Family Friendly Activities in Abel Tasman

Family activities in Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman's calm, sheltered water and short, well-formed walking tracks make it easier than most national parks to bring kids to. There's no road through the park's interior, so a family day here usually means a kayak, a boat, or a mix of both, and the options on this page are all built around a gentle pace rather than covering the maximum distance. Marahau and Kaiteriteri Beach, both around an hour's drive from Nelson, are the two departure points.

Kayaking with kids
Kahu Kayaks' Family Cruiser Guided Kayak Tour is built for exactly this: a gentle-paced guided paddle from Marahau out to Split Apple Rock, with a guide pointing out sea caves, cormorants, seals and the occasional dolphin along the way. The half-day option keeps the outing short enough for younger paddlers, with a safety briefing and light refreshments included, while the full-day version adds a water taxi to Anchorage Bay for an afternoon swim and a short walk before heading home. Life jackets and dry bags for cameras and phones are supplied on every trip.

A full day out with more to do
For families wanting more than a half day, Guided Kayak, Seals & Cruise pairs a morning paddle to Split Apple Rock, with time watching the fur seal colony along the way, with a water taxi transfer to Anchorage Bay. Once there, kids can choose between a swim, the walk to Cleopatra's Pools with its natural rock water slide, or the Pitt Head loop past a historic Māori pā site, so the afternoon adapts to how much energy is left in the group after the morning's paddle.

No paddling required
If a full day of kayaking is more than younger kids can manage, Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles' Half Day Abel Tasman Tour covers a good stretch of coastline by boat in two hours, with fur seals at Tonga Island a regular sighting and no effort required beyond staying on board. Snacks and beverages are available to buy during the cruise, and the pace suits any age group, including grandparents or younger children who might struggle with a full day of paddling.

Choosing a family activity
A scenic boat cruise is the easiest option for a mixed-age group, since it needs no paddling and still takes in the park's beaches and wildlife. A guided kayak such as the Family Cruiser is the next step up for families who want to be on the water themselves, and the full-day kayak, seals and cruise combination suits families with more time and energy who want a bit of everything in one day.

Practical tips for a family day out
Guided kayak tours supply all the equipment, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets and dry bags for cameras and phones, so there's little to bring beyond sunscreen, a hat and a change of clothes for anyone who ends up in the water. Both the boat cruise and the kayak tours run with a set morning departure, so it's worth booking ahead in the busier summer months between December and March, when water conditions are also at their calmest for younger paddlers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abel Tasman good for young kids?
Yes. Guided kayak tours run at a gentle, beginner-friendly pace, boat cruises need no paddling at all, and Anchorage Bay has calm, sheltered swimming and short walks, which together make the park one of the more manageable national parks for families with young children.
What is the easiest family activity in Abel Tasman?
A scenic boat cruise is the easiest option, since it needs no paddling or walking and still takes in the park's beaches, headlands and the fur seal colony at Tonga Island. For families who want to get on the water themselves, a guided family kayak tour is the next easiest step.
Do family kayak tours include safety equipment?
Yes. Every guided kayak tour includes life jackets, dry bags, a safety briefing and an experienced guide, and tours are paced to suit first-time paddlers and children.
Can families do a full day in Abel Tasman?
Yes. Combination tours that pair a morning kayak with a water taxi to Anchorage Bay give families a full day out with a mix of paddling, swimming and short walks, without requiring the fitness needed for a longer independent trip.
What can kids do at Anchorage Bay?
Anchorage Bay has calm, sheltered swimming, a short walk to Cleopatra's Pools with its natural rock water slide, and the Pitt Head loop past a historic Māori pā site, so there's a choice of activity depending on how much energy is left after the paddle over.