Whakatāne Tours
Top Tours in Whakatāne, New Zealand
Whakatāne Tours
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Scuba & Snorkelling • Swim with Dolphins
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Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
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Day Trips
Fishing Charters & Tours
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What travellers are saying
- _kjvthompsonTauranga, New Zealand10 contributionsWe took three of our grandchildren on the boat trip to Moutohora Island yesterday. It was a beautiful day and Tania, Mac and Fiona looked after us very well, sharing their knowledge about the Island. We were delighted to get a really good look at a Tuatara and fleeting glimpses of Tieke. The grandchildren also had a great time trying to dig a hot water pool.Written 17 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DebJTravelsTorquay, Australia10 contributionsIt wouldn't surprise me if Kenny had organised the magical sunny and still morning on Ohope beach as everything about our kayak trip was perfect. Safety and comfort were first on the list and I set out with a comfy life vest and wetsuit shorts he supplied. Barely a minute into our paddle he pointed out a young seal who was also enjoying the still water and lack of crowds. The beauty of a local and knowledgable guide meant I didn't miss the gannets which flew overhead or the penguins that darted past us. Kenny has the charm and humour of an ex Glaswegian and has lived in the area for about 30 years. We paddled to coves and rock pools that you could never have found on your own while he explained the history of the magnificent Bay of Plenty. We pulled the kayaks onto a deserted beach and enjoyed a delicious muffin and cup of tea (he even had a great selection of herbal teas). On the trip back we could see the volcanic White Island in the distance as well as the closer islands off Whakatane. Kenny took some great shots of me paddling and made sure I was back on the beach in time to drive to Auckland for my flight home. I'm already planning a return trip and will definitely be arranging another trip with KG Kayaks. It was great value as well as great fun.Written 15 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicolien v2 contributionsAwesome view of White island and Whale island. We had a fantastic pilot , called Nikita. She was very knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about White and Whale island.Written 12 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sarahjayRotorua, New Zealand3 contributionsThis is hands down one of the coolest experiences I’ve had! Everyone was so friendly and helpful, right from the start we knew we were in good hands. The dolphins were amazing and spending the better part of a day on the boat was so perfect. We saw a shark, flying fish and a couple of tuna. Whale Island is beautiful and the water was so warm. There were even baby dolphins and seals! 10/10 recommend! We will be coming back another time for sure.Written 8 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ray FBelleair, FL25 contributionsOur travel agents set us up with Frontier Helicopters for a trip to White Island on Monday December 9th. We met the wonderful staff at Frontier and were introduced to our pilot and guide - Jason. We left for the island and arrived at the volcano about 11 am. We were given instructions about what to do in case of an emergency. After about an hour tour, we left the volcano behind just as two boats were dropping off people for their time on the island. Needless to say, we were the lucky ones as at 2:11 pm the volcano erupted instantaneously. Many injured, at least six dead and many still missing. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those involved and their families. Us? We are feeling lucky. There but the grace of God, go us.Written 10 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nikki MCheltenham, UK59 contributionsTop tour with lovely family company. Highly recommended. Interesting info on the conservation of the island. Great swimming and snorkelling we had a fabulous time. Thank you so much.Written 27 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lauren1 contributionI've been a few times up the river with the Kiwi Jet boat tour family and each time has been unique and exciting. The crew are amazing people that make you laugh and share their love for adventure and the trip up the river never gets old as it is truly beautiful. Great for all the family and friends. A must do around Whakatane !Written 29 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CraigCambridge, New Zealand3 contributionsA huge thanks to Mick, Adrian and Erin for putting together what turned out to be an epic trip out to White Island that I will never forget!
Great communication from Erin from my initial enquiry, quick answers to any questions and follow up confirmation that the trip was definitely on, made booking a breeze.
Mick gave us a comprehensive safety briefing at the wharf and a run down of what the plan for the day was. What a fishing weapon the boat is - comfortable, stable, fast and with great sound on board - we were out at White Island in no time at all, ready to start the day deep dropping.
For those that hadn't deep dropped or jigged before, all was explained in an easy to understand way - with encouragement, tips and advice offered throughout the day.
