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Tutukaka & Poor Knights Islands
28th March - 3rd April (Easter) Tutukaka & Poor Knights Islands
This is one club trip not to be missed. Discover the incredible beauty of the Tutukaka region, with heaps of paddling opportunities and a fantastic day trip out to the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, aboard the 'Perfect Day', to kayak, swim and go snorkeling. It will be simply amazing. Bring your camera.
The General Plan:
Wed 28th March: Depart Mount Maunganui at 9am in minibus/trailer or car pool, drive for around 5 hours north to Tutukaka near Whangarei - estimated time of arrival will be around 3pm (accounting for rest stops/lunch etc).
Settle in to our accommodation for the weekend and have Pot Luck Dinner.
Thurs 29th March: Warm up paddle exploring the Tutukaka HarbourFriday 30th March: Paddle from our accommodation at Tutukaka Holiday Park and explore the Tutukaka Harbour and out and round to the south along the rocky coastline, passed Rahomaunu Island and in to Whangaumu Bay with it's stunning long white sandy beach. If possible we'll arrange this as a longer one way trip with a shuttle but if not we'll go there and back covering and shorten it to around 15km.
Sat 31st March (if availability) : Poor Knights boat trip aboard the 'Perfect Day' using their sit-on kayaks upon arrival at the islands.
"Arriving about 10.30 in the morning you will board directly on to the multi-deck luxurious vessel in the heart of Tutukaka.
By 11am you will be at sea on a 23 km open ocean trip to the islands, on a fully licensed and surveyed boat with a professional skipper, and friendly crew.
There are many hidden harbours to choose from, so you will always be sheltered and comfortable.
Whilst at the Poor Knights Islands we will take you on a tour to show you their splendour, including a visit right inside the world's largest sea cave.
Enjoy our free tea, coffee and soups, eat the delicious buffet lunch that is included in your fare, paddle in our sit-on kayaks around arches and caves or go snorkeling.
Arrive back at Tutukaka at 4pm, to relax at one of Tutukaka's several watering holes"
Recap on the trip with a quiet social evening with a bottle of wine or two after everyone has cooked their own dinner or head in to Tutukaka for dinner (whichever people would rather do).
Sun 1st April: Paddle north from the Tutukaka harbour, explore Kukutauwhao Island and up along the rocky coastline exploring the caves, archways and inlets, stopping for lunch in one of the bays before heading back. We'll cover around 12-15km.
Mon 2nd March - Paddle or walk or rest day
Tues 3rd March - Drive back to Tauranga leaving at 10am. We'll be back in Tauranga in the evening.
All of this is weather dependent and each day may be altered according to the forecast. It is strongly recommended that if you suffer from any form of motion sickness you take tablets before going on the water each day, particular with the off shore boat ride to Poor Knights.
The costs
Minimum number the boat will take is 10, which shouldn't be a problem. It costs $149pp for the trip out to Poor Knights.$10 for hire of a wetsuit so if you have one bring it along.
We will be staying at the Tutukaka Holiday Park where we have already booked a 12 bed dorm as this is all that's available. It's $27.50 per night if we fill it or $30 a night with a minimum of 7 people to get the dorm to ourselves. You will need to bring bedding/pillows and will be using the community cooking facilities so bring your cooking utensils if you can.
So places on this trip are limited to 12 on a first come first serve basis. We have 2 x 8 seater vans available for transport and one trailer to transport the kayaks.
So places on this trip are limited to 12 on a first come first serve basis. We have 2 x 8 seater vans available for transport and one trailer to transport the kayaks.
Fuel costs - if coming in the van/trailer there will be some fuel expenses too which will be paid at the end of the trip as this will depend on how much we use it whilst in Tutukaka and if we do a shuttle trip. I estimate it to be around $150pp ( could be more or less) based on 6 in each van.
Payment for the accommodation is upon arrival,as well as the boat ride out to Poor knights however I have to supply my card details to secure them both and can be charged if there are any issues.
Please note if you decide to not come (for whatever reason) at the last minute and your place cannot be filled you may still be charged.
A holding deposit of $100 cash ( no cards accepted) is required from each participant which will be returned upon arrival at Tutukaka.
This trip will go ahead irrelevant of the forecast as there's tons to do in this area if we can't get on the water. So bring your tramping gear too.
Some hire kayaks and gear are available for this trip, please book in advance with Canoe & Kayak BOP 07 5747415