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 & cancellation policy

  Payment Policy

  Queen Charlotte Track Multiday Packages:
  Upon confirmation of your requested departure date, $200NZ per person deposit will be processed.
  This is required for booking all multi-day independent and guided tours/packages.
  50% ($100NZ per person) is a non-refundable administration fee.
  An additional $50 per person administration fee is charged for moving a booking once confirmed, increasing to $100 per person if moved within 30 days from the date of departure.
  This will depend on availability and differences in the package price may apply.

  Day Trip activity bookings:
  Guided Day trip activities or rental activities are paid in full at the time of booking.
  
  Child Fares: 
  Applies to those aged 4-15 years old for applicable packages and tours.
  Infants under 4 are generally FOC, and we do not provide lunches so please provide suitable food for your trip.
  For further details please contact us at the time of your booking.

  Cancellation Policy
  Multi-Day Packages:
  No refunds for multi-day independent and guided track packages if cancelled within 12 days of the package departure date; 
  50% of total package price refundable if cancelled within 30 days of departure date, less the $100NZ per person non-refundable booking fee.

  Day Trip activities: Guided or Rental
  No refund will be issued if you choose to cancel your booking within 24 hours of the trip's departure time.
  Full refunds are available for day bookings cancelled outside of the 24 hours prior to the departure time.
  In the event your tour is cancelled by Wilderness Guides due to poor weather conditions, then a full refund will be given and we will make all efforts to contact you as soon as possible.

  Cruise Ship passenger cancellation policy:
  No refund will be issued if you choose to cancel your booking within 24 hours of your departure time, including if you are unable to make the activity due to a change of schedule by your cruise ship for any reason.
  Full refunds are available for day bookings cancelled outside of the 24 hours prior to the departure time. We encourage you to notify us directly of any changes to your cruise ship docking schedule as soon as you are made aware of these.
  In the event your tour is cancelled by Wilderness Guides due to poor weather conditions, then a full refund will be given and we will make all efforts to contact you as soon as possible.

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