Bombs away! - First drop and despite a few tangles on board we landed a couple of nice fat Bluenose for the bin.
Mick worked hard to keep us on the fish and Adrian was a super star ensuring we were all ready for the next drop - whether that was baiting up, re-rigging, sorting out a tangle or hooking up on the jigging set up to hand over to clients. It ran like a well oiled machine with good banter and conversation thrown in.
We caught a great variety of fish - Bluenose, Kingfish, Tarakihi and my fish of a lifetime - a monster Bass.
Do yourself a favour, book a trip with Mick and Erin - you definitely won't be disappointed. Their passion for what they do is evident in how stoked they get when their clients catch great fish.
Thanks team for a once in a lifetime trip! - that's enough from me, I'll let the photo's do the review justice😁Written 29 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sarah HGreenville, SC20 contributionsWe didn't see or hear any Kiwis, but it was definitely a fun walk through the bush in the evening, and we saw lots of fun critters - including a couple of massive Weta! I love supporting this group - if you are in the area and there is a walk scheduled - definitely recommend!Written 14 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sn0wmanCannock148 contributionsI've heard from many people that swimming with dolphins is a wonderful experience. Likewise I've heard that the warm, calm and clear waters off the North Island's east coast is the place to do it.
However, my track record on whale and dolphin trips was 0 for 2. Apparently there was even a pod of dolphins in Milford Sound - the day before we were there.
So, it was with mixed optimism that I booked on this trip to swim with dolphins. Apparently the hit rate was 95% - pretty good odds, with December being a favourable time.
At the base we were kitted out in wet suits and flippers, before slapping on a load of sun tan oil. The morning conditions had been perfect, but by the afternoon the wind and swell had picked up a bit.
Our party consisted of around 10 people which allowed the company to take out their high-speed boat. The boat was in good condition and the crew were very competent. Combining a high-speed boat with a bit of swell makes for a very exciting ride and we were soon out into the known dolphin areas.
However, the dolphins had other ideas. Despite the best efforts of the crew, the nearest we got was a fleeting glimpse of an dorsal fin. What we did see was lots of diving birds, a spectacle by itself.
Whilst it was disappointing to be part of that 5%, and going 0 for 3, the companies policy for not inducing dolphin encounters and minimising interference has to be applauded. We were offered a voucher for another trip the next day - but it was time to catch a plane home. Maybe next time...Written 31 January 2008This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jenny1234907New Plymouth, New Zealand15 contributionsThe highlight of our holiday at Mt Maunganui was the NativConnection guided tour and hangi at a homestead in Whakatane. Everything felt authentic, from the friendliness and sense of fun to the perspective on history and flavour of the hangi-cooked kai. Everything was presented in a generous spirit. Highly recommended for New Zealanders as well as overseas visitors.Written 12 January 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- torontotraveler99Toronto, Canada15 contributionsWe went on a Whale Island guided tour and had an amazing time with Phil and Steph and their two daughters. They were wonderful hosts, knowledgable guides, had lots of stories to share and really cared about their guests. Their commitment to maintaining Whale Island (working with the Department of Conversation) is strong; they have contributed significant personal time to maintaining the fragile eco-system on the Island. Our tour was scheduled for around 4 hours but lasted almost 6 hours as we were all having a good time and Phil and Steph were happy to just let us enjoy the day. It was an excellent day!
I would highly recommend any excursion with Divework ChartersWritten 22 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JabestnzTauranga, New Zealand3 contributionsWe spent a few hours with the team at Omataroa in their private nature forest. It was a fantastic experience learning about their kiwi conservation and pest eradication programme including a walk through scenic native bush listening to the abundant bird life. Informative guides also show the benefits of herbal remedies from the bush and share stories of Maori culture and history. Ōmataroa offers a fantastic combination of nature & local culture. Highly recommended.Written 16 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MaweraKWhakatāne, New Zealand68 contributionsGreat fishing with Dave. Lots of fish, lots of laughs and really good food. Floating down a river in a guided Canadian canoe is awesome!Written 15 April 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
