Read Some Of The Most Commonly Asked Questions.
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We travel in double kayaks which are better suited to our sea conditions, they offer a safe, strong and very stable experiences for our guests. If you are travelling alone and have paddling experience we can offer you a single kayak if we have an uneven number of guests on the day.
We can organise another group member to travel in a double kayak with you if you are travelling solo, it’s a great way to get to know someone!
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There sure are – New Zealand has a long coastline and spectacular scenery abounds in both the North and South Island. Check these options out;
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Kayaking equals zero emissions. Our impact on the fragile marine reserve is minimal in this mode of transport which is very important to us and our guests. Kayaking offers unobstructed views of the scenery above us and ocean below us. We are so close to the surface, yet high enough that we can see down into the water and experience real encounters with wildlife. We can drift under trees and look up to the native bird nests, or peacefully catch a glimpse of marine life in their natural habitat if they cross paths with us with out disturbing any natural habitat.
The visibility for diving and snorkeling is not so good in Akaroa due to the volcanic nature of the area, therefore it is not an advantage to try to view wildlife from underneath the surface. We do not have the roar of boat engines, pollution of diesel fumes or the hustle and bustle of tourists wielding cameras and jostling for photo positions or tour guides on loudspeakers. There is no need to wear a wetsuit and we can view all wildlife from the supreme tranquility of our kayaks without getting wet.
We also have the ability to move where ever we want at whichever speed we choose. It is very important to us to travel in an environmentally sensitive manner to help to preserve our marine reserve.
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As we all know, we as humans can not control nature. Hector dolphin sightings are common but they are not on a schedule! What we see during our Kayak Safaris really varies depending on many factors, time of day, conditions, weather and so on. In Kayaks we can not travel so fast, so it gives us a great opportunity to be in tune with our surroundings.
We are fortunate and get to see anything in nature that feels like coming to cross paths with us, from Cormorants Diving, Gannets feeding, Fur Seals being curious, White Flippered Penguins, and the smallest, rarest dolphin in the world, Hector Dolphins. If you have a sighting of these marine creatures it is a special experience but we do not guaranty encounters on any of our trips as we are witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat. This is not a ‘Sea World’ Experience where creatures are trained to respond to humans.
Every day is different and that’s what makes kayaking so enjoyable, you just never know what you are going to see!
Whatever happens on the trip we will have fun in this spectacular environment so sit back and let nature unfold it’s magic!
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Please meet you guide 10 mins before the start time at the specified meeting area.
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Yes, this is a great activity that all families can enjoy together.
Our minimum age is 10 years old and each child needs to be paired with an adult family member who has some kayaking experience.The children must be able to assist their parents with some paddling.
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You will get your ankles and feet wet as your climb into your kayak but apart from this our spray skirts will keep you warm and dry. We recommend bringing a light jacket as the weather can be changeable.
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If you have an existing booking, Please refer to the terms and conditions you have been sent as part of your pre-trip information.
If we the operator cancel your tour for any reason you will receive a full refund. If you cancel your tour for any reason all sales are final and non refundable.
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Our safaris are designed for folks of all ages who would like to experience Sea Kayaking. Beginners are welcome! A basic level of fitness is required and you must be able to get yourself in and out of your kayak easily, unassisted. Back injuries or very tall people may have issues traveling comfortably.
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Capsizes are rare as our double kayaks are seriously stable. We are mobile so we make sure our tours are located where the best conditions are on the day. Because of this capsizes are pretty much a non event! If you do capsize your guide will be close by to help you back into your kayak quickly. You will also receive a full safety briefing prior to your trip commencing so that you will know exactly what to do if this happens.
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Hands down there’s no comparison! Our sea kayaks can go places the cruise boats can only dream of! This allows you to get up close and personal with our world-famous marine reserve minus the noise of the boat and crowds.
More peace and tranquility – just the splash of our paddles. More photo opportunities often mirror-like reflections and the chance to stop for photos when ever you like. Our kayaks do not disturb or startle any wildlife that crosses our paths as we travel slowly and respectfully.
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Specialist paddling gear if provided you will be using a personal flotation device, spray skirt and paddle. You will be using a sea kayak made and designed in NZ to suit our conditions with foot-operated rudders to give the luxury of steering. We don’t use spray jackets as we are a summer operation, but please bring a light jacket with you in the case of bad weather
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Your safety and well-being are our number one priority. Strong winds and large swell can cause us to cancel sea kayaking trips from time to time but this is quite rare. We are completely mobile and lucky to have many different locations to operate in depending on the wind direction.
Rain, on the other hand, is “sweet as” and all trips will proceed as normal! If the weather is looking unsuitable for your trip we will SMS or email you beforehand to give you the opportunity to reschedule.
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No- The weather patterns in New Zealand can be extreme, wind and weather can change quickly and is not recommended for anyone who is not familiar with the area to take to the ocean without a guide.
Safety is our priority, our guides are extremely knowledgeable about the local conditions, exit points and best locations to take you to maximize your time on the water. They know how to look for weather warning signs and wildlife patterns. A guided safari is by far the best and safest option for anyone wanting to explore the harbour.
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Our groups are always small with a maximum of 8 people or 4 kayaks to one guide, So it’s a good idea to book early and avoid missing out as trips fill quickly.
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10 Years Old- how ever please email us if your children are younger and are strong swimmers or have kayak experience. If they are travelling with an adult who is a strong paddler we can include them on a tour upon request.
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If you’re keen to escape the crowds and really get a chance to have a pure New Zealand experience under the careful watch of a local guide then YES! We welcome first time paddlers and pros alike!
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Quite frankly you would be crazy not to! With over 17 square miles of stunning harbor waters, we take your safety and comfort seriously. The weather conditions in New Zealand are extreme and changeable.
Kayaking without a guide is not recommended. Your local friendly guide knows what weather signs to look for, is trained in rescue techniques and knows the best locations to spot marine activity and will ensure you get the most out of your experience in a relaxed, safe and enjoyable way.
We have amazing knowledgeable nature guides who know all the “hotspots”, local secrets, and most importantly all the local weather warning signs. During the trip, they will be explaining and answering any questions that you may have and pointing out highlights you would never know existed on your own!
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Yes! It would be such a shame to miss out on seeing Akaroa, we are just a 55 min drive across a scenic tourist route to get here. If you would like to join a kayaking tour we can organise a shuttle to pick you up. You will be able to join our 11:30am tour and have plenty of time to get back to port afterwards. Minimum numbers required. Please email us if you would like to book this option.
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Yes! Our tour times are designed to work around tender schedules. If you are arriving via cruise ship you can join any of our tours that commence from 8:30am onwards. We will pick you up and drop you off if your tour is early or later in the day, we are in contact with the cruise ship ground staff and always know exactly when the first and last tenders are operating and we will personally shuttle you free of charge back to the wharf to ensure you will not miss your ship at the end of the day. ( No one has ever missed a tender in 10 years years!)
If you are joining a tour with an 8:30am start we will be there to collect you with our free shuttle.