It is not true that if you sea kayak for more than a day your arms will unwind out of their sockets and fall off. It is however true that sea-kayaking is one of the most civilized adventures you can have.

Picture this: you, plastic glass of wine in hand, leaning back on camp chair on golden sand, nibbling on cheese and olives in front of your tent, staring out at turquoise water.

You’ve earned it after a day of paddling up the coast. Sea kayaks have space for those extra little luxuries that you would not dream of putting into a pack for fear of not being able to lift it off the ground. Steaks, vino, a book, real coffee – yes this is the life! You will fall asleep with the sound of the Morepork cooing from afar in a Punga tree. Wake to the sound of the dawn chorus as the sun kisses your tent. After a hearty breakfast cooked on the camp stove, the kayaks are packed and dragged into the water. Ready to launch and paddle in the calm of the morning sun before the sea breeze gets up!

No, it’s not Fiji, it’s in your backyard, if you live in New Zealand! If you don’t it’s another one of New Zealand’s magic spots.

One of the best places to sea kayak in New Zealand (and the world) is the Abel Tasman National Park, just for it’s sheer variety of landscapes – beautiful sheltered bays, dreamy lagoons, golden beaches and emerald islands.

Arriving at your next pre-booked campsite you set up your home for the night, refresh yourself with a swim, and then spend the afternoon on a bushwalk, reading or chatting with those interesting foreign tourists who have parked up next to you.

Sea kayaking is the ultimate “roughing it” trip for those who want to get out of their comfort zone a little bit, but not suffer too much. Get some friends together and give it a go. You will go back home refreshed, relaxed, tanned and with tighter bingo wings. I’ll drink to that!