Clothing and weather protection
- •Extra clothing, quick-dry or thermal fabric is best
- •A warm layer, wool, thermal or fleece
- •Waterproof jacket with a hood
Avoid cotton and denim. They take a long time to dry and stay cold once wet.
Plan your visit
What to Bring on a Day Trip
Weather on the Abel Tasman coast can change quickly, even on a fine day. Pack a small day bag so you're ready for sun, wind and rain, whatever the afternoon brings.
Prepare for changing coastal conditions
The Abel Tasman region enjoys some of New Zealand's best weather, but conditions on the coast can shift within a few hours. Mornings can be crisp and afternoons breezy, and beaches offer little shelter from sun, wind or rain. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, whatever the forecast says.
What to pack in your day bag.
Sun and personal protection
- •Sunhat
- •Sunglasses
- •Sunscreen
- •Insect repellent
The sun here is strong even on cloudy days, so sunburn is a real risk whatever the weather looks like.
Food and drinking water
- •Drinking water
- •Lunch, or your pre-ordered picnic
- •Personal snacks
Lunch isn't included on every day trip. Pre-order a picnic if you'd like one, or bring your own.
Optional personal items
- •Swimwear
- •Towel
- •Phone or camera
- •Charger or power bank
- •Hand sanitiser
- •Essential medication
Please avoid disposable wipes or tissues. They add litter to the park and can clog toilet systems.
If you're walking
What to wear for walking.
Most of the track is well-formed and sheltered by native bush, so light, comfortable shoes are fine for the day. Walking boots are optional, not essential. Whatever you choose, make sure footwear is secured at the heel, jandals, slides and scuffs aren't suitable for the track.
At some tidal crossings you may need to remove your shoes and socks to keep them dry. Walking poles are recommended for stability on uphill and downhill sections, and help take pressure off your knees and ankles.
- •Light, comfortable walking shoes
- •Socks
- •Quick-dry clothing
- •Small day pack
- •Waterproof jacket
- •Walking poles, if you prefer them
If you're kayaking
What to wear for kayaking.
Your feet will get wet while kayaking, so footwear is optional. Light shoes or water socks work well. You'll still need to bring walking shoes and socks in your kayak, in case weather means landing on a beach where some walking is needed.
Thermal or quick-dry layers are best. Avoid cotton and denim, they're heavy and slow to dry when wet. Pack a spare set of clothing and a warm layer to store in the kayak, so you can change into something dry if needed.
- •Light water shoes or water socks
- •Walking shoes and socks
- •Thermal or quick-dry clothing
- •A warm layer
- •Waterproof jacket with a hood
- •Spare set of clothing
- •Towel
- •Swimwear, if you'd like to swim
Guided kayaking trips only
Kayaking equipment we provide.
On trips that include guided kayaking, we provide:
- •Stable double sea kayaks
- •Paddles
- •Buoyancy vests
- •Spray jackets
- •Dry bags and storage containers
- •Booties and gloves on cooler days, when required
Please note: a spray jacket isn't a substitute for a waterproof jacket on the walking sections of your trip. We can't guarantee dry storage is fully waterproof, so wrap phones and cameras in additional protection if you're bringing them.
Quick day-trip checklist.
- •Waterproof jacket with hood
- •Warm layer
- •Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- •Insect repellent
- •Drinking water
- •Lunch or snacks
- •Comfortable walking shoes
- •Walking poles
- •Swimwear and towel (optional)
- •Phone or camera with charger
- •Hand sanitiser
- •Essential medication
Download a printable packing list.
Ready to plan?
Find your Abel Tasman day trip.
Browse our range of kayak, walk, cruise and beach day trips, and check the forecast before you head out.