DoC Hut or Camp pass: This is necessary to present to park wardens for each night you are in the park.
Food: Be sure to bring enough food for your whole journey. We recommend purchasing this before you get to Marahau. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water with you. Filtered water is available at hut sites and untreated water is available at the campsites.
Cooking equipment: If you plan to cook a hot meal ensure you bring a cooker and fuel as fires are only permitted in certain parts of the park, at certain times of the year. Utensils, cutlery, plates and cups will also come in handy.
Camping equipment: During the evening it can become quite cool in the park so please make sure you pack a tent, camping mat and a warm sleeping bag.
Kayaking clothes: You're bound to get wet when kayaking bring some quick drying clothes to paddle in. Shorts, t-shirt (long sleeves are preferable) hat, sunglasses and shoes. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel!
Camp-site clothing: Warm camp-site clothing essential for the evenings. Long pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, warm top (wool/fleece), trainers and socks, sleeping clothing, rainproof jacket.
Personal Items: Such as medication, toiletries, camera (with plenty of film or memory space!), personal drinking bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Tip: The kayak storage will keep fruit and vegetables fresh for a 2-3 day period, save the dehydrated food for the last few days of your trip! Click here to see the types of food to take.
Do I need hiking boots?
You might want to explore the tracks around your campsites. Firm footwear is required, but boots are not essential, walking sandals or sports shoes are fine.
The kayak storage will keep fruit and vegetables fresh for a 2-3 day period, save the dehydrated food for the last few days of your trip!
We advise that leafy greens (eg lettuce) need to be eaten day 1 – 2 and we advise against taking chicken
Is transport from Nelson or Motueka included in the price of the trip?
No. Transport to and from Nelson/Motueka can be arranged. $36 rtn ($19 one way) from Nelson and $18 return ($11 one way) from Motueka.
Bus
We can arrange a bus transfer from Nelson or Motueka. Please ask at time of booking. Bus from Nelson is $36 return ($19 one way) and Motueka $18 return ($11 one way).
We have a maximum ratio of 1 guide to 8 clients on the water more may be briefed on land.
If I am on my own can I hire a kayak?
No, in order to venture out on an unguided expedition you must take at least one friend with you (it’s more fun that way). This is a safety issue. Check out our sister companies Abel Tasman Kayaks or Kaiteriteri Kayaks.
Do I need any previous kayaking experience to rent a kayak?
While past kayaking experience is desirable, a reasonable level of camping and outdoor skills and water confidence is essential. Before you go out on a kayaking trip you are briefed by a qualified sea kayak guide who is very familiar with the park and can provide you with information about places to go, how far you are likely to get in the time you have and information on safety, weather and sea conditions. We require a minimum of 2 people for all rentals.
How fit do I have to be?
An average level of fitness is required for freedom sea kayaking trips. Guides instruct clients on easy ways to paddle and you will rapidly develop your skills. Enthusiasm is more important than fitness.
If you are prone to sea sickness then please take your medication as recommended.
Are there any height and weight restrictions?
Height – clients who are taller than 6ft 3” (188cm) will struggle to get into an Econizh kayak and should check with us at time of booking. Clients who are taller than 6ft 7” (198cm) may not fit in a kayak at all and WILL need to try a kayak before they commence the trip, again ask us at the time of booking.
Weight – this is harder because it has a lot to do with where the weight is on the body and the height of the client. The main issue with weight is whether the clients can fit width wise into the kayak. Econizh kayak cockpits are 41cm wide at their widest, Sea bears are 47cm wide, any client who is larger than this at the bottom / hip area will be unable to kayak. Again check with us at time of booking. Most people are able to kayak.
How much gear/equipment can we store in our kayaks for an overnight trip
You can easily fit the equivalent of approximately two large packs full of equipment in the dry storage areas of a double sea kayak (at least 225L). This needs to be put inside large plastic bags to fit into the hatches.
Do you hire camping gear?
Yes, we do. These items are subject to availability.
Yes, bring along a rain jacket and an extra warm (wool/fleece) layer of clothing. Marine life is more active on rainy days.
When would Ocean River cancel a trip?
Safety first. Our policy is not to launch a trip on safety grounds if we consider that the wind and sea conditions are unsafe for that group. This is our decision. In this situation we give a full refund.
Can we store our vehicle or extra luggage while we are out in the park?
We provide free storage of vehicles and extra luggage at our base.
Temperatures, ºC, you could expect to encounter in the Abel Tasman Region
What is the weather like?
Day
Night
Summmer (Dec-Feb)
22
13
Autumn (March-May)
18
8
Winter (June-August)
13
3
Spring (Sept-Nov)
17
7
Can I light a campfire in the park?
There is a fire ban in the park, other than at designated sites. At certain times of the year the ban does not apply.
What do I do with my rubbish?
You must pack out all your rubbish. There are no rubbish disposal facilities in the park.
Are there any poisonous insects?
No, but sandflies are one of the nasties in the park. A small native insect which has an irritating bite. The use of insect repellent will ensure these insects do not annoy or bug you! Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance. Mosquitoes do not carry malaria in NZ. During the summer months, wasps and bees can be a problem, and are attracted to food, and may bite/sting if disturbed. If you are allergic, take medication with you (antihistamines). Please inform DoC staff of any wasp nests close to the track or camp sites.
Are there toilets and showers in the park?
Yes, there are toilets which are regularly cleaned and restocked with paper by park staff.
There are no showers.
Can I buy food and drink in the Abel Tasman National Park?
We stock a few small snack items and drinks. There is a store in Marahau. The nearest supermarket is in Motueka. There are no shops in the national park.
Booking questions