Kayak Tonga Island Marine Reserve

Located midway along the Abel Tasman coastline is the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. It spans 1835 hectares of exquisite beaches, tidal lagoons, unusual rock formations, islands and reefs. This reserve protects all marine life within its boundaries, benefiting not only fish and shell fish, but also animals such as seals and penguins along with other seabirds that live on the land but feed from the sea. Kahu Kayaks offer you an opportunity to spend a day in this unique environment.

Kahu Classic Marine Reserve Tour

$190 pp

(Includes full day guided kayaking, water taxi transfers, nourishing lunch)

An 8.30am check in at our base in Marahau, sees us climb aboard our water taxi headed for the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach (translation: running sands). Following some quick kayak instruction we launch our comfortable stable double kayaks for a magical paddle northwards. Along the way we enjoy close encounters with the resident seal population on the bouldery headlands and sheltered coves of this spectacular slice of coastline.

Tides permitting we’ll show you the delights of Shag Harbour where seal pups frolic playfully in the clear shallow waters. From here our journey south takes us to the remarkable rock formation known as the “Arches of Tonga”. Enjoy a delicious lunch while your guide brews a fresh coffee, there’s ample time to take a swim, a short walk or just relax and enjoy the ambiance of this wonderful place.

A string of beautiful beaches and enchanting lagoons await us on our paddle south, before we hoist our specially designed spinnakers for an effortless sail into Anchorage Bay. From here it’s back on the water taxi to enjoy the scenic cruise to Marahau via the world famous Split Apple Rock.