Experience Abel Tasman Waka Tours, traditional Maori canoeing and sea kayaking. Nau mai, haere mai.
Welcome to Abel Tasman Waka Tours
A unique Maori cultural Waka experience offered nowhere else in the world.
Abel Tasman National Park, Te Tai tapu also known as Abel Tasman is renowned for its golden beaches and its world-famous coastal track. With a mild climate Abel Tasman National Park is a good place to visit at any time of the year.
At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park. It is located at the top of the South Island near Nelson, Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri.
Abel Tasman Waka Tours is a Maori whanau owned and operated business run by friendly passionate people, Glenn and Tania Gribben. Abel Tasman Waka Tours is run from our home farm where the old farm shed has been converted into a Waka base.
This is set in a peaceful piece of country and is described by many, as paradise. This exquisite piece of paradise has extensive views out to sea with the islands Motu-Arero Iti (little tongue) and Mutu-Arero Roa (big tongue) islands also known as Fisherman and Adele islands of which prominent landscape protrudes their seaviews. The property has been in Glenn’s family for four generations.
Glenn, Tania and their three children now the caregivers of this beautifully landscaped farm. Treat this as a taonga (treasure) of which they hope the future generations can spend time, learn and enjoy as much as others, who have visited. Tania’s parents live close by and are also very proud and supportive of them. This is what makes it a real family business.
Our philosophy in life reflects in the way we are. There is a story of this carved in our Waka.
HALF DAY WAKA TOUR
Join us for an explorative excursion into the Abel Tasman National Park up to Watering Cove. After enjoying a delicious lunch (kai), time to swim, lay back and relax in paradise. We board the comfortable Water Taxi and take a leisurely scenic trip back to Marahau Bay.
$130.00 per person includes lunch (support boat assisted).
FULL DAY TRIPS
1 DAY - WAKA & HIKOI (walk)
Experience the traditional Maori method of travel in the Waka from Marahau up to Watering Cove. After lunch, and taking in the magnificent bays, directions will be given so that you can (at your own leisure), take an unguided walk along the beautiful landscape of the Abel Tasman coastal track towards Marahau.
Exploring nature at it’s best.
$120.00 per person includes lunch
1 DAY - WAKA & HIKOI PA (Walk to where there was once was a Fortified Pa site)
The morning sees us taking in the cultural wonders of traditional Maori Waka travel, up towards the picturesque Watering Cove. After lunch, swimming and sunbathing, venture to where the old Maori Pa site was at Pitt Head. This walk provides stunning views of the Abel Tasman Park from the coastal ridge line track, before boarding the Water Taxi at Te Puketea Bay and returning via the scenic route back to Marahau Bay.
$140.00 per person includes lunch (support boat assisted)
1 DAY WAKA & KEKENO (SEALS)
Exploring the coastline from Marahau to Watering Cove in the traditional Maori way, paddling in a Waka. We break for (kai) lunch and take time to relax in the idyllic surroundings. After lunch the afternoon is spent visiting the local seals along the scenic coastline in one of the Water Taxis permitted for viewing marine mammals.
$165.00/person includes lunch (water taxi assisted).
EXCLUSIVE WAKA TOUR
(Waka, Kekeno and Awaroa Lodge)
A specialized Waka tour up the coast to Watering cove. Boarding the marine mammel permitted water taxi for a scenic cruise to view the seals, sunbathing and swimming in their natural environment. Then a short Walk from Onetahuti to Awaroa Lodge where your Luxury accommodation awaits you. Enjoy Awaroa hospitality, creative taste infused cuisine and the finest regional wines and beers. The next day relax and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Awaroa Bay. Breathe the fresh air and walk on the golden sands to meet with the water taxi for a scenic cruise back to Marahau Bay.
$395 /person includes lunch on day one and Lodge accommodation. All Lodge meals are additional. (Water taxi assisted).
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
2 DAY OVERNIGHT GUIDED WAKA & KAYAK
The morning has us taking in the cultural wonders of traditional Maori Waka travel up the coastline towards Watering Cove. After stopping for lunch, swimming and sunbathing, we venture to the old Maori Pa site at Pitt Head where breathtaking views of the Abel Tasman National Park can be seen.
From there we walk to Anchorage where the floating accommodation awaits. The entertaining hosts on this unique house boat provide a delicious dinner and breakfast.
On day two we sea kayak into the park, stopping for lunch (kai) at one of the many picturesque beaches. After exploring more of the park we return for a relaxing scenic water taxi ride back to Marahau Bay.
$365.00 per person all meals included.
2 OR 3 DAY - WAKA & HIKOI ROA ( Canoe & Long Walk )
From Marahau we journey to Watering Cove experiencing how Maori travelled in Waka to explore the same coastline hundreds of years ago. Stopping for a traditional seafood lunch, sun and golden beaches, here the freedom begins.
Take a leisurely stroll to the breathtaking Anchorage Bay, where you can stay overnight in one of the many types of accommodation offered (see below). On day two and or day three, walk further into the park at your own pace to explore the many bays. Your water taxi pick ups can be organized at the end of the day from specific bays, giving you the flexibility to stay in the park that little bit longer to enjoy the peace and serenity.
2 DAY $150.00 per person includes lunch for day one only (water taxi assisted) 3 DAY $160.00 per person includes lunch for day one only (water taxi assisted)
Accomodation not included ACCOMODATION ADD ON OPTIONS Campsites $10 per person per night (We sell DOC camp/hut passes) Huts $25 per person per night Back packer boat (Available only at Anchorage Bay) $60 per person per night (includes dinner, breakfast and lunch for day two only) Lodge Stay (Available from $195 / couple)
WHAT TO BRING Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat, towel, swimsuit, warm top, and light walking shoes (if walking) and remember to bring your smile.
We ensure our manuhiri (visitors) a true, genuinely passionate journey full of fun and excitement as you hoe (paddle) along the exquisite Abel Tasman coastline.
Need more details?
For more information fill in the form below with your query and click "send", or simply phone us at Activities-nz on 64 4 972 0798.
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