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A solitary figure strolls along a sandy beach at sunset, with the ocean painted in hues of orange and pink, and a small island in the distance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whenuakura Island is located just one Kilometer off the Coast of Whangamata in the Coromandel Peninsula. The island is part of the Whangamata Wild Life Sanctuary due to the presence on Tuataras few year ago.

The paddle will vary according to conditions. During calm light wind days, it takes approximately 30 minutes. On days with westerly winds this time can be less and more when we have winds from the east.

If conditions are not suitable to paddle out to the islands at your booking time, we will:

  1. Suggest you another time.
  2. Suggest you another day.
  3. Offer you an alternative activity or location.
  4. Offer you a voucher to be used at another date.

If none of these options are suitable we will offer you a full refund.

We always recommend around the high tide mark, 2 hours before or after. It is a great time of the day as the lagoon is more spacious and all rocks inside the lagoon are covered by water.

During the low tide there is limited space inside as the rocks get really exposed.

Days with under 12 knots winds under 2 ft waves are the best. We strongly recommend customers to call us beforehand as all tours are weather dependant.

Most kayaks are doubles, as we believe they are the safest option. Singles are also available for uneven number or special request.

Our kayaks have a limit of 110kgs per person. Please give us a call if you have any questions.

SurfSup Whangamata offers a variety of activities, therefore we have staff at different locations . Below follows a list of the meeting spots:

Whenuakura - Donut - Island Tour and hires All trips to Whenuakura Island leave from Island view road by beach access 14. Right in front of the islands. If you have a booking, please go straight to Island View Road where our staff is based with all gear. Bookings can also be done directly at the tent with staff.

Surf Lessons Surf lessons are done from our trailer located in the Williamson Park. Check our Surf lessons page for a map on how to get there.

Boat Tours Our boat tours leave from the wharf by Beach road. If you have a booking you can meet our staff directly at the wharf by the boat.

Office SurfSups office is located on 227 Beverley Terrace by our holiday accommodation. Be aware that the office is often unattended as staff moves around a lot accordingly to demand. But dont worry you can always reach us by phone calling at 0212171201.

The trips are suitable for beginners during the calm days. During windy days we recommend customers to have basic experience kayaking.

For non swimmers and first timers we really recommend a guided experience.

Only kids 4 years old and older, comfortable in the water, are allowed join any of the sea kayaking tours. If you have no kayak experience we strongly recommend you to join our Wildlife River to Sea excursion to get some experience before paddling out on the ocean.

Landing is not allowed in any circumstances. Due to the Wild Life Sanctuary status visitors are to stay in the water, ideally on the kayaks. Swimming is allowed swimming is allowed as long is safe and you don`t need to land.

Biosecurity a major part of our job.

The islands are current pest free, a status that took a lot of effort and resources to be achieved. Bringing food over to any of the islands jeopardizes all teh work that has been done.

The Deluxe Guided Tour is a 2 hrs full experience of the Whangamata Wild Life Sanctuary when visitors learn the basics of kayaks and more importantly, historical facts and future plans for the islands. Our guides will cover spots that you might missed if you were on your own, stopping at Hauturu Island for an authentic Kawakawa tea while enjoying the view.

It includes:

  • Visit Whenuakura Island
  • Explore Hauturu Island
  • Kawakawa tea
  • 2 hours
  • Safety talk
  • Guide help

The Freedom hire or Self Guided, includes the kayak and paddle, life jacket, dry bag, map and emergency flag. You are required to bring a communication device (charged mobile) with you, for safety and you must have previous kayak experience, know how to swim and no major health issues. Staff will give you instructions about main hazards and attractions to visit.

Some of the main risks involved when paddling to the island can include:

  • Capsizing
  • Strong winds
  • Waves
  • Risk of falling rocks

Other hazards can come up during the paddle and participants should be vigilant at all times to avoid risks.