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Ohiwa Explorer

This two and a half hour guided tours offer you a historical and environmental insight into the beautiful Ohiwa Harbour and its many islands. It’s an ideal place for those new to kayaking or for families with young children and there are opportunities to view wildlife in close proximity.

The Harbour is home to a large variety of rays and fish such as Kahawai and Mullet that are often seen on the trips. Orca visit the harbour several times a year. New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins are spotted on occasions.

Available on these holidays:

Coastal Adventure

This stunningly scenic trip takes you along the magical coastline between Ōhope Beach and Whakatane. It’s always a delight to paddle with visitors past eternally beautiful Otarawairere Bay and through the rocky channels beyond. When we stop for morning tea at a hidden beach, accessible only from the ocean, it captures the essence of New Zealand’s outdoors – great vistas, pristine environment and solitude! On the return there is usually an opportunity to try a little kayak surfing at West End, Ōhope Beach where the trip begins and ends.

Available on these holidays:

Moutohorā Island Sanctuary

The tour includes a comfortable 15-minute boat journey out to the island aboard the Moutohorā Cat and a 2 hour walk on Moutohorā, including up to the island’s saddle for spectacular views out to Whakaari/White Island. Guides will point out the abundant flora and fauna on the island and there is an opportunity to see and hear a number of bird species which are rare and endangered on the mainland.

Before re-boarding the Moutohorā Cat, you will visit the geothermal area at Ōnepu (Sulphur) Bay, Moutohorā hot water beach, where there is time for an optional swim. Once back on board, we will circumnavigate the island and visit the NZ fur seal colony. The tour is approximately 3 hours long plus 45 minutes for check-in and bio-security checks prior to departure.

Available on these holidays:

Know Mataatua Cultural Immersion Experience

In Whakatāne, New Zealand’s longest continually occupied settlement, sits the revered Mataatua Wharenui, a fully carved Māori ancestral house that travelled the world for over a century before returning home to its people, the Ngāti Awa Māori tribe of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Considered by many as the beating heart of the Ngāti Awa people, a visit to Mataatua is a remarkably personal encounter defined by a rich and genuine insight into history, the customs, the culture and the legendary story of the house that came home. Arrive a stranger, leave a friend with unforgettable memories of the house, the people, and the land of Ngāti Awa and Mataatua.

Available on these holidays:

Meet Tane at Night

The tour visits the oldest and largest known kauri tree in the world, Tane Mahuta (The Lord of the Forest). This tour is designed for those with minimal time available or families with young children to participate in viewing this majestic environment.

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Whale Island Kayaking

The trip begins with a biosecurity check at the Whakatane Yacht Club Wharf, close to the i- Site followed by checking you on board Centaurus, a well-appointed sailing catamaran. After a safety briefing from Baz, the skipper, and with kayaks loaded, head down the Whakatane River and out on to the ocean for the 50 minute trip to Whale Island.

En-route we’ll give you a little history of the area and of Whale Island itself and brief you on kayak safety. Start at the most sheltered corner of the Island to become accustomed to kayaking on the ocean, before heading off on the tour. Wildlife encounters, whether NZ fur seals, little blue penguins or gannets plunging into the ocean are common. Stop at the HOT WATER BEACH and if conditions are right, visit some of the sea caves.

Available on these holidays: