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Whale Island Guided Walk

Join us for a guided tour of Moutohorā (Whale Island), a protected wildlife sanctuary. Managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the local Ngāti Awa Management Committee, this tour offers a rare opportunity to explore a natural environment and encounter native New Zealand wildlife up close.

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Pricing

  • Adults:   (13+ years): $140 per person

  • Children:   (under 13): $70 per child

  • Children (under 5):   $20 per child
    The price includes the mandatory landing fee to the Department of Conservation.

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Tour Details

  • Duration:   Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.

  • Maximum Group Size:  To ensure a personal and enriching experience, we recommend a maximum of 12 participants. (15 is our max pax)

  • Meeting Point:  No. 2 The Strand, Whakatāne.

  • Meeting Time:  Please arrive by 9:00 AM to allow time for the essential quarantine procedure.

  • Departure Time:  9:30 AM. Departure time may be adjusted based on tides and weather conditions.

  • Return Time:  Approximately 2:00 PM.

  • PLEASE phone/text the day before your tour to confirm the final departure time.

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Tour Highlights

  • Guided walk to the Saddle lookout with panoramic views

  • Chance to see native birds, geckos, and fur seals (tuatara sightings possible)

  • Opportunity to swim in one of the bays (conditions permitting)

  • Scenic boat trip with a full circumnavigation of the island, including Elephant Rock and the Archway

 

What to Bring

To ensure your comfort and safety, please bring the following items in a small backpack:

  • Water bottle

  • Hat and sunscreen

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip

  • A jacket or warm layer 

  • Swimsuit and towel

  • Food or snacks for the duration of the tour. Please be mindful that all food must be eaten in designated areas to minimize any risk of leaving rubbish behind.

Quarantine Notice: Prior to boarding the boat, we will conduct a quarantine check of all personal belongings to prevent the introduction of vermin, weed seeds, or other biosecurity risks. Please ensure your gear is clean and ready for inspection.
For the safety of the sanctuary, vapes, cigarettes, and lighters are strictly prohibited.

 

Important Risk & Safety Information:

This tour takes place in a natural environment and involves a boat trip and guided walking. All participants must be aware of and accept the risks associated with these activities, including uneven terrain, potential for changing weather, and general outdoor hazards. Our guides are trained professionals who will provide a full safety briefing. It is essential that you follow their instructions at all times for your safety and the preservation of the island.


Safety & Guest Information

  • Footwear: The walking paths on the island can be uneven. We highly recommend shoes with good grip. Walking poles are allowed and encouraged for those who prefer extra support.

  • Stay on Paths: For your safety and the preservation of the island's delicate ecosystem, please remain on designated walking paths at all times and follow your guide's instructions. Off-path areas may contain burrows from nesting muttonbirds, which can pose an ankle injury risk.

  • Narrow Section: There is one small section of the walk that runs close to an edge. Your guide will provide clear instructions to ensure everyone walks single-file and stays close to the bank for this part of the path.

  • Hydration: It's important to stay hydrated, Please carry a water bottle.

  • Weather Awareness: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring a light jacket and use sun protection, even on cloudy days.

  • Report Concerns: If you feel unwell or have any concerns, please notify your guide immediately. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.

  • Onboard Facilities: Our boat is equipped with a toilet for your comfort. There are also two composting toilets on Moutohorā.​​

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Fishing Trips

Diveworks is a purpose-built fishing charter boat designed to give every angler plenty of space and rod holder. With room to move and fewer tangles, you’ll spend more time fishing and less time waiting.​

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🐟 Types of Fishing Trips Available: ​

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🐟 Half Day Fishing: 
      4  hours around Moutohora (Whale Island)

  • Price includes rod/bait/filleting/ fish on ice
    Suitable for all ages  – ideal for beginners and families
    Possible Catches:  snapper, terakihi, gurnard, kingfish, maomao, john dory

  • $150.00 pp

  • $1250.00   BLOCK BOOKING - up to 9 anglers

     

🐟 Full Day:  8 hour trip 

  • Price includes rod/bait/filleting/ fish on ice
    terakihi, porae (Mar/April), red snapper, kingis, snapper, pink maomao + 
    Suitable for  - adults and experienced anglers looking for a full day on the water

  • $280 pp

  • $2500 BLOCK BOOKING - up to 9 anglers

     

🐟 Whakatohea Mussel Farm Fishing: 
        min 6 hour 

  • The Whakatohea area offers excellent shelter and acts as a natural feeding ground, attracting fish due to abundant food sources.

    Price includes rod/bait/filleting/ fish on ice

  •  - big snapper,  terakihi, gurnard, kahawai - 

  • $250.00 pp

  • $2000.00 BLOCK BOOKING - up to 9 anglers 


     

Further Information:

  • Boat & Facilities:

  • Vessel: 10.5m Aluminum Sportfisher

  • Capacity: Up to 9 anglers for maximum comfort and space

  • BBQ Cooker: Available by request on full-day trips
    Bring your own sausages, bread, and onions,     we’ll cook them for you!

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  • Departure Location

  • Meeting Point:
    Main Wharf, Whakatāne
    📍 2 The Strand

  • Parking is available nearby.

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Dolphin & Seal Encounter

Join us for a marine wildlife experience in the beautiful waters of Whakatāne, where we offer a unique opportunity to view and swim with dolphins and seals in their natural habitat.
 
Pricing

  • Swimmers (Adult): $200 per person for swimmers (includes all snorkeling gear and wetsuit)

  • Watchers (Adult): $180 per person for watchers.

  • Child (swimmer or watcher): $10 multiplied by their age (e.g., a 5-year-old is $50).

We have a limited supply of children's wetsuits and encourage you to bring your own if you have one – a long, warm wetsuit is recommended.
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Tour Details

  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

  • Maximum Group Size: We operate with a small group philosophy to ensure a personal and enriching experience for all our guests.

  • Meeting Point: Our booking office at  2 The Strand, Whakatāne.

  • Meeting Time: Please arrive by 9:00 AM for check-in and outfitting.

  • Departure Time: 9:30 AM. We schedule our tours for the morning as sea conditions are generally calmer, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

  • Return Time: Approximately 1:30 - 2 PM.

  • PLEASE phone/text the day before your tour to confirm the final departure time.

  • PAYMENT: Made on the day of departure. EFTPOS and cash available.

 
What to Expect on Your Adventure

  • Dolphin Search: We'll head out to find our local dolphins, and if conditions allow, you may have the opportunity to get in the water for a swim encounter.

  • Seal and Snorkel: We'll travel to Moutohorā (Whale Island) to swim with the friendly fur seals in a sheltered bay. This is a fantastic spot to snorkel and see a variety of marine life, including fish, stingrays, and sometimes even octopus.

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Important Reminders

  • No Guarantees: These are wild animals, and while we often have successful encounters, sightings and swim opportunities with dolphins are not guaranteed. We consistently see the seals at Moutohorā.

  • Safety First: We'll provide a full safety briefing before we depart. Please always follow the crew's instructions, both on the boat and in the water, for your safety and the well-being of the marine life.

  • What to Bring: Please bring a towel, water bottle, lunch, warm jacket, hat, sunscreen, and a camera. We'll supply all the snorkeling gear and wetsuits.

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Safety & Guest Information

  • Wildlife Well-being: The well-being of the dolphins and seals is our highest priority. All interactions are conducted in a way that prioritizes their natural activities. We will not swim with dolphins that have babies, are feeding, or are moving too quickly. The seals at Moutohorā are typically very reliable, and their playful nature makes for a fantastic experience.

General Notices

  • Weather:   All tours are subject to favourable weather conditions. Trips will not go ahead and may be cancelled on short notice due to adverse sea conditions or other safety concerns. Trips will always be cancelled if wind speeds exceed 20 knots or swells are higher than 1 metre. 

  • Skipper's Discretion:   All tours are subject to suitable sea and weather conditions, and our skipper has the final say on all trip-related decisions to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

  • Minimum Numbers:   All tours are subject to minimum participant numbers.

  • Illness:   If you are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you refrain from joining the tour.
    There is no charge for cancellations, and we encourage you to prioritise your health and well-being.

  • Onboard Facilities:   Our boat is equipped with a toilet for your comfort.

  • Payment:   Made on the day of departure. EFTPOS and cash available.

  • Parking:   Public parking is available near our business address (2 The Strand, Whakatāne). 

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