Sea Kayaking

FAQs

• How fit do I need to be to go kayaking?

  We recommend being of moderate fitness to get the most out of your kayaking experience.
  If you have mobility challenges which may impact entering and exiting the kayak, including in the event of capsize, we will assess this on a case by case basis.
  After kayaking you might feel tiredness in the hands and shoulders if you not used to this kayaking, but a quick refreshment at one of our local cafes will set this right!

• I have never kayaked before, can I still join?

  Many of our guests have never kayaked before, especially in a sit-in sea kayak. Our expert team and enthusiastic guides will give you some basic instructions to get you going.

• I can't swim, will I be able to join a kayaking trip?

  Yes! While we do not expect you to end up in the water, all guests are required to wear Buoyancy Aids at all times while kayaking.

• What's the weather going to be like?

  Spring temperatures (September/October/November) range from 14degC through to 20degC.
  Wind and rain is highly variable day to day through Spring.
  
  Average daytime summertime temperatures (December/January/February) are usually in the early to late 20degC.
  Mornings are calm with afternoon winds building most days.
  A very hot day would be 30degC.

  Autumn (March/April/May) tends to be cooler but very settled with little or no wind, ranging from around 16-18degC in March down to 10-12degC in May.

  In winter time (June/July August), the days can be very settled with not a ripple of the water but cold and crisp with overnight lows of less than 0degC and days up to 10degC.

  Rain is possible at any time of year but the driest months tend to be January/February/March.
  Layered clothing is best including a thermal undergarment, fleece top, shorts, long trousers, warm jacket and rain coat.

• How will the weather affect my trip?

  Normally here in Picton the sky is blue and the sun shines! 
  Our expert guides will try to plan your guided kayaking trip around any wind forecasts to try to keep this at our backs as much as possible.
  While rain is not a concern for our tours, we provide splash jackets to keep you cosy on the water.

  The local tracks are all clay based with some sections of loose natural rock. After rain these can be slippery for walking or biking. 

• Where can I park my car?

  There is a large carpark area near our office and you can pay $6NZ per day for as many days as you require to leave your car or camper there. It is unsecure so don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle. At peak times this carpark does get very full but there is also non-metered street parking nearby. Your accommodation provider may also be able to provide parking while you are on the track if you are returning there.

• What are your payment terms?

  We recommend all guests have full comprehensive travel insurance, and full comprehensive medical insurance while travelling within New Zealand and planning to partake in any activities.

  Booking Policy & Payment Policy

  Day Trip activity bookings:
  Guided Day trip activities or rental activities are paid in full at the time of booking for direct bookings.

  Queen Charlotte Track Multiday Packages:
  Deposit: Upon confirmation of your requested package departure date, a non-refundable $200NZ per person deposit will be processed. 
  This is required for booking all multi-day independent and guided tours/packages.

  Final Balance:
  Your final balance is due at least 60-days prior to your package departure date.
  70-Days before your package departs you will receive a payment request via email, and have 10-days to complete this.
  If this payment is not completed we will attempt to contact you, before the on-system credit-card is charged in full or you package will be cancelled.
  
  Package Amendments: 
  An additional $50-per-person administration fee may be charged for any amendments to confirmed bookings including but not limited to changing rooms, changing departure dates, or changing package types.
  This administration fee increases to $100-per-person within 60 days from the date of departure. 
  All administrations fees are non-refundable

  Package Amendments requested within 60-days may subject to our Cancelation Policy, as any request requiring an alternate room/date within this is considered a cancelation of the original booking.

  Child and infant Fares: 
  Child rates may be available for those aged 4-15 years old inclusive for applicable packages and tours. 
  Infants (under 4 years old) are generally free of charge for applicable packages and tours where sharing with paying adults, however we do not provide lunches so please provide suitable food for your trip for infants.
  For Risk Declaration Waiver requirements, persons under 18-years of age are required to have a 18+ signatory.
  For further details please contact us at the time of your booking.