Terms and Conditions

PARTICIPANT SAFETY 

When booking a tour with Whangamatā Island Tours, you confirm that you have read and understand the Terms and Conditions, and that all participants you have booked are aware of them. Whangamatā Island Tours reserves the right to withdraw any person who is likely to endanger themselves, others, or the environment, at any time. 

PARTICIPANT CHECKLIST

TOUR TAHI - ISLAND CROSSING

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

  • Children must be 9 years and older. Children 9 - 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • A moderate level of fitness is required to complete this 3 kilometre walk within 2-hours, through ocean and forest, including:

    • Wading through open water for 300 metres each way. Water may reach over your waist at times.

    • Climbing up and down a steep 50 metre bush track over rocks and roots

    • Walking a bush trail (used for monitoring native wildlife)

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

  • Closed shoes are compulsory for the island walk. The low tide crossing is done barefoot.

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

    Please remember to pack a towel and a change of clothes for after the tour.

    Most people enjoy a swim and you should be prepared to get wet above the waist during the crossings.

  • Tour Tahi - Island Crossing takes 2 hours. Allow 2 ½ hours for the full experience. You will need to check-in 15 minutes before the start time.

TOUR RUA - ISLAND COMBO

  • To help protect 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 forest walk within 1 hour. The track includes:

    • Climbing up and down a steep 50 metre bush track over rocks and roots

    • Walking a bush trail (used for monitoring native wildlife)

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

    You must be able to:

    • swim 25 metres unassisted

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

    This will be tested in shallow sheltered waters 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

    • Rash shirt or Wetsuit top (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.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATION

It is your responsibility to let us know if you have any medical conditions or disabilities before the tour. You must be fit and healthy, both mentally and physically to take part in Whangamatā Island Tours. 

RISK

As with all outdoor and marine activities there is an element of risk. Whangamatā Island Tours cannot be held responsible for participants failing to follow instructions, or any damage to or loss of belongings.



CANCELLATION & WEATHER

You may cancel your trip for a full refund 24 hours prior to your scheduled tour. Any customer who fails to comply with this cancellation policy will not be entitled to a refund. We reserve the right to cancel or amend any trip due to weather conditions, hazards, events beyond our control or if minimum numbers are not reached. 

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