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Take a short boat ride to visit the stunning island of Moutohora (Whale Island). Highly restricted and free of pests, this is your opportunity to see NZ’s wildlife as nature intended it. Birds, reptiles, stunning views and a beach where you can dig in the sand and create your own hot pool.
Join the crew of Moutohora Cat for a 4 hour guided nature tour to beautiful Moutohora (Whale) Island Sanctuary.
Following check-in and biosecurity checks you will board the Moutohora Cat for a journey down the Whakatane River and a 20 minute crossing to Moutohora Island. Once at the island you will disembark onto the beach via a stairway at the front of the vessel. Your guide will lead you on an informative a leisurely walk through the native New Zealand forest where you will have the opportunity to learn about plants and wildlife. As access to Moutohora is highly restricted and the island is predator free, the bird life is easy to observe and hear.
Your tour will lead you on a climb to the island's saddle where on most days you will be rewarded with a stunning view across the ocean to the active volcano, White Island. After returning back to the seaside, you'll venture to see the island's geothermal area and finish with a swim in the bay surrounded by the beautiful Pohutukawa trees. If tides are right you will also experience hot water bathing at the beach.
After re-boarding the Moutohora Cat the tour will continue with a circumnavigation of the island (sea conditions permitting) and viewing of the NZ fur seal colony before returning back to Whakatane.
Moutohora is a pest free island and a biosecurity clearance check is required before departure. Only packaged food is permitted on the island. No fresh fruits, vegetables or seeds are allowed. Food may be taken aboard the boat, but must be in a sealed container or commercially packaged.
There will be approximately 12 people per guide.
This tour is very weather dependent and a minimum number of passengers is required. The experience provider will confirm with you between 7pm and 8pm the night prior whether the tour is able to operate.
Passengers are advised to bring sturdy footwear (jandals and flip flops are not suitable), a small towel to dry your feet, swimwear and towel (optional), warm jacket, sun protection, bottled water, and a sense of adventure. To facilitate faster biosecurity checks, aside from your essentials, please bring with you as little as possible.
This tour is very weather dependent and a minimum number of passengers is required. The experience provider will confirm with you between 7pm and 8pm the night prior whether the tour is able to operate. Moutohora is a pest free island and a biosecurity clearance check is required before departure. Only packaged food is permitted on the island. No fresh fruits, vegetables or seeds are allowed. Food may be taken aboard the boat, but must be in a sealed container or commercially packaged.
This experience departs from Whakatane.
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