Motueka on the north tip of the South Island, and the best way to see it isn’t on foot – its by kayak.

The Abel Tasman is renowned for its azure waters, secluded beaches, wave worn granite stone formations, and finally, its accessibility. It receives more visitors per year than even the famed Milford Sound located in the Fjordlands to the south, and it does so because it gives trampers a wide variety of options varying from one-day school field trips to seven-day mixed excursions. But regardless of the duration, most have one thing in common – kayaks.

Several companies located at the south end of the trail rent single and tandem kayaks for one to five days as well as all inclusive guided excursions. The reward for taking to the water quickly becomes apparent as kayakers meander through the stunning miniature bays and rugged ocean carved granite formations that appear along the shores of the park. Secluded lunches on golden sand beaches are just one of the many rewards for the kayak leg of a trip. The best is interacting with the friendly (and curious) wildlife that call the park home for several months out of the year. The park functions as a marine reserve where seals, blue penguins, gannets, and other species flock or migrate to nest and nurse their young and it’s not uncommon for seal pups to swim right up to a kayak.

Campsites along the coast cater to kayakers with facilities including boat storage along with regular amenities like water, toilets, and gas cookers during the high summer season. The best part about the kayak leg of the trip is that often times the tide and currents waft travelers north to their destination with hardly any effort. Obviously the converse is true, and there are two stormy headlands that can give any kayaker a rush, but with careful attention to tidal charts and weather reports one can easily shorten a three day hike into a lazy two-day paddle up the coast.

The final benefit of the kayak is that lugging heavy gear up and back the trail isn’t a problem. All the kayak companies meet renters at a predetermined destination where they ferry your pack out to you for the return hike while towing the kayak (and any trash) back to town. And for those overwhelmed with the thought of a hike back through the park, rental companies arrange return trips in the boat as well, along with the dozens of water taxis that frequent the reserve.

Kayaking the Abel Tasman National Park is a unique, challenging, yet serene way to experience one of New Zealand’s natural wonders. No one should miss the opportunity to kayak amongst the wildlife, scenery, and splendor that is the South Island.

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