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Golden Bay Kayaks

126 Reviews
#4 of 19 things to do in Takaka
Kayaking & Canoeing, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Outdoor Activities
29 Cornwall Place | Tata beach, Takaka 7183, New Zealand
+64 3-525 9095
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Review Highlights
“Brilliant introduction ”

Never done kayaking before and we had the best time. Amazing to get so close to islands and sea... read more

Reviewed 13 February 2017
Mark H
via mobile
“Incredible ocean rock formations, nesting birds and one lone seal”

We were lucky to get a calm day on the ocean after a number of days of bad weather. Nathaniel the... read more

Reviewed 24 January 2017
Grant B
,
London, United Kingdom
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Overview
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Golden Bay Kayaks is one of the best little kayak companies in New Zealand, situated in one of the best kayaking destinations in the world, which is why it is such a popular destination for all kayakers from beginners to the more experienced. They specialise in kayak rentals for a half day, full day or the popular 'paddle the length of the Abel Tasman', the only company that will allow this. The Guided tours are a simple, no fuss, high value experience where the personal touch makes the half day spent on the water a memorable experience. Perfect for those that have not kayaked before or very little or for those keen to learn about the Northern end of the Abel Tasmans rich history, geology and wildlife. Stand Up Paddle boards available and the easily accessible Tata Islands is a fantastic destination to explore the close up nature of islands. They are the closest sea kayak company to the Abel Tasman National Park. An extra bonus at the end(or start) of the day is the great coffee and ice cream....PERFECT!

About Golden Bay Kayaks

Golden Bay Kayaks is one of the best little kayak companies in New Zealand, situated in one of the best kayaking destinations in the world, which is why it is such a popular destination for all kayakers from beginners to the more experienced. They specialise in kayak rentals for a half day, full day or the popular 'paddle the length of the Abel Tasman', the only company that will allow this. The Guided tours are a simple, no fuss, high value experience where the personal touch makes the half day spent on the water a memorable experience. Perfect for those that have not kayaked before or very little or for those keen to learn about the Northern end of the Abel Tasmans rich history, geology and wildlife. Stand Up Paddle boards available and the easily accessible Tata Islands is a fantastic destination to explore the close up nature of islands. They are the closest sea kayak company to the Abel Tasman National Park. An extra bonus at the end(or start) of the day is the great coffee and ice cream....PERFECT!
5.0
126 reviews
  • Excellent88%
  • Very good9%
  • Average2%
  • Poor0%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“guided tour” (15 reviews)
“tata beach” (13 reviews)
“morning tea” (9 reviews)
LOCATION
29 Cornwall Place | Tata beach, Takaka 7183, New Zealand
CONTACT
Website
+64 3-525 9095
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Write a ReviewReviews (126)
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21 - 30 of 113 reviews

Reviewed 13 February 2017 via mobile
Brilliant introduction

Never done kayaking before and we had the best time. Amazing to get so close to islands and sea life, and got a really good feel for kayaking. Nathaniel was fantastic, really knowledgeable, interesting and friendly, and stayed around to recommend places to us in...More

Thank Mark H
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 15 February 2017

Thanks Mark! Fantastic to have you here, hopefully see you again. warm regards Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 24 January 2017
Incredible ocean rock formations, nesting birds and one lone seal

We were lucky to get a calm day on the ocean after a number of days of bad weather. Nathaniel the guide was very helpful, knowledgeable and obviously loves his job. I tripped getting out of the kayak and my poor mobile phoned got a...More

Thank Grant B
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 6 February 2017

That is fantastic news about your phone Grant. We offer everyone a dry bag for their cameras and phone and is very good insurance to use one. It was lovely to have you here and hope to see you again one day. Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 16 January 2017
Great kayak group

The staff were fantastic and we enjoyed an amazing trip kayaking out into the Abel Tasman park area. We saw wild penguins, seals, dolphins, and cormorants. We also rented paddle boards one day from the company and had a great time paddling the bay.

Thank ColleenCO2015
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 6 February 2017

Lovely review, thank you! Its a special place to be and one of the best places in the world to paddle board. Hopefully see you again soon! Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 15 January 2017
Stunning day on the water with a knowledgeable guide

Our group of 9 had originally booked on Wednesday to do this trip, but the wind was up, so we were advised to rebook for Friday or Saturday. I was impressed from the outset at that decision as it showed safety was a priority for...More

Thank Karyn O
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 6 February 2017

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We love having families on the water with us, there is a lot to see. Hopefully see you again soon one day in the near future! Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 4 January 2017
Great kayaks and great scenery

Our hotel suggested that we use Golden Bay Kayaks when we said we wanted to kayak around Abel Tasman. We were skeptical since we hadn't thoroughly researched our alternatives, but we were also tired after a nine hour drive, so we took their advice. Even...More

Thank els111
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 6 February 2017

Thank you for the honest and thoughtful review. It is a surprise for some that there is a kayak company in Golden Bay and even more of a surprise that we are the closest kayak company to the Abel Tasman(750m!). Thank you so much for...More

Reviewed 1 January 2017 via mobile
Enjoyable and informative kayaking tour

I was in a single Kayak that did the half day guided tour. Our young tour guide was knowledgeable about the birds, sea life and history of the area. We stopped at a beach for morning tea of hot chocolate, tea coffee and muffins. The...More

Thank ofearlessone
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 4 January 2017

Thank you for taking the time to come and visit us and write a lovely and informative review, it is really appreciated. Happy Adventures Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 30 December 2016
Great experience. Absolutely recommend!

We had a great morning with the folks at Golden Bay Kayaks, and I happily recommend them even if you are not experienced with sea kayaking. We made a booking for a 1/2 day guided kayak trip and received a friendly reply straightaway. Our guide,...More

Thank MEMworldwide
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 4 January 2017

Wow! Thank you for such a beautifully written review. We are very proud of our guides and the product they deliver. Being residents of Golden Bay, they are all staunchly proud of their roots. Thank you once again and we hope to see you again....More

Reviewed 28 November 2016 via mobile
Definitely recommend!

Upon arrival in Pohara, it was way too windy to kayak. We had a window the following day, however, and rented a couple kayaks for the family. The staff was very pleasant and helpful and committed to making sure we all had a great time....More

1  Thank Posner1
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 4 January 2017

Thank you for taking the time to write a valuable review. We really appreciate the thoughtful reviews that our tripadvisor whanau write. Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 21 November 2016 via mobile
Friendly Kiwi Company

We went here to find out about hiring skirts for our kayak at our Bach close by, which we thought didn't have any that came with it (later to find out we already had some). A lady called Sharon greeted us with a smile and...More

Thank Bear_Gryllz
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 4 January 2017

You rock! This is why we do what we do and love it. Thanks for taking the time to share the love. Lisa and Tony

Reviewed 28 August 2016
The best way to encounter the Abel Tasman wildlife

We took a half day kayaking tour with Tony to explore the northern part of the Abel Tasman national park and got treated to a wealth of wildlife action like no other! Shag fishing, Feeding their babies and flying over our heads, seals sleeping, swimming...More

1  Thank Robin_Laura
Lisa S, Owner at Golden Bay Kayaks, responded to this reviewResponded 12 September 2016

Thank you for taking the time to write such a fabulous and informative review. It was wonderful to have you on the water with us and look forward to seeing you again. Good luck with all your adventures!! regards Lisa

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