Tour Rua - Island Combo

Guided Access to Island Sanctuaries

Tour Rua is for travellers seeking adventure in the wild and a connection to a culture that protects it. Boat, hike and paddle the islands of Whangamatā with local guides.

  • All aboard for a cruise past the famous Whangamatā Bar surf break

  • Circumnavigate Hauturu before hopping onto the beach to climb nature’s staircase

  • Enjoy a 1 hour hike along the ecology trail used to monitor island wildlife

  • A guided paddle into Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary reveals the significance of this special place

Whenuakura, affectionately known as Donut Island, is shaped by ocean swells carving a channel through volcanic rock. You’ll discover why strict customs protect this sanctuary, home to absent tuatara. 

An expedition to the Whangamatā Islands is the perfect addition to your New Zealand experience.

  • To help protect the island biodiversity, you will be asked to double-check your gear is clean and free of dirt and seeds (i.e. shoes). No food is to be brought onto the islands. Smoking is not permitted on the islands. 

    Bags are not necessary for this tour. We will supply dry bags on the boat if you are carrying a camera, medicine, water or a jacket.

  • Children must be 12 years and older. Children 12 - 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • A moderate level of fitness is required to complete a 2 kilometre walk through forest, which includes:

    • Climbing up and down an uneven 50 metre natural staircase

    • Walking a bush track (used for monitoring wildlife)

    It is not a fast paced walk, but you need to be able to support your own weight at all times and walk up and down hill comfortably, with steps over uneven surfaces. Being agile and active will help.

    Floating into the donut shaped island is optional, but highly recommended. To participate you must be able to:

    • swim 25 metres unassisted

    • pull yourself up onto the boat, using the ladder, with no additional support

    You will have a bodyboard and fins to help you float on the paddle. You have the option to cool off and practise in the shallow water before the boat heads to Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary. You may choose to stay on the boat, even if you have demonstrated reasonable capability. 

    • Walking shoes are compulsory

    • Water bottle, sun hat, and rain jacket are recommended

    • You will need swimwear and a towel

    • You may bring a wetsuit (optional)

    You are welcome to swim in the same shorts and top you walked in, however they must be suitable and safe for swimming. You will need a towel and/or jacket for the short boat trip back to the wharf to keep warm. 

  • The boat, walk and swim take 2 ½ hours. Allow 3 hours for the whole experience.