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To help you explore Opotiki's marine heritage Marine Life Tours has a fleet of River/Sea kayaks for hire. These are sleek, easily maneuverable yet very stable craft.
When our rivers were once our roads, Opotiki was a key Harbour for trade between Maori and early settler Europeans. In 1865 local Whakatohea Iwi (Tribe) owned at least 16 trading ships alone. The cattle loading ramp is still evident on the Opotiki Wharf but the Wharf Sheds have long since gone.
You can kayak up to and under our three bridges. Quietly drifting up on the myriad of birds that fringe the Harbour estuary is to gain a new appreciation of their beauty. Pull your kayak up on the sandy heads beach and have a picnic lunch.
Experience the eeriness of isolation on the pristine Waioeka River. Glide over ancient holey lairs in the rock, home of legenday Taniwha.
The Waioeka starts many kilometers inland, but your journey on the Waioeka river starts just 10 km inland. The easy graded downstream trip takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. Just 3 small rapids on the river that you can kayak down or walk beside.
Bring some energy food and be prepared to get wet. All inclusive price for this unique trail is just $80 per person, minimum 2. You will end up back at our Marine Life Tours base by the Opotiki Wharf.
The Waioeka Gorge and River has a rich history that you can see and read about here.
Kayak hire rates include safety briefing, basic kayaking tuition, life vests, kayak and paddles plus what to see locally guidance.
First hour (on the water) $30
2 hrs hire $40
3 hrs to half a day $50
Full day hire $80
Family or group rate - less 25%
Drop off up river $1 per km
Guide for tours allow $30 per hour, min 2 hours.
Opotiki Kayaks is conveniently located at the Opotiki Wharf.
Prior bookings avoid waits or disappointments. Email, phone and visit our Bookings page to access our calendar and easy web booking form.
Fishing from a kayak is very enjoyable, energizing, simple and usually very productive.
Kayaking in the Opotiki Harbour can produce excellent catches of kahawai, and out from the ocean beach can be found excellent snapper and other species.
If you haven't tried it before, here is your opportunity. Normal hire kayak hire rates apply, plus fees for rod, wet suit and bait. Go with a friend or one of our tour guides can go with you to help you get started. See our Guided Fishing page.
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