PADDLEBOARD IN KAITERITERI TO SPLIT APPLE ROCK

Updated: Sep 22

Our SUP adventure here kicks off at Kaiteriteri Beach, often hailed one of the best beaches in New Zealand, and for good reason. As a gateway to the Abel Tasman, its golden sand, bright blue water and green hills backdrop are a taster of what's to come in the Abel Tasman National Park.

This was my first paddle here in New Zealand, and I did it on Christmas Day so it's kind of a special one for me! This 5km round trip paddle to see Split Apple Rock is definitely worth exploring on your paddleboard. Split Apple Rock is a unique rock formation, named as it literally looks like a giant apple split in half.

According to Maori legend, Split Apple Rock was formed when two gods, Rangi and Papa, split an apple as a symbol of peace. The resulting cleft in the rock is said to represent the bond between the heavens and the earth. And another explanation is the formation of water freezing over in cracks in the rock during the Ice Age and splitting the rock in half. I know which version I prefer.

paddleboard in kaiteriteri

With its calm waters and gentle waves in the bay, Kaiteriteri Beach is ideal for families and paddlers of all skill levels to stay and splash around in here, along with the inflatable water park! But this paddle takes us to brave going out of the bay and along this beautiful granite coastline.

Head out of Kaiteriteri bay from either the beach front here or from Little Kaiteriteri for a quieter launch point. Head out towards Kaka island, have a play in the rocks before circumnavigating around the island towards Breaker Bay, another beauty of a beach. Carry on paddling past beautiful bays like Ngaio Bay. You can paddle up to Ngaio island to hear the cicadas filling their air with their sounds. I couldn't believe how loud they were!

Head into Towers Bay where you will see Split Apple Rock standing proud as punch at the furthest point of the bay. On a king tide, you could even paddle through the middle of the rock - how cool would that be! Chill out on one of these amazing sandy beaches that you would pretty much have to yourself, before heading back the way you came. Walking trails from Kaiteriteri also take you to Split Apple Rock by foot too, if you were with someone who didn't want to paddle. If you were to carry on paddling north along the coastline, you would head into Marahau and Sandy Bay around the next headline.

What a beauty of a paddle to a very special rock - I loved it for my Christmas Day paddle :)

Paddleboarding at Kaiteriteri to Split Apple Rock, Nelson, New Zealand

Route

PADDLING INFO for Kaiteriteri

RATING

Beginner Friendly

ROUTE & conditions

5km paddle from Kaiteriteri beach or 7km paddle launching from Little Kaiteriteri beach for a round trip to Split Apple Rock.
You can paddle here at any time of the tide, but be aware of the tide times and use this to go in the direction of the tides to make your journey most enjoyable.
The bay in Kaiteriteri is sheltered so this does not mean that the conditions will be the same once you reach the headland and turn left, hugging the coastline. Always give the headland point a wide berth to prevent being pushed on towards the rocks. Once you have rounded the headland towards Breaker Bay, there are a number of beaches to stop at before reaching Split Apple Rock.
The wind can pick up here, especially in the afternoon as the sea breeze picks up, so go as early as you can in the day for the best conditions and calmest waters!

WHERE TO PARK & LAUNCH

To park in Kaiteriteri, you may need to get here early to get a spot in peak season. You can park along the waterfront on Kaiteriteri Sandy Bay Road, or in the parking lot. Please note, there can be time restrictions in place here in busy times.
For Little Kaiteriteri, where it can be easier to park, with no time restrictions and a little quieter, you can park anywhere along the beach front off Rowling Road, or in the car park by the public toilets (free). Park up here in Little Kaiteriteri: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RF6ab3ESg3gW94No8

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The Views (Kimi Ora) has a delicious vegetarian menu, shared with epic views over the bay - absolutely worth the five min drive out of town.
In the bay, you will see a collection of restaurants , Gone Burgers, Waterfront and Kaka Point Cafe - all part of Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve, and offer a range of options and a great spot for a drink post paddle!

WHERE TO SLEEP

Popular with families, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve could not be closer to the beach. With camp spots, cabins and apartments to choose from, you will be staying right in the heart of Kaiteriteri.
For somewhere a little more rural and upmarket, Kimi Ora Eco Resort is something special! With awesome views of the bay, theey have a range of rooms as well as a stunning spa.

LOCAL INFO

NZ Maritime Law states a requirement to wear a buoyancy aid when paddleboarding (body or airbelt) and have two forms of communication (e.g. phone and whistle).
Beware of boats of tourists and water taxis if you paddle this route at the height of summer and make sure you stay clear as they have right of way.
Kaiteriteri Kayaks offer half day kayak tours from Kaiteriteri beach to Split Apple Rock and back, and paddleboard and kayak hire from their base on the beach. They are always super friendly and helpful if you want some advice and to talk through the conditions for that day